LP-719 Rev. 000 Rel. 000 Date 6.25.20
67
Part 10 - Start-Up Preparation
A. Check / Control Water Chemistry
Chemical imbalance of the water supply may affect efficiency
and cause severe damage to the appliance and associated
equipment. It is important that the water chemistry on both the
domestic hot water and central heating sides are checked before
installing the appliance. Water quality must be professionally
analyzed to determine whether it is necessary to treat the water.
Various solutions are available to adjust water quality. Adverse
water quality will affect the reliability of the system. In addition,
operating temperatures above 135
o
F will accelerate the build-up
of lime scale and possibly shorten appliance service life. Failure of
an appliance due to lime scale build-up, low pH, or other chemical
imbalance IS NOT covered by the warranty.
CAUTION
To ensure extended service life, it is recommended to test water
quality prior to installation. Listed below are some guidelines.
Do not use petroleum-based cleaning or sealing compounds in
the boiler system. Damage to elastomer seals and gaskets in the
system could occur, resulting in substantial property damage.
CAUTION
The water must be potable, free of corrosive chemicals, sand,
dirt, and other contaminants. It is up to the installer to ensure the
water does not contain corrosive chemicals or elements that can
damage the heat exchanger. Potable water is defined as drinkable
water supplied from utility or well water in compliance with EPA
secondary maximum contaminant levels (40 CFR Part 143.3). If
the water contains contaminants higher than outlined by the EPA,
water treatment is recommended and additional, more frequent
maintenance may be required. See Table 1.
If you suspect that your water is contaminated in any way, discontinue
use of the appliance and contact an authorized technician or licensed
professional.
Clean system to remove sediment*
1. You must thoroughly flush the system (without boiler connected)
to remove sediment. The high-efficiency heat exchanger can be
damaged by buildup or corrosion due to sediment.
2. For zoned systems, flush each zone separately through a purge
valve. (If purge valves and isolation valves are not already installed,
install them to properly clean the system.)
3. Check the return Y strainer (if installed). Remove and clean
sediment and debris if necessary.
4. Flush system until water runs clean and you are sure piping is free
of sediment.
*NOTE: Boiler failure due to improper water chemistry is not
covered by warranty.
NOTE: Combi Models:
It is recommended to clean the DHW side of
the heat exchanger at least once a year to prevent lime scale buildup.
Follow the maintenance procedure to clean the heat exchanger in
the Maintenance Section of this manual.
WARNING
!
Thoroughly clean and flush any system that has used glycol before
installing the boiler. Provide the customer with a material safety
data sheet (MSDS) on the fluid used.
B. Check for Gas Leaks
WARNING
!
Before starting the boiler, and during initial operation, smell near
the floor and around the boiler for gas odorant or any unusual odor.
Remove boiler front door and smell interior of boiler enclosure. Do
not proceed with startup if there is any indication of a gas leak.
Repair any leaks at once.
PROPANE BOILERS ONLY – The propane supplier mixes an odorant
with the propane to make its presence detectable. In some
instances the odorant can fade, and the gas may no longer have an
odor. Before startup (and periodically thereafter), have the propane
supplier verify the correct odorant level in the gas.
C. Freeze Protection (When Used)
WARNING
!
NEVER use automotive or standard glycol antifreeze. Do not use
ethylene glycol made for hydronic systems. Use only freeze-
protection fluids certified by fluid manufacturer as suitable for
use with stainless steel boilers, verified in the fluid manufacturer’s
literature. Thoroughly clean and flush any system that has used
glycol before installing the new boiler. Provide the boiler owner
with a material safety data sheet (MSDS) on the fluid used.
NOTE: Loops Serving Indirect Water Heaters (IWHs)
Glycol used in IWH loops should be food grade propylene glycol,
FDA rated as “generally recognized as safe” (GRAS). If using a glycol /
potable water mix, the water chemistry must meet the requirements
in this manual. The glycol content of the liquid must not exceed 50%,
unless the manufacturer specifies a different ratio. Glycol should be
checked periodically to prevent it from becoming acidic. Please refer
to guidelines provided by the glycol manufacturer regarding glycol
maintenance.
NOTE:
Glycol not recognized as GRAS may only be used in closed
loop CH applications.
1. Determine the freeze protection fluid quantity using total system
water content following the fluid manufacturer’s instructions.
Remember to include expansion tank water content.
2. Local codes may require back flow preventer or actual disconnect
from city water supply.
3. When using freeze protection fluid with automatic fill, install a
water meter to monitor water makeup. Freeze protection fluid may
leak before the water begins to leak, causing concentration to drop,
reducing the freeze protection level.
4. Glycol in hydronic applications should include inhibitors that
prevent the glycol from attacking metallic system components.
Make certain that the system fluid is checked for the correct glycol
concentration and inhibitor level.
5. The glycol solution should be tested at least once a year or as
recommended by the glycol manufacturer.
6. Anti-freeze solutions expand more than water. For example: A
50% by volume solution expands 4.8% in volume for a temperature
increase from 32 - 80
o
F, while water expands 3% over the same
temperature rise. Allowances must be made in system design for
expansion.
7. A 30% mixture of glycol will result in a BTU output loss of 15% with
a 5% increase in head against the system circulator.
8. A 50% mixture of glycol will result in a BTU output loss of 30% with
a 50% increase in head against the system circulator.
NOTE:
BTU losses apply to both CH and DHW.
If you discover any evidence of a gas leak shut down the boiler at
once. Find the leak source with a bubble test and repair immediately.
Do not start the appliance again until the leak is repaired. Failure
to comply could result in substantial property damage, severe
personal injury, or death.
