U.S. Department of Energy - Energy Efficiency and Renewable Energy

Federal Energy Management Program – Operations and Maintenance

Boiler Maintenance Checklist

Description Comment Maintenance Frequency
Daily Weekly Monthly Annually
Boiler use and sequencing Turn off or sequence unnecessary boilers. X      
Overall visual inspection Complete overall visual inspection to be sure all equipment is operating and that safety systems are in place. X      
Follow manufacturer's recommended procedures in lubricating all components Compare temperatures with tests performed after annual cleaning. X      
Check steam pressure Is the variation in steam pressure as expected under different loads? Wet steam may be produced if the pressure drops too fast. X      
Check unstable water level Unstable levels can be a sign of contaminates in feedwater, overloading of boiler, or equipment malfunction. X      
Check burner Check for proper control and cleanliness. X      
Check motor condition temperatures Check for proper function. X      
Check air temperatures in boiler room. Temperatures should not exceed or drop below design limits. X      
Boiler blowdown Verify the bottom, surface and water column blow downs are occurring and are effective. X      
Boiler logs Keep daily logs on:
  • Type and amount of fuel used
  • Flue gas temperature
  • Makeup water volume
  • Steam pressure, temperature, and amount generated
Look for variations as a method of fault detection.
X      
Check oil filter assemblies Check and clean/replace oil filters and strainers. X      
Inspect oil heaters Check to ensure that oil is at the proper temperature prior to burning. X      
Check boiler water treatment Confirm water treatment system is functioning properly. X      
Check flue gas temperatures and composition Measure flue gas composition and temperatures at selected firing positions — recommended O2% and CO2%.
Fuel O2% CO2%
Natural gas 1.5 10
No. 2 fuel oil 2.0 11.5
No. 6 fuel oil 2.5 12.5
Note: percentages may vary due to fuel composition variations
  X    
Check all relief valves Check for leaks.   X    
Check water level control Stop feedwater pump and allow control to stop fuel flow to burner. Do not allow water level to drop below recommended level.   X    
Check pilot and burner assemblies Clean pilot and burner following manufacturer's guidelines. Examine for mineral or corrosion buildup.   X    
Check boiler operating characteristics Stop fuel flow and observe flame failure. Start boiler and observe characteristics of flame.   X    
Inspect system for water or steam leaks and leakage opportunities Look for: leaks, defective valves and traps, corroded piping, and condition of insulation.   X    
Inspect all linkages on combustion air dampers and fuel valves Check for proper setting and tightness.   X    
Inspect boiler for air leaks Check damper seals.   X    
Check blowdown and water treatment procedures Determine if blowdown is adequate to prevent solids buildup.     X  
Flue gases Measure and compare last month's readings for flue gas composition over entire firing range.     X  
Combustion air supply Check combustion air inlet to boiler room and boiler to make sure openings are adequate and clean.     X  
Check fuel system Check pressure gauge, pumps, filters and transfer lines. Clean filters as required.     X  
Check belts and packing glands Check belts for proper tension. Check packing glands for compression leakage.     X  
Check for air leaks Check for air leaks around access openings and flame scanner assembly.     X  
Check all blower belts Check for tightness and minimum slippage.     X  
Check all gaskets Check gaskets for tight sealing. Replace if they do not provide a tight seal.     X  
Inspect boiler insulation Inspect all boiler insulation and casings for hot spots.     X  
Steam control valves Calibrate steam control valves as specified by manufacturer.     X  
Pressure reducing or regulating valves Check for proper operation.     X  
Perform water quality test Check water quality for proper chemical balance.     X  
Clean waterside surfaces Follow manufacturer's recommendation on cleaning and preparing waterside surfaces.       X
Clean fireside Follow manufacturer's recommendation on cleaning and preparing fireside surfaces.       X
Inspect and repair refractories on fireside Use recommended material and procedures.       X
Relief valve Remove and recondition or replace relief valves.       X
Feedwater system Clean and recondition feedwater pumps. Clean condensate receivers and deaeration system.       X
Fuel system Clean and recondition system pumps, filters, pilot, oil preheaters, oil storage tanks, and other system components.       X
Electrical systems Clean all electrical terminals. Check electronic controls and replace any defective parts.       X
Hydraulic and pneumatic valves Check operation and repair as necessary.       X
Flue gases Make adjustments to ensure optimal flue gas composition. Record composition, firing position, and temperature.       X
Eddy current test As required, conduct eddy current test to assess tube wall thickness.       X