When you start your job as a repairman and plan to do a complicated job like boiler repair or installation, you should be completely ready. Being ready means having appropriate tools. We talked about necessary tools for appliance repair earlier in another article. Here, some most needed tools for boiler repair is going to be introduced.
1. Level tool
This simple tool helps you be more accurate during boiler repair. It is made of a small glass tube containing alcohol or similar liquid and an air bubble and is used to say whether a surface is a true vertical or horizontal. The position of the bubble inside the tube shows us this fact.
2. Torch
Torch is used to solder or braze copper tubes in a boiler repair job to make them water sealed. Torches have different types and use various kinds of fuels. The three main types of torches are:
- Propane torch: is the most common type of torch and is also the cheapest and the easiest to use. The flame temperature reaches 1995°C. The advantage is having an all the time access to Propane gas in a small cylinder that occupy no room. This torch is used to connect copper tubes.
- Brazing torch: is more complex and can use acetylene gas. It is used to attach brass tubes to brass tubes, copper to copper and copper to brass. The connection made by this type of torch is stronger.
- Map gas torch: is used for soldering copper and brass pipes. It is popular because of its higher temperature and also soldering without any need to oxygen. Boiler repair process will be faster using this torch because it heats up the metal faster.
3. Hack saw
It's a kind of handsaw having smaller teeth used for cutting pipes, rods and brackets during boiler repair. It can also cut plastic.
Warning: always use safety goggles and gloves when using hack saw and watch its sharp teeth.
4. Plumber putty
It is a soft pliable sealing compound used for making watertight seals around faucets and tubes in order to stop leaking during boiler repair or other appliances working with water.
It is usually made of powdered clay and linseed oil and some other materials. It can be used both as a filler or a lubricant. Using this material ensures you that there isn't any water or air leak during boiler repair.
5. Pipe cutter
This tool is used for cutting metal tubes during boiler repair or installation. Using this tool is a faster, cleaner and more convenient way of cutting pipes than using a hacksaw, especially when there isn't enough space for cutting.
6. Pipe wrench
I's kind of adjustable wrench used for holding or turning pipes and metal, steel and iron connections during boiler repair. It has two serrated jaws. The upper jaw is adjustable to create a strong gripping of the pipes in different diameters.
Warning: using this wrench leaves sharp edges on the pipes. So, make sure to use safety gloves to prevent any cut.
7. Flashlight
It's the simplest tool used for boiler repair. Boiler consists of so many components and sometimes it is hard to distinguish between them without a flashlight.
8. Descaling pump
The scale created inside boiler pipes, heat exchanger and fittings prevent the water flow and lower the boiler productivity. So, one of the most important stages in boiler repair is descaling which is done by attaching the boiler to a large pump with a tank. Clean water or chemicals are pumped through all parts of the boiler heating system and detach the scales and limestone. The dirty liquid containing this limestone is then replaced by clean water.
Note: in case of any decrease in hot water pressure in the faucets and showers or if it takes a longer time for the water and radiators to warm up or even when the boiler pressure increases without any specific reason, it means the boiler needs descaling.
9. Pipe bender
Using this tool is the easiest and best way to bend pipes during boiler repair. Bending a pipe is an irreversible act. It means any attempt to get the pipe to its primary state will hurt the pipe or break it. So, it is important to bend the pipe accurately and rapidly. All kinds of pipes made of steel, aluminium or copper can be bent using this tool.
Tip: most pipe benders are made of aluminium or iron. Aluminium ones are lighter but can't insert the torque as big as the iron ones.
10. Meter and caliper
These two tools are mentioned last but are the primary tools needed for boiler repair or any plumbing operation. Both are used for measuring. Metal meters are mostly used because of their strength, low vulnerability and more precision.
Measuring with caliper is so accurate and is used to measure the external and internal diameter of the pipes. You can even read decimal values using a caliper.
These are 10 most common tools needed for boiler repair. If you need more information in this field, don't miss boiler training course in HelloTechnic website. Our experts will teach you the recent information about boiler installation, troubleshooting and repair to make you a professional boiler repairman.
