Inspect the Cold Boiler System 

The first thing you need to do is inspect the boiler before re-commissioning it. It’s wise to have a checklist of items to ensure a comprehensive look at the system. A few areas you need to inspect include: 

• Check the valves and system for any evidence of calcium deposits or leaks.
• Check the expansion joints and make sure they can expand properly when the system warms up.
• Take a look at the fuel supply. Make sure the pre-heating equipment is functional. Confirm the tank is full. If there is any firing gas, make sure the pressure is appropriate. 
• Make sure all inspection openings have been properly gasketed and closed. 

After you complete these steps, you can move on to the next area. 

Open the Vents and Fill with Water

Next, you need to open up the boiler vents. Start with the manual boiler feed valve. Ensure all the blowdown valves are closed properly. Open the manual gas valves and make sure they are not leaking.

After this, you should fill the boiler with water. Make sure you fill it to the appropriate level based on the sight glass. When you do this, be sure to look at the boiler feed system. Make sure the pumps have been aligned properly, and look at the feed water valve for any signs of leaks or damage. 

Finally, you should take a look at the condensate transfer pumps throughout the system. Make sure they are working appropriately. 

Engage the Burner Switch

Now, you are ready to turn on the boiler. Engage the burner switch and turn on the control circuit. Start to warm the boiler slowly, and allow it to expand gradually. Keep an eye on the gauge glass on the low water cut-off. Make sure the proper level is met. 

As the boiler continues to warm up, make sure the operating systems are working properly. Take a look at the water softener and make sure that it is functional as well. Once the boiler is warmed up, switch it over to automatic operation.

Proper Cold Boiler Shut Down

Once you are ready to shut down your boiler, turn off the burner. Make sure you shut off the fuel supply to the boiler as well. If the superheater outlet drain valve is equipped, open this up.

Next, you should close the main steam stop valve. Make sure all the drains are open. Finally, shut down the entire boiler feed system. This will make sure you turn your boiler off properly.

Contact McKenna Boiler for Help with Boiler Maintenance

Whether you have a hot boiler or a cold boiler, you have to make sure you turn it on and shut it down properly. That way, you can keep your utility bills low, reduce your maintenance expenses, and get as many years of use as possible out of your boiler system. That is where we can assist you. We are McKenna Boiler, and it would be our pleasure to help you with boiler maintenance and repairs. We will make sure you get as much out of your boilers as possible. Contact us today to learn more about our boilers, boiler accessories, services and more.

The post Steps to Startup and Shutdown a Cold Boiler System appeared first on McKenna Boiler.

Insulate or Heat All Pipes in Your Plumbing System

One of the biggest risks that arises during the winter involves freezing water pipes. When water freezes, it expands. If water freezes in your commercial pipes, the pipes might rupture. Then, when the water thaws, you will end up with flooding in crucial parts of your building. Therefore, make sure that all of your water pipes are properly insulated and heated. They need to be kept above 32 degrees Fahrenheit at all times. You can use either electrical or steam-based heating lines to ensure that your boiler survives the cold weather. Keep in mind that if your heat tracing system is based on steam, it is only going to operate one more boiler is running. 

Drain Your Boiler When it Is Not in Use

If you are not planning on keeping your boiler running at all times during the winter, then you should make sure to drain the boiler and all water lines connected to it. This will markedly reduce the risk of water freezing in your pipes. When water is allowed to sit idle, there is a much higher chance of freezing. Keep in mind that if you do shut down your boiler, it will take time to warm up when you restart it. If you increase the temperature or pressure in your boiler too quickly when you turn it on again, this could seriously damage the joints, pistons, and metal parts in your boiler. Heating your boiler up too quickly could result in expansion breakage. 

Check Your Flow of Fuel

If your fuel oil lines are not properly insulated or heated, the viscosity of the fuel in the lines could become too high for your fuel pump. As a result, this could impact the flow of fuel through your lines, leading to permanent damage to your pump. Remember that standard oil starts to gel at around 17 degrees Fahrenheit. Therefore, make sure that your lines are well above this limit. In addition to heating and insulating your fuel lines, you could also switch your fuel to a winter mix. A traditional winter mix is about 50 percent fuel and 50 percent kerosene. 

Professional Boiler Service With McKenna Boilers

If you are getting your boiler ready for the winter season, then you need to invest in boiler maintenance services from McKenna Boilers. At McKenna Boilers, we provide premier boiler service and repair professionals to ensure your boiler is ready for the cold temperatures. Your boiler is going to work hard this winter, so make sure it can handle this workload with our boiler maintenance services. Contact us today to learn more about how our boiler service and repair experts can help you get your boiler ready for the winter season!

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