plumbing (coal fired back boiler)
Posted: Mon Dec 20, 2010 11:41 am
by malc the mason
have had an old coal fired back boiler disconnected from central heating system. There are 4 pipes coming out from the side of the fire, 2 at the top and 2 at the bottom. All have been left open. Is it then safe to use the coal fire again? Unsure if there is still some water left in the old boiler or not but would this matter or not if the pipes are open?
Posted: Tue Dec 21, 2010 12:08 am
by plumbbob
The explosion risk comes from the outlets being plugged up and water left trapped boils but can't expand and escape.
Providing the pipes are open then any water will boil off naturally without harm.
It is recommended to fill the empty boiler tank with kiln dried sand to ensure the heat is distributed so preventing the metal from becoming deformed by uneven heating which happens with solid fuel fires.