I am inspecting an old hot water radiant boiler system tomorrow. I don’t see these very often in my area and was looking for advice on anything that I may need to specifically look for and also any general knowledge and operating procedures may help?? Below is a picture that was provided on the MLS listing but that’s all I have. Thanks
Inspect for proper operation if it’s still running. Report on visible condition of the boiler. If anything is suspect ask that a professional plumbing contractor repair.
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Especially leakage or seepage.
And, the water heater vent seems to enter the boiler vent without a “T” or “wye”…can’t really see it from here but, if that is the case, did they just cut a hole for the water heater vent?..which would be a no no!
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Natural gas boiler. Likely hole shot, steel tubing.
Natural draft.
Report: Boil plate/ Model Serial numbers. Age determined by the serial number. Go to BIC, Building Intelligence Center with the Model and Serial numbers.
Note: Circulation Plump. TPV. TPV pipe discharge. Note floor drain location.
Typically/Usually Expansion tank.
Check all fittings for active or past signs of leaking. Corrosion.
Floor radiators. Damage to or loose poor fitting metal cabinets. Heat exchangers fins damaged or bent if applicable. Cheek radiator fitting for leaks. Look at wood flooring for past or present water staining below the fittings.
PS: Get a better camera.
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Thanks so much, greatly appreciated.
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Paul. This is what seperates the men from the boys or women from the girls.
Information, hard work, client satisfaction, reduced liability. In that order.
*Note: Locate any serial and model number tag/label 'on any equipment in your reports. Takes longer but you will gain a better market share as well as making a name for yourself among colleagues.
HVAC equipment. Components: 1: Compressor. 2: Evaporator. On cabinets of Furnaces. Boilers. Water Heaters will be Model and Serial numbers in most cases.
Illustrations.
Mini Split Heat Pump Compressor cabinet.
MN: MHA018S4S-P1 SN: S6920C01081
Water Heater (Giant MN: 152STE-3S8M-E8AA SN: A9209910
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Thanks Robert, I appreciate the help.
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I completed the inspection on the boiler unit but now I am having trouble figuring out the manufacture date. Would anyone be able to help with this model number?
Crane Boiler folded in 1973, so there’s a big hint.
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You would get the date from a serial #, but I don’t see one there. I think I would take Darren’s information and simply say it was manufactured prior to 1973.
From the article
As a testament to their durability, National-U.S. products from the 1960s and 70s,
Not part of my SOP so pass.
This looks like a natural gas boiler, an older one, but the basics of a good installation are still pretty much the same.
- Expansion tank with bladder, some of the old installs had none bladder tanks and were prone to getting water logged. “No air left in tank for expansion”. This becomes obvious by comparing water pressure in system when cold. 12 to 15 psi to when system in warm and running. Pressure should still be about the same. If pressure goes up by more than a couple pounds there may be a problem.
- Should have a auto water fill to maintain proper water pressure.
- Insolating valves to service components such as auto water fill regulator, expansion tank, pump motor, auto air bleeders etc. Lack of such valves can turn even a minor repair into a complete drain and refill affair.
4 All radiators should be equipped with manual air bleeders at high points in plumbing system in order to bleed air manually if necessary. - Look for signs of water leakage, especially around valves, pump motors, pipe joints as well as other external components and under and around each room radiator.
6 Check pressure gauge should be between 12 to 15 psi.