Boilers and Tanks: FAQs

Anti-freeze can be used with our boilers. We recommend using an anti-freeze designed for hydronic systems, formulated with inhibited propylene glycol, a non-toxic anti-freeze. A solution of up to 50% can be used. No compounds containing petroleum should ever be used in the heating system. Do not use automotive anti-freeze.

Your local heating professional should perform a heat loss estimate based upon the size and construction of your home/business before recommending a boiler size and model.

Weil-McLain does not sell direct to consumers – our products are sold exclusively through our wholesale distributors. Contractors should contact our local wholesale distributor for pricing and availability. Consumers should locate a contractor for price quotes.

Please contact your local heating professional to troubleshoot your system. Your heating professional can contact a Weil-McLain Distributor or our Technical Service Department for additional assistance.

Weil-McLain does not employ heating technicians who visit and repair boilers, nor do we have factory-authorized servicers. We rely upon independent heating professionals to install, maintain and troubleshoot Weil-McLain products. Please contact a heating professional in your area. If needed, your heating contractor can contact our area office or our technical service department for assistance with troubleshooting problems.

Your professional heating contractor can process online warranty returns either directly or through their local wholesale partner. Please contact them for additional support and information.  As well, our warranty information can be found on our homeowner product registration page.

If your boiler is leaking, contact either your installer or the professional heating contractor of your choice. If the unit needs to be replaced immediately, your heating contractor should obtain the appropriate cast iron section block or boiler from Weil-McLain’s local wholesale distributor. Warranty is not approved sight-unseen, nor can our field representatives make any type of determination while the boiler is still installed.

For warranty consideration, the leaking boiler or section block should be returned to the same wholesale distributor where the replacement was purchased. A Weil-McLain field representative will then do a thorough inspection at the wholesale distributor. At that time, he/she will process a claim credit or denial, based on his/her findings. Credits for warranty are processed through the wholesale distributor; Weil-McLain does not reimburse consumers directly.

Steam Boilers

To clean a steam boiler, use one pound of trisodium phosphate (TSP) for every fifty gallons of water content. Heat the boiler to 180°F; hold at 180°F for two hours. Do not allow the boiler to make steam. After two hours, drain the boiler and fill with fresh makeup water. Water treatment chemicals should be thoroughly reviewed before they are introduced into the boiler. Foaming agents that will interfere with steam action are of particular concern. Sodium carbonate (one pound for every 30 gallons) or sodium hydroxide (lye) (one pound for every fifty gallons) may be used.

Check pH level after cleaning. It should be between 7 and 8.5. A small amount of cleaner may be added to adjust the pH up to the proper range.

DO NOT use petroleum based products in the boiler.

Water Boilers

Use one pound of trisodium phosphate for every fifty gallons of water content. Fill, vent and circulate the system with above mixture, allowing it to reach design or operating temperature, if possible. After circulating a few hours, drain the system completely and refill with fresh water. Usually, enough of the cleaner will adhere to the piping to give an alkaline solution satisfactory for operation. Sodium carbonate (one pound for every 30 gallons of water content) or sodium hydroxide (lye) (one pound for every 50 gallons) may be used.

Check pH level after cleaning. It should be between 7 and 8.5. A small amount of cleaner may be added to adjust the pH up to the proper range.

DO NOT use petroleum based products in the boiler.