Mike Lamb Posted June 3, 2016 Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 What is the reason for all of this white powder beneath a 55-year-old boiler and what would you say about it? Click to Enlarge 59.76 KB Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Marc Posted June 3, 2016 Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 I'm aware of a white residue that is sometimes seen on flue caps and is a result of the action of the acids within the flue condensate upon the galvanized coating of the cap. I'm not sure this explains what Mike L has seen. Marc Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lamb Posted June 3, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 3, 2016 This is just above the burners so I think it is a combustion issue. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Dirks Jr Posted June 4, 2016 Report Share Posted June 4, 2016 Some expanded explanation might be found here. https://www.inspectorsjournal.com/forum ... IC_ID=5166 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
John Kogel Posted June 4, 2016 Report Share Posted June 4, 2016 That much ash tells me it is an old boiler that has maybe not given much trouble but might be near the end of its life. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Brandon Whitmore Posted June 4, 2016 Report Share Posted June 4, 2016 It seems to be quite common on old natural draft furnace, pool heater, and boiler burners/ heater exchangers that haven't been cleaned in quite some time. The stuff just needs to be cleaned up. I've never paid attention to the actual reason. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Mike Lamb Posted June 4, 2016 Author Report Share Posted June 4, 2016 HVAC-Talk forum says it is from condensing. Sustained return water temps below 130 degrees. Clean it and it shouldn't be something to worry about. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
dennispalmer Posted July 17, 2018 Report Share Posted July 17, 2018 Boiling hard water (with high mineral such as calcium, magnesium etc) in a boiler will soften it by precipitating the calcium carbonate, as its solubility decreases with increasing temperature cause the white powder in the boiler or heating system. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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