Corrosion On Boiler

[dtontarski]

Should I be concerned about the corrosion on this boiler? Should I call this out - if so, how?

This was functioning as designed, had no evidence of an active leak, and was recently tagged as serviced.

Thanks.

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[Terence McCann]

How were the rest of the fittings? Any electrolysis?

If not it looks like a gasket that may have not been seated all the way and then self-sealed.

[dtontarski]

This was the only corrosion on the unit and on the copper pipes running to and from it.

What are the signs of electrolysis.....what should I be looking for?

[Terence McCann]

That same type of look around unions, fittings, couplings, dissimilar metals joined together.

I was going to point you toward http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/electrolysis

However one of the examples is:

Examples of ELECTROLYSIS

She had electrolysis done on her upper lip

Never mind, I'm laughing too hard right now.

[dtontarski]

Thanks Terry.

[Bill Kibbel]

I'll bet it leaks when the boiler sits cold.

[kurt]

I'll bet it leaks when the boiler sits cold.

That'd be my call. It probably leaked, then "repaired itself" with corrosion, then kept running.

I'd be calling it a problem in any report I was writing.

[dtontarski]

Thanks Bill - interesting notion, as the home has been vacant for about two years, and the boiler has received limited use.

[Garet]

"Functioning as designed" includes not leaking. Did you see indications that the leaks have been repaired?

[dtontarski]

Nothing was wet at the time of the inspection, but there is also no evidence of any type of repairs around the corrosion.

As this is a fuel oil boiler that hasn't been serviced for about a year, I am going to recommend that it be serviced and that the corrosion be further evaluated while the HVAC pro is there.

[Rob Amaral]

Self-sealed leak (like a scab on a wound) at the coil plate area (now used for the boiler aquastat). I call them out...

...'routine maintenance' and needs 'regasketing'.

If this was an internal tankless coil, they could 'check the coil' at that time also. Heating guys typically don't make an issue of them because they see them all the time I guess.. "Leave it alone" is what they usually say.. They are not MRIs like we are. We have to get to the nub on the spot and make a decision...

[dtontarski]

Thanks everyone - your advice is greatly appreciated.

[ghentjr]

Nothing was wet at the time of the inspection, but there is also no evidence of any type of repairs around the corrosion.

As this is a fuel oil boiler that hasn't been serviced for about a year, I am going to recommend that it be serviced and that the corrosion be further evaluated while the HVAC pro is there.

This is not unusual where there is a separate water heater. The boiler shuts down for the summer and leaks. When it is heated up again it seals itself. There may also be internal leaks on the push nipples that you usually don't see. Boilers don't do well when they expand and contract over the years. As Kurt said, report it as a problem.