Boiler checklist
A boiler checklist grouped by frequency, from daily checks of the water, burner, and gauges to monthly interlock tests and annual inspection.
- Or start on the free plan, no card.
- A signed-in owner or manager uploads this file in FixAhead, and it loads as one procedure per frequency.
Daily
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Inspect | ||
| Check the overall condition, and that the safety systems are in place. | Yes | |
| For steam boilers, blow down and test the low-water cutoff. | Yes | |
| For steam boilers, blow down the gauge glass and the boiler. For low-pressure steam, blow down the makeup feeder. | Yes | |
| Check that the burner flame looks right for proper combustion. | Yes | |
| Check the boiler and its system for leaks, and that the control linkage is sound. | Yes | |
| Check that steam pressure varies as expected under load and the water level is stable. | Yes | |
| Check that the boiler-room air temperature is within design limits and the motors run at normal temperature. | Yes | |
| Check that the water treatment system is working. | Yes | |
| For oil firing, clean the filters and strainers, and check the oil is at the right temperature before burning. | Yes | Yes |
| Switch off or sequence the boilers that are not needed. | ||
| Log | ||
| Complete the daily log: fuel, flue-gas temperature, makeup water, and steam pressure. | Yes | |
| Records | ||
| Record the maintenance and the parts in the log. | Yes | |
Weekly
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Controls | ||
| Test the flame-failure cutoff and its timing, and check that ignition and flame-failure detection work. | Yes | |
| Check that flame signal strength, pilot and main, is within the manufacturer's range. | Yes | Yes |
| Check that the pilot and main fuel shutoff valves close. | Yes | |
| Check igniter and burner operation. | Yes | |
| Test the water-level control: with the feedwater pump stopped, the control stops fuel to the burner before the water falls below the recommended level. | Yes | |
| Check that flue-gas oxygen at the selected firing rates is within the recommended range. | Yes | |
| Check that relief valves are not leaking. | Yes | |
| Water and equipment | ||
| Check the chemical treatment tank level, and the control and atomising air compressor oil level. | Yes | |
| Check for water or steam leaks, failed traps, corroded pipe, or damaged insulation. Check that the damper and fuel-valve linkages are tight and the damper seals are sound. | ||
| Records | ||
| Record the maintenance and the parts in the log. | Yes | |
Monthly
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Interlocks | ||
| Test the fan and air-pressure interlocks. | Yes | |
| Test the main burner fuel safety shutoff valves for leakage. | Yes | |
| Test the low-fire start interlock. | Yes | |
| Test the high-pressure and high-temperature interlocks. | Yes | |
| For gas, test the high and low gas-pressure interlocks. For oil, test the pressure and temperature interlocks. | Yes | |
| For hot water, test the low-water cutoff. | Yes | |
| Lift each safety or relief valve by hand, and check that it operates. | Yes | |
| Water and equipment | ||
| Review the water treatment results and adjust the treatment. | Yes | |
| Check that the combustion-air openings to the room and boiler are adequate and clean. | Yes | |
| Lubricate motor and equipment bearings. | Yes | |
| Check the fuel system gauges, pumps, filters, and lines. | Yes | |
| Check belts, packing glands, and gaskets. Check for air leaks at access openings and at the flame scanner, and for hot spots on the casing. | ||
| Records | ||
| Record the maintenance and the parts in the log. | Yes | |
Semiannual
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Controls | ||
| For steam boilers, slow-drain test the low-water cutoffs. | Yes | |
| Test the safety and relief valves. | Yes | |
| Inspect the burner and flame-failure components, and the wiring of interlocks and shutoff valves. | Yes | |
| Recalibrate indicating and recording gauges. | Yes | |
| Check the steam and blowdown piping and valves. | Yes | |
| Check the combustion control system. For oil, check the atomisers and strainers. | Yes | |
| Records | ||
| Record the maintenance and the parts in the log. | Yes | |
Annual
| Task | Required | Photo required |
|---|---|---|
| Inspection | ||
| Have the boiler inspected by a commissioned inspector. | Yes | |
| Drain the boiler, open manholes and handholes, and clean the waterside and fireside. | Yes | Yes |
| Inspect the refractory, and repair it. | Yes | Yes |
| Controls and valves | ||
| Recondition or replace the low-water cutoff. | Yes | |
| Leak-test all fuel valves, and test the operating parts of the safety shutoff and control valves. | Yes | |
| Test every control and safety device. | Yes | |
| Adjust combustion with test instruments. | Yes | Yes |
| Test the pilot turndown. Check the coils and diaphragms, and replace the gaskets. | Yes | |
| Replace flame-failure tubes, scanners, or flame rods as the manufacturer directs. | Yes | |
| Test pressure gauges against a calibrated standard. | Yes | Yes |
| Fuel and feedwater | ||
| For gas, clean the drip leg and strainer. | ||
| Recondition the feedwater pumps, condensate receivers, and deaerator, and clean the electrical terminals. | ||
| Records | ||
| Record the maintenance and the parts in the log. | Yes | |
Where the boiler maker's manual gives a different interval or value, follow the manual. Where local boiler rules set more, follow them.