It was such a simple project; replace the old cast iron boiler with a new condensing boiler. You knocked it out in a few days. 

When troubleshooting a hydronic system, the piping layout is often confusing. To understand the system, I sometimes sketch the piping to help me visualize the flow of water. 

Sherlock Holmes has always been one of my favorite fictional characters. I envied how he would notice each detail and use every one of his senses to solve the crime. 

The owner asked for a bid to replace her 35-year-old cast iron boiler which was still operating. She had two requirements: Redundancy in the event of a boiler malfunction and lower fuel costs for the building.

When I look at any replacement hydronic boiler project, my tenet is always to assume the existing system is installed improperly. I like to pretend I am a famous detective, such as Sherlock Holmes, and my job is to uncover the hidden mistakes.

What is the proper pressure setting for a comfort-heating steam boiler?

My technical boiler books all use the “lessons learned” theme, and the following are the lessons I have learned about boiler water treatment.

It’s important to always be mentally present at every service call.

Saying goodbye to an industry legend.

Correctly set controls ensure proper boiler operation.