| 5.3104.3a
Health and safety | Combustion safety testing will be performed in accordance with the Health and Safety Chapter of the (Standard Work Specifications for Single Family Housing) or other equivalent practice | Identify potential health and safety issues |
| 5.3104.3b
Visual inspection | The following conditions will be inspected: - Water, steam, and fuel leaks
- Damaged or missing pipe insulation
- Venting issues—draft and condensation (e.g., soot, rusting of flue pipe, burned paint or wires,
efflorescence
Efflorescence
Deposits of crystals or salts left attached to masonry materials after moisture has evaporated off of the surface
)
- Corrosion (e.g., rust, mineral deposits)
- General condition of components
| Observe general conditions to determine needed repairs or maintenance |
| 5.3104.3c
Pipe insulation inspection | Pipe insulation will be inspected, including: - Integrity—complete coverage, no holes or tears
- Damage—holes or tears
- Complete coverage—insulation missing
If asbestos is suspected, occupants will be notified and asbestos will not be disturbed Required repair or replacement will be performed in accordance with the following conditions: - Materials will be approved for steam heating pipes
- Materials will be approved for hot water heating pipes
- Insulation will completely cover pipe
Pipe insulation will be installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications | Minimize heat loss Improve performance of the system |
| 5.3104.3d
Check system pressure | Check system pressure will be verified Check system pressure will be 1 pound per square inch gauge (
psig
Psig
Pound per square inch gauge
) per 28" of system height | Keep system operating within pressure parameters |
| 5.3104.3e
Purge system | Devices that are under performing or have need of purging will be purged as needed | Remove air from the system to maximize performance |
| 5.3104.3f
Automatic fill | Automatic fill valve will be inspected to ensure it maintains system pressure If pressure is not maintained, replacement will be made in accordance with the following criteria: - Valve will be replaced and include backflow prevention; existing backflow protection shall be tested to verify operation
- Components will be installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications
- Correct system pressure will be verified
| Maintain optimal system pressure to maximize performance |
| 5.3104.3g
Gauge glass | Gauge glass will be inspected for erosion, cracks, or drying Damaged gauge glass on boiler will be replaced in accordance with manufacturer specifications Gauge glass that is coated with dirt or sediment, making it difficult to observe the water level of the boiler, will be removed, cleaned, and replaced | Ensure gauge glass is in safe operating condition to allow observation of water level in boiler |
| 5.3104.3h
Low water cut-off: float type | Operation of low-water cutoff on steam boilers will be observed by opening blow-off valve If combustion is not extinguished, remediation will be accomplished by the following procedure: - Electricity will be disconnected from boiler
- Problem will be diagnosed
- Low-water cutoff will be repaired, serviced, or replaced in accordance with manufacturer specifications
- A blow-down valve will be added, if not already present
- Boiler will be retested for proper operation
Operation of low-water cutoff on hot water boilers is applicable only if proper test setup is available on-site, to avoid draining the system Occupants will be educated on the correct method to drain the low water cutoff weekly (must drain once per week to remove sediment from float chamber of low-water cutoff) | Ensure safe minimum water level of the boiler Maintain safe operation of the low water cut-off on ongoing basis |
| 5.3104.3i
Low water cut-off: immersion | An immersion low-water cutoff will be installed and operable | Ensure safe minimum water level of the boiler |
| 5.3104.3j
Expansion tank: non-bladder and bladder | An expansion tank will be installed and operable Tanks that leak or have excessive corrosion will be replaced, and non- bladder tanks will include an expansion tank drain Tank will be installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications Expansion tanks will be properly supported with strapping Tanks that are full of water will be drained; after expansion tank is drained, re-establish the correct water level in relation to system pressure Expansion tanks with bladders will have air charged to the manufacturer pressure specifications while water is not present in the tank Bladder tanks that have water inside of the air bladder will be replaced in accordance with manufacturer specifications | Absorb water expansion of the system |
| 5.3104.3k
Flush or skim steam boiler | Manufacturer specifications for flushing or skimming steam boiler will be followed | Ensure boiler produces dry steam |
| 5.3104.3l
System temperature or pressure gauge | The temperature or pressure gauge will be inspected for erosion, cracks, or dirt Damaged temperature or pressure gauges will be replaced in accordance with manufacturer specifications | Allow for accurate observation of system temperature and pressure |
| 5.3104.3m
Circulators | Non-working motors that cannot be serviced will be replaced with a new motor New motors will be installed in accordance with manufacturer specifications Oil-lubricated circulators will be installed in proper alignment with the pump coupler and will be supported so they do not sag Bearings will have free movement without binding Shaft seals will not leak Bearings in inoperable, water-lubricated circulators will be freed, if possible, before replacement with a new circulation pump | Ensure circulation of water at designated velocity in system without leaks in the circulators |
| 5.3104.3n
Zone valves | Zone valves will be inspected for the following conditions: - Leaking water
- Not responding to a call for heat
New equipment will be replaced in accordance with manufacturer specifications | Ensure proper zonal control of the system for comfort and efficiency |
| 5.3104.3o
Condensate | If boiler is 90% efficient or more, condensate discharge will be an acceptable pH level, in accordance with local code, and will be drained to the exterior of the house, away from the foundation Condensate pumps will be installed, if needed, to ensure proper drainage | Bring the condensate to an acceptable pH and discharge to appropriate location |
| 5.3104.3p
Temperature, pressure valves, and air vents | Occupant will be informed that air vents have potential to cause moisture problems if not operating properly Occupant will be reminded to call for maintenance if vents discharge steam or have moisture issues | Maintain efficient operation of the system |
| 5.3104.3q
Maintenance records | Keeping records of all maintenance will be recommended to occupants Copies or access to installation and operation manuals will be provided | Provide a history of system installation and maintenance to improve future maintenance or repair |
| 5.3104.3r
Occupant health and safety | All homes will have a carbon monoxide (
CO
CO
Carbon monoxide
) alarm | Ensure occupant health and safety |
| 5.3104.3s
Occupant education | Completed work will be reviewed Occupants will be educated on the safe and efficient operation and maintenance of the system | Ensure occupant is informed of the safe, efficient operation and maintenance of the system |
