Steam Boiler Repair in Boston
Steam boiler shutting off on low water, banging pipes, or radiators that never get hot? Call (617) 691-5446 to be connected with an independent local heating company that works on steam heat in Boston's older homes.
Service overview
What steam boiler repair involves
A steam boiler boils water and sends the steam up through the pipes to the radiators, where it condenses and runs back as water. It only works if the water level, pressure and venting are right. Steam boiler repair usually means fixing one of those: a low-water cutoff that shuts the boiler off, a stuck automatic water feeder, a pressuretrol set too high, a flooded or surging water line, or main vents that no longer let air out. Older Boston homes, from Beacon Hill rowhouses to Dorchester triple-deckers, often still run one-pipe steam, and it needs someone who knows steam. For hot-water systems, see boiler repair in Boston.
! Common warning signs
Boiler shuts off on low water
The low-water cutoff protects the boiler from firing dry. If it trips often, the boiler may be losing water through a leak or a bad vent, or the cutoff itself may need cleaning.
Banging and hammering pipes
Water hammer happens when water collects in a pipe that steam has to pass through. Sagging pipes, a radiator pitched the wrong way, or too much water in the boiler are common causes.
Some radiators never heat
If the main vents or radiator vents are stuck shut, air can't get out and steam can't get in. Uneven heat often comes down to venting.
Scope of work
What a steam boiler visit usually includes
A typical visit covers the water level, controls and venting, plus the repair. Ask the company to price anything extra first.
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01
Water level and sight glass
The technician checks the water line in the sight glass, how fast the boiler loses water, and whether the automatic feeder is working.
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02
Low-water cutoff
The low-water cutoff is tested and, if it's a float type, cleaned or flushed. A failed cutoff is a safety problem and should be replaced.
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03
Pressure control
Home steam systems run at low pressure. The technician checks the pressuretrol setting and that the pigtail under it isn't clogged.
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04
Main vents and skimming
Main vents are checked so air can escape, and an oily or surging boiler may need skimming to clear the water line. Ask what was done.
Why call someone who knows steam
Steam systems work differently from hot-water heat. A technician used to steam is less likely to treat the symptoms and miss the cause.
Call nowTools a steam boiler technician uses
Low-pressure gauge
Home steam runs at very low pressure, so a low-range gauge shows what the system is really doing.
Multimeter
Tests the low-water cutoff, pressuretrol, feeder and burner controls.
Pipe level
Checks the pitch of steam mains and radiator pipes, since sagging pipe causes water hammer.
Pipe wrenches
Used on threaded black iron pipe, vents, the pigtail and boiler fittings.
Local service
Boston has a lot of steam heat, much of it in older buildings that have been patched for decades. A steam system that bangs, heats unevenly or keeps tripping on low water usually has a fixable cause. If the radiators themselves are the problem, see steam radiator repair. If the boiler is rusted through or leaking from a section, compare a repair with replacing the boiler.
Steam boiler repair in Boston
- • Downtown Boston
- • Dorchester
- • Jamaica Plain
- • South Boston
Example jobs
Steam boiler emergencies
When the steam stops, call
If your steam boiler won't fire or the water gauge glass is empty, turn the boiler off and don't add water to a hot boiler. Call (617) 691-5446 to be connected with a local company that works on steam heat.
How steam boiler repair works
Call and describe
Tell the company it's a steam system, what it's doing, and whether the sight glass shows water.
On-site check
The technician checks the water level, low-water cutoff, pressure control and venting to find the cause.
Repair and test
They quote the repair, fix the cause, and run the system through a cycle. Ask for the quote in writing first.
What steam boiler repair costs in Boston
It depends on the cause. Cleaning a cutoff or replacing a vent is usually a smaller job than replacing a feeder, a cutoff or controls, and re-pitching pipe takes longer. We don't set prices; the company you're connected with quotes the work.
The cause
Vent and control fixes cost less than piping work or replacing a cutoff or feeder.
Access to pipes
Mains inside finished ceilings or walls take more time to reach and re-pitch.
Time of the call
Night and weekend calls usually cost more than a scheduled weekday visit.
Steam boiler questions, answered
Why does my steam boiler keep shutting off?
The low-water cutoff may be tripping because the boiler is losing water, the cutoff is dirty, or the water line is surging. Call rather than adding water to a hot boiler.
Why do my steam pipes bang?
Water hammer happens when steam hits water trapped in a pipe. Sagging pipes, radiators pitched the wrong way, or an overfilled boiler are common causes.
What pressure should a home steam boiler run at?
Home steam systems are designed to run at low pressure, usually under a couple of psi. If yours runs higher, ask a technician to check the pressure control.
Should I add water to my steam boiler?
Only when the boiler is cool and only if you know the right water line. Adding cold water to a hot, dry boiler can crack it. If the sight glass is empty, turn it off and call.