Understanding Preventative Maintenance Plans For Boilers

One of the most important procedures any company can implement is planned, preventative maintenance for critical infrastructure and equipment. It can be easy to take your equipment for granted and to assume it is always going to keep running. However, it is important to understand that your equipment will break down eventually without proper care. Knowing how to start a preventative maintenance plan is the first step in maintaining your boiler system. You must also know what factors play a role in your maintenance schedule and how to develop a plan for your unique boiler system.

How do you start a planned preventative maintenance plan?

You should find a boiler repair company upon whom you can rely. Check out each company’s experience and how long have they been in operation. Speak to their technicians and ask if they can explain the pros and cons of preventative maintenance. A good boiler repair company will be open with you about the work they can provide.

You may also want a company that offers a suite of services from plumbing to boiler maintenance. Often, larger companies will have more expertise to draw upon, which increases the quality of the service you receive. More diverse companies are able to provide you with the knowledge to keep your boilers running at peak efficiency.

Factors to consider in your maintenance plan

There are three key phrases you should know before implementing a preventative maintenance plan: failure developing period, equipment lifespan, and inspection frequency. These three terms define the parameters of your maintenance schedule. If the boiler company you are interviewing does not provide you with this information as part of their maintenance plan, choose someone different.

First, failure developing period (or “FDP”) is the time between when a problem develops and when your boiler breaks down. This is the period in which your boiler begins to operate at reduced efficiency levels, and problems start to compound as damage increases over time. Most industry professionals can provide you with projected FDPs based on the model and year of your boiler. This allows you to come up with an inspection schedule that meets your boiler system’s specific needs.

Second, equipment lifespan refers to the projected useful life of your equipment. You may purchase a boiler with an overall equipment lifespan of 20 years. However, it is likely that individual components will need to be repaired or replaced. Preventative maintenance can help you make each part last as long as possible.

Third, the inspection frequency refers to how often you inspect your equipment for defects or faults. A good rule is to check your equipment halfway through its expected life. For example, if you use a pressure valve that has an expected useful life of five years, then inspect it 2.5 years into use.

Developing a preventative maintenance plan

Developing a preventative maintenance plan is a complex, strategic process. You need to balance the various needs of your equipment, design the inspection plan, and coordinate with your team’s schedules. It is a challenging undertaking, but an experienced boiler service company can help you create the best maintenance plan for your boiler.

No two preventative maintenance plans are alike. Consider how often your equipment breaks down. How do you use it and does it exceed maximum operational levels at any point? You should also note if there is a pattern of failure or collapse. Taking these steps can help you create a schedule that covers daily, weekly, monthly, and yearly maintenance goals.

Daily

Your daily maintenance list should always include testing low water cut off and gauge glasses. You should also check for leaks, inspect the burner flame for efficiency, and blowdown your boiler to remove residue.

Weekly

Once a week, you should check the flame signal strength, key areas of your boiler, and fuel valve shut-offs. You should also test chemical treatments to ensure they are at optimal levels.

Monthly

On a monthly basis, you should conduct a variety of different tasks, including water treatment tests and shut-off valve operations. You should also inspect water pressure, motor and equipment lubrication, and pressure and temperature interlocks.

Annually

Yearly maintenance is crucial to preventing major breakdowns; the above issues can be overlooked now and then because they focus primarily on efficient operations. However, you should, at the minimum, conduct annual inspections on your boiler. You should inspect all equipment coils, drain the boiler completely, have the inside of the boiler inspected, and recondition and replace pieces as needed. For an official inspection, you should have the assistance of a professional company.

A total industrial boiler system assessment and maintenance plan, along with any necessary upgrades, can save you money through improved efficiency and reduced frequency of repairs. If you are looking for the best local plumbing company to handle your industrial needs, contact the professionals at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, Inc. in Amarillo, Texas. We provide services throughout the Texas Panhandle and Tri-State area. You can call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more. You can also visit us in person at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo to see how we can help you.