Your hydronic heating system requires periodic maintenance to ensure that it continues to perform in tiptop condition. One of the main problems that your system is likely to experience is a build up of corrosion and other sediments in the boiler. These sorts of build ups can affect the operation of the boiler, so it is important that you regularly clean it out.

Step 1: Turn the power to your system off, either at the boiler or the circuit breaker box. Turn the thermostat all the way down and allow the boiler to cool before you begin cleaning.

Step 2: Remove the fluepipe from the top of the boiler; this is a large sheet of metal pipe that connects to the chimney. Use a torch to look into the sections that are now visible.

Step 3: Use a boiler brush to clean between the sections of the heating system, being careful that you don’t get it stuck. Use a vacuum cleaner to clear the top of the system, then replace the fluepipe.

Step 4: Remove the front cover of the boiler and check for a pilot light. For safety reasons, you will need to turn off the gas valve; keep in mind that you may need to manually relight the pilot.

Step 5: Mark each of the burners with a number so that you can replace them in the correct order. Then, remove them and give them a good shake to remove the dust, rinse in clean water and leave to dry.

Step 6: Clean out the bottom of the boiler sections to remove the dust that has fallen down. Then, replace the burners and make sure that the holes are clear of water. Relight the pilot light if needed.

As the cold winter months draw ever closer, you will be relying more and more on your hot water system to provide your home with warmth. Before the weather gets too cold, you should take an afternoon to give your system a thorough clean using the above steps; this will ensure that your boiler operates in tiptop condition all winter long.