I notice that about every 3-4 years I need to replace the thermocouple on my boiler because the pilot light keeps going out. At the same time, I remove the 3 burners, tap and clean out all the rust and debris, and put them back as well.
I'm wondering if it's a good idea every year to turn the pilot light on the boiler from the ON position to the OFF position after the heating season, say around April or May, turn the thermostat from Heat to Off, clean the burners at this time and then again in the Fall, around October or when I think I may require heat, to relight the pilot on the boiler. Would I increase the life of the thermocouple and is this a good idea? Any other recommendations?
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I just replaced the thermocouple for the first time on my boiler about a week ago.
I always leave it burning in the summer, just shut it off when I do the pre season cleaning and startup.
That thermocouple lasted for 28 years.
If the pilot keeps blowing out but then you can get it to light again, then I would suspect something other than the thermocouple.
However a new thermocouple might mask the root of the problem for a while.
I always leave it burning in the summer, just shut it off when I do the pre season cleaning and startup.
That thermocouple lasted for 28 years.
If the pilot keeps blowing out but then you can get it to light again, then I would suspect something other than the thermocouple.
However a new thermocouple might mask the root of the problem for a while.
I'm curious to see if this new thermocouple will last as long as the original one. Maybe they just "don't make'em like they used to".
would you say that replacement of the thermocouple every 3 to 4 years is a common occurrence for a 28 year old burnham boiler?
what maintenance should i do and how often?
thank you
what maintenance should i do and how often?
thank you
I periodically remove and vacuum out the three burners including the one with the thermocouple attached to its side and the area underneath the burners for ash buildup, debris and spiderwebs.
I was wondering how often to do this and any other recommendations for maintenance.
Thank you
I was wondering how often to do this and any other recommendations for maintenance.
Thank you
It's not really ash, just some kind of debris, and it takes years to build up. The boiler is over 28 years old and works well.
