The short list that matters
Most boiler breakdowns trace back to a handful of neglected items. Get these right and the system runs clean and quiet through the season.
- •Clean the boiler and burner — sediment and soot make it run harder and burn more fuel
- •Steam: check the water level and clean the low-water cutoff
- •Steam: replace failed radiator air vents so heat reaches every room
- •Hydronic: bleed air from the loops and flush sediment
- •Test the pressure relief valve — it's the safety that prevents overpressure
What it prevents
A clean boiler runs less to heat the same amount, so the fuel bill drops. A maintained low-water cutoff prevents the most common steam failure. Working air vents mean even heat instead of cold rooms. And a tested relief valve is the one safety item you never want to find out is stuck when you need it.
Do it before the season, not during
The best time for maintenance is the weeks before the heating season — when it's a planned visit, not a no-heat emergency. Call and I'll set up the seasonal maintenance. (Note: this is maintenance and minor repair work — I don't perform gas work on the system.)
Have a plumbing issue right now?
Call and leave a voicemail — Bob calls back during business hours. For the fastest reply (usually within the hour), email him directly.