Boiler Sight-Glass Cleaning/Changing

This video shows how to remove the boiler site-glass and clean/change it. Its very easy. All you need is a pair of pliers or proper size wrench. Towels, lubricant, possibly some sand paper.

[@richarddelano21]

WOW!!! My girlfriend & I have been fighting to see through a dirty tube for a couple years now. Finally this morning it got to the point where I had to do something, found your video and in a matter of 15 minutes, still in my pajamas and slippers, cleaned the tube and everything went just like in the video. Thank you so much. That was a huge help

[@jonathansmith283]

12-16-2019 - used your video to help eliminate a leak . $6.25 for the : nuts, washers & gaskets. - saved @ $100/ no plumber . ty JDS/CT

[@GabrielaGarcia-wd5kl]

Thank you. I'm a single mom and you just saved me some money.

[@walshplumbing336]

Thanks for the video. I wanted to start by saying thank you for teaching me how to remove this for cleaning. I have done this a dozen times before but needed to refresh my memory. Now maybe i can teach you something I have learned, Dubya Dee four tee is not great for rubber or neoprene. 🤘🤑🤘

[@lawrenceigboekwe7208]

Thanks. I’ve owned houses, for several years, and I’ve seen plumbers and other workers perform several jobs, but do not have the confidence to do that, on my own. Your video is so simple and self-explanatory, that even a novice can do what would have cost him between $50.00 and $100.00 dollars. Thanks again.

[@porchonkey1842]

Lawrence Igboekwe Thank you for the positive comment. My goal here is to help people. I appreciate you, not complaining how I hold my tools or other negative remarks. I feel I’m an average home owner, I just want to help people out with issues I struggled with. Glad it helped you. Be safe, & the best to you and your family.

[@davevarga]

Thank you, very clear, and I am watching this at the time of need!

[@mugsykeeper1]

My husband asked me to find info on this topic and I watched it for myself...now I know how to change the gauge, just in case I have to do it on my own. Thanks for a very easy-to-understand video!

[@dogfoodnyc]

Why didn’t I search this video sooner! You sir just saved my winter. Totally worked and it’s soooo easy. Thank you thank you thank you!

[@DanTheMan908]

Thanks mate. Very informative and helpful information. With your step by step instructions, I replaced my glass gauge on my boiler with no problems.

[@CodeXGangstAH]

Awesome video! Very clear instructions. Cleaned the glass with no problems. Thanks!

[@rikkired8141]

Your video was extremely helpful to the tee. It was actually very easy to do. I had a problem unscrewing the bottom one too ( :) ), as I was following the lefty loosey rule, and it was opposite. It turned out it was leaking. So I sucked it up and called someone. Turns out the knobs were indeed supposed to be loose. Mine were left tight. It was off, not working the day the plumbers changed/fixed it a yr ago AND charged me for it. They're the ones that left the glass so dirty, so I couldn't see. I just kept refilling the water a bit every other day. It turned out that the glass was cut too short. All is well now. Thanks again! :)

[@blackfusion210]

why have you not made more videos? your killin me. I guarantee there are plenty of ppl in the navy who would appreciate simple videos like this. I do.

[@richardhaddad4926]

Aside from the fact fact he doesn't know which way to loosen the nut or how to use slip joint pliers

[@porchonkey1842]

@@richardhaddad4926 Thanks for the comment Richard. Maybe we can turn your comment into a constructive one, versus one that tries to insult me. Only you look bad with that kind of comment. Aside from the fact we know you’re superior, can you please precisely explain the prober use of slip joint pliers? Please share your knowledge amongst us.

[@cdallasmultipass]

Sir - Thank you!!! My fear of cleaning and breaking the tube glass is gone! I never knew it was this simple. Great video. You were very thorough. Ps - pretty funny about old girlfriends- haha. Same here. Thx again. Cheers to you sir!

[@porchonkey1842]

Cbreeze HaaHa if I can help you out with your boiler, let me know man. I've been keeping mine up for the last 8 years on my own despite the KZbin boiler Mensa geniuses criticism ;)

[@cdallasmultipass]

+porchonkey Sir! What a coincidence! I just cleaned my boiler this am as my daughter was complaining last nite of the new cold blast coming in. I cleaned the boiler thoroughly, drained and refilled. Boiler fired up nicely. Once again - cheers!

[@peterlin6154]

Great job on the easy to follow instructions! Thank you!

[@ziaislam2473]

God Bless you Brother and Thank You...Your instructions were spot on and you just saved me few $$$.

[@richthelen6251]

Excellent video. Helped me clean my sight glass very easily. Thanks for posting!

[@porchonkey1842]

Rich Thelen thank you man for not ripping on me like the boiler know it all's Mensa clowns do

[@angelalburquerque7457]

Hi my friend. Very nice video. I would like to add a little tip about it. After replace a sight glass, increase the water level, if possible, manually, above the upper nut in order to verify that there is no leak in this point also (to prevent any steam leak when the boiler works under normal conditions). Don't forget to put the water level back in the sight glass (about midway) after this test. Thank you and congratulations. Keep posting more videos.

[@porchonkey1842]

Angel Alburquerque Great tip! Thank you. I didn't think of doing that at all. I appreciate it :)

[@PepsiManX360]

Mine haven’t been cleaned in over 40 years... I didn’t even know it was removable. Thank you so much for this video. I will definitely clean mine! It’s so dirty and rusty. Doesn’t even show all the water that’s in it.

[@rodrickdubose659]

ADKIc3mAnXYT you have a 40 year old boiler that's still working??

[@rogerlopez4121]

Been trying to do this for over 20 years, first in my mother's house. Took me 15 min to clean the tube.

[@dlhomeimprovement664]

Great video. Very helpful! I feel, as a 1st time home-owner, a bit more comfortable with this beast they call a steam boiler in my basement. You saved me some $$. More videos on Steam Boiler maintenance will be of great reference in the future if you have more advice to offer.

[@a.lumberjack4456]

Thanks boss. It really helped me out. Just moved into a home with a boiler for the first time, and it didn't come with instructions.

[@paulajoseph4434]

Great video. Simplistic. Thanks

[@cassiesulbaran4504]

Just saved us a call to the plumber, thank you so much!!

[@robertsonmassey8242]

Thank you so much ..it helped me a lot..u saved my money 🙏

[@elemental3252]

I installed a quick release valve on the bottom ball valve to drain the water in the sight glass, on all my 13 boilers.

[@porchonkey1842]

That’s a good idea! May I ask, 13 boilers... Why so many? Rentals?

[@saucersource]

Want to drain sight-glass so looks like we ease in bottom valve and loosen or remove cap at bottom to remove any rusty water that can clog the water level. Also I saw the top effect the glass somehow the glass looked full and moving the top valve saw the water level drop down to normal level. This for rust clogs in the sight-glass.

[@SEEtheREPLAY]

Nice job.. Thanks for keeping it simple.

[@MrPrakash318]

Thanq for the video. It was very helpful. if u can help us with the video of cleaning the Guage Glass when the boiler was running. I mean the process of cleaning the guage glass without removing it off.

[@salleehhh]

Great video. Helped me a lot!!!

[@aberum1798]

good job! straight forward video!

[@asds92]

THANK YOU!! I went right into the basement after watching this vid and removed and cleaned my sight glass. However, I'm not seeing any water flow into the fill pipe after manually adding some.

[@porchonkey1842]

asds92 There should be two valves, one above and one below the sight glass. Mine are open to let water in. Double check that.

[@porchonkey1842]

There are also some really good comments from people who know a lot more than I do. That was kind of my purpose in making this video, so people chime in and we can all learn. Nobel Ox made some great suggestions about two years ago, read some of them because not all boilers are the same ;)

[@sassyjerseygrl]

Thank you ! I did the same. Couldn’t sleep. Did it myself.

[@winifredcardona616]

i used this video it help a lot thank you so much you step by step was great, 1st time we did it our self. ours were tight washer old,

[@winifredcardona616]

got it at home depot,, they cut the glass for us just paid 3.00 for the glass

[@porchonkey1842]

Winifred Cardona Awesome! If I can help you in any way, please let me know and I'll share what I've learned. We're all learning together versus spending $$$ on nothing more than research do it yourself!!

[@rikkired8141]

Thank you for your video, it's extremely helpful. Question....you mentioned that the two knobs should be loose normally. Mine are tight. Why should they be loose?

[@porchonkey1842]

It took me a bit to figure out how to reply. I just made post above yours answering. Basically, they have to be loose to let water into the site glass so you can see the water level. If they are tight. The water level your seeing may be water trapped in the site glass... Again, I'm far from a professional boiler mechanic. I just fired it up this year! No problems & I added the Nest thermostat to it. I should make a video on that! LOL thanks for watching.

[@leisahathaway981]

Thank you so much 🙋🏿‍😘 you made this look so easy.

[@soldatboga7337]

Ty.. I have a leak coming from my bottom sight glass gasket area.. doing this today

[@osvaldoumana4494]

Dude....you just saved me a tons of mulaaaaahhh..... gracias compadre.!!!!!

[@porchonkey1842]

Osvaldo Umana Awesome! Thanks for not making fun of my pliers! I finally got a new set to wrenches ;)

[@porchonkey1842]

Rikki... Those knobs let the water into the site glass. You may have a different set up than I do & yours may let water in, with the knobs tight. Mine don't. If mine are tightened, no water will be allowed into the site glass & I couldn't see the water level.

[@richarddelano21]

No...you need to tighten them up to NOT let water in and loosen them at the end to LET the water in after cleaning the tube. You should be able to see clearly straight thru the tube. Hope this helps.

[@michaelf5565]

Thanks, I will definitely clean mine now

[@porchonkey1842]

Michael F cool. These boilers are awesome

[@mioangel1227]

Thank you for your help! Could somebody tell me please, if is possible to turn the boiler on without the sigh glass, just turning the 2 valves off, so I can heat the house at least 2 hours? The glass is broken and I have to wait until arrive. Thanks so much! 💚🙏

[@porchonkey1842]

Hi Mio. From what I understand, the sight glass is there to check the water level & check the condition of the water. As long as the two knobs are closed you should be able to run the boiler. That is the case in my boiler. Hope that helps! As a reminder, I’m just a homeowner with a boiler and can’t officially tell you you boiler will operate the same way. Thank you!

[@mioangel1227]

@@porchonkey1842 Thank you so much for your kind help! Many blessings!

[@porchonkey1842]

@@mioangel1227 Stay warm!! It’s getting cold already.

[@zedio369]

A lot of people are asking about the two valves at the top and bottom. It should always be open in order for the water to pass and for you to be able to read the level. And most today come with a safety ball inside of these valves. In the case of the valve failing, the ball will get pushed against the opening by the steam pressure and close itself off. If the valve is closed, this negates the safety.

[@porchonkey1842]

zedio369 Sorry, yes both valves open. I've been a bit busy, but dedicated to helping when I can.

[@timfarrell3747]

a simple rule of thumb especially for the brass fittings i.e. the nuts holding the gage glass in place. "On a flat surface always use a flat jaw, on a round surface use a jaw with teeth". Therefor use a proper wrench so you don't chew up those soft brass surfaces and save that wrench for round things like pipe.

[@porchonkey1842]

Excellent!! Thank you for the comment. Those are the kind of comments that help everyone. Much appreciated!

[@dukeskylar]

tip: Use the blowdown valve to empty the water in the sight glass if im not mistaken thats what the ball valve is for in the video. Don't use wd40. Spread some never seize on those threads and apply tephlon tape and that should be good.

[@porchonkey1842]

Will do, thanks! I appreciate the heads up

[@dukeskylar]

+porchonkey My mistake. Don't use never sieze. Use pipe dope. My bad

[@porchonkey1842]

+Julian Sol LoL ok!! I actually have some. Thanks for the correction! Since I made this video, I've learned so much. There's a great series of videos on here that go over the basics. It's put together by a college professor and his students. I'll find it and post it. Thanks for your reply & I love my boiler!!

[@porchonkey1842]

Coyne1899 is the schools KZbin name... Here's the link: kzbin.info/www/bejne/Z5iue4Rnh8lgg8U

[@Kswiss-gs7zm]

Hey there, just thought I would let you know this video is used in power engineering safety classes to point out what not to do when doing boiler maintenance. Not commenting to put you down just thought I'd give you a heads up and some constructive criticism. This shouldn't be done without safety classes, long sleeves, and gloves to avoid accidents with hot water/steam and broken glass.

[@porchonkey1842]

+Gallivan Kieran Awesome, thanks for telling me. Like I said I'm just an average guy that needs to get things done at my home without hiring someone due to cost. If you wouldn't mind passing some more info for me to learn, I'd appreciate it. I'm in a specialized vocation as well & we watch non-professionals do things wrong and "laugh" as well. No criticism taken at all! I think its great for everyone to learn...

[@porchonkey1842]

Kswiss 0880 So... Do you have any suggestions? Or are you and your fellow geniuses here to keep information to yourselves?

[@bobharper9674]

You should have drained the glass using the petcock below it instead of spilling possibly very hot water all over your hands. I agree with using the proper wrenches and righty-tighty/ lefty-loosey on the nuts. You can clean the glass the same as in high school lab using a powdered detergent and a soft bottle brush. When the glass goes a long time without being cleaned properly a scum or film can form on it requiring mechanical brushing with a detergent. No, you get the proper glass from an HVAC supply. Not only do they come in different diameters but temperature ratings, too. The packing nuts on the stops usually leak when you open them. Just snug them up with a flat wrench. That old monster should have been replaced 100 yrs. ago. Have a pro perform combustion analysis as it probably is producing tons of carbon monoxide.

[@jameswoltal2030]

A better way. How do you know if the top nut/washer is leaking without waiting for the boiler to make steam? After cleaning or replacing the gauge glass open the BOTTOM valve only. If the water does not rise in the glass the top washer is doing its job and the nut is tight. If the water rises in the glass there is a leak. If the water does not rise then the top connection is good and the top valve can be opened. High School science, 2 things cannot occupy the same space at the same time. Happy boiler maintenance.

[@porchonkey1842]

It was not leaking steam in the first place. Common Sense science 😀

[@jameswoltal2030]

No but now you disturbed it. Don't complain when the lwco shuts off the boiler.

[@porchonkey1842]

@@jameswoltal2030 been doing this for about 15 years and it’s still going strong. When do you suppose it will finally go out? Maybe on the 16th year?

[@johnkrim8377]

All you have to do is open up the bleeder on the bottom valve and the glass will self clean.

[@sonicboomin]

my sight glass is stuck at one level doesn't move when I drain or fill. Is this what I need to do to fix that?

[@porchonkey1842]

Sorry for the late response... 7 years 😬 I don’t have an answer to that one. Sorry. What did you do?

[@slimjim1756]

This is awesome, make more videooos! : )

[@md.abulbashar1820]

I think there must be a drain valve to drain the water & your video only for cooled condition isn't it?? Anyway nice, simple.

[@g41thomas]

My question to you is: what type of insulation you have around your furnace? is that old or you done it yourself? is that an asbestos one?! I love these old coal converted furnaces. They are inefficient but has old time charms!

[@porchonkey1842]

Hi, sorry it took a while to get back to you. The insulation was there before I moved in. It look to me that it's asbestos. They are a bit inefficient, but when its running well and breathes freely my gas bills are very reasonable.

[@charlescooney6900]

If you open the petcock at the bottom of the site glass, you will not spill the water on the floor.

[@RomanByzantine]

awesome! you are a life saver!!

[@m-tron5966]

should the 2 Top and Bottom Knobs Always be left, Opened or Closed ?

[@porchonkey1842]

Omrac Omrac open

[@chrisoconnor6412]

@@porchonkey1842 When I added water to the boiler, I stopped when it reached half way, but when I left the two knobs open, I went back a few hours later and the glass was nearly full.

[@artnos]

When i took out my sight glass it was like fudge are end how do i clean the bottom inside the hole. I think its clogged in there

[@porchonkey1842]

Sorry for the 2 year late reply. They make brushes that can fit in the tube. Or maybe bring it to a hardware store & get a new one.

[@porchonkey1842]

What did you do?

[@raven-wolf9252]

Does the heater need to be turned off

[@MrBolts4life]

No just make sure to close the 2 sight gauge valves before removing the glass. You should also wear gloves and eye protection. I also drain the water from the sight glass before removing the nuts.

[@porchonkey1842]

Thanks Mr Bolts... I didn't understand the question fully. Seeing your answer... Now I get it.

[@raven-wolf9252]

***** thanks for the feed back :-)

[@C--R--K]

geremi It's always a good idea to turn off and unplug any machine or appliance before working on it, boilers included.

[@gogaton]

Thanks for the video

[@rosninasrin9747]

How many times I need to clean this sight glass once a year or every month plz let me know. My boiler has auto feeder.

[@porchonkey1842]

Tania Zilani I clean mine whenever it gets dirty. For me it’s about once every two years.

[@rosninasrin9747]

Thank u so much

[@RD204]

two things to mention, ... not sure if those rubber parts are real rubber or silicone but you shouldn't use petroleum products on real rubber. It will eventually break it down (petroleum dissolves rubber). Better to use silicone grease. Also, that stubborn rust deposit can be cleaned with a short soak in vinegar. Nice demo.

[@porchonkey1842]

RD204 Good point!! Thank you, great tips. Much appreciated

[@dawnthompson8981]

Thanks 😃

[@boraxsopanic2670]

Thank you. Boiler looks like a white big boy nuke. :)

[@chrissygermain637]

A few months ago I bought an old house with the original steam boiler (era 1948). I drain the water faithfully every 1-2 weeks. The site glass water has been totally clear.... until now. I'm wondering if it is concerning to have clear drain water, but dirty site glass water. When I had a steam expert check the system after moving in he raved about how clear the site water is and the excellent condition of the system (he even told me to leave the system in and not to touch anything other than draining it). I should mention that I have no knowledge about steam boilers and I'm a scaredy-cat when it comes to messing around with any kind of major system. Aside from the fact that I had no business buying a house this old, do you have any opinion on clean water coming out the drain while at the same time the site glass water is dirty? I went to your channel for more videos and was disappointed there were none, but uber surprised you liked an Abraham video. Since I'm also an Abraham fan I decided to go ahead and post my question.

[@porchonkey1842]

My guess, & it's a guess, is that the dirty water is just all mixed up and trapped up in the site glass. It's not a bad thing, I think it's normal & will eventually become clear. I checked mine as well & my boiler is doing the same thing. The water draining is initially dirty then becomes clear after about 15 seconds of draining it. When I looked at the site glass water, it was dirty. I'm not concerned about it & I don't think you should be either. It is winter and we are using our boilers a lot more now & the water doesn't have time to completely settle before it starts up again. It's just the water at the top of the boiler that is mixed up from using the heat. The water that your draining is the super dirty water & that's what you want to get out! Keep doing what your doing!! Sounds like you have a nice boiler ;) hope this helped.

[@chrissygermain637]

porchonkey Wow thanks for the quick reply! Looks like you're right... I just checked and the site glass water seems about 20% clearer than before. WHEW! I'll keep an eagle eye on it tonight. BTW, I would request more old-house-how-to videos, but I haven't even gotten the courage to clean the site glass yet. I did try to (gently) jiggle the 2 little bars in front. One is loose and one is stuck, so I better not mess around with it until I know I can find a replacement just in case. Thanks again for the quick reply and for the reassurances. Here's to toasty warm homes! ;)

[@porchonkey1842]

Glad it's working the way it should. It shouldn't be too difficult finding things that need repairing to make more videos! Thanks for the kind reply. Have a toasty winter!

[@chrissygermain637]

porchonkey Cool, I'll follow your page if you're going to make more videos! Thanks again!

[@chrissygermain637]

Update: Just thought I would let you know that you were totally right... by the next morning the site glass water was clear again! Now, I just need to clean the dirty glass. Ha! But, I am wondering... where did that dirty water in the site glass go? Will it get flushed the next time I do a blow down (if that's the right term)? Is it an indicator that I need to flush more often? Thanks for your guidance!

[@winifredcardona616]

you said this is your 3rd video what are the other 2

[@porchonkey1842]

Winifred Cardona I maybe said 3 but there's only 2. The other one is called basic boiler maintenance. I'd put more videos out to help but it so happens all the armchair quarterback, Mensa clowns that don't know how to communicate "know it alls" send me personal messages on how I'm a hack, despite me saying I'm here to learn and help others. In the meantime, they don't put out anything to help anyone cuz all they know how to do is criticize people who try to be kind to fellow homeowners. So, I think it's best to give them hell for the proper answers and demand responses from the geniuses who hide in the corner of the room with dunce caps on ;)

[@emelinaizbless21]

what happen if sight glass is full with water

[@porchonkey1842]

APPLE WHITE Hello Apple White, if both valves are cracked open to allow flow, it would tell me that your tank is full of water. I was told to have about an inch from the top not be water

[@thomasswenson1934]

you can leave it on is doesn't take long to do. there is a pet cock under the gauge glass that is used for draining the water from the glass.

[@JoPhillips617]

Thanks! Been callng plumbers but it's a busy time of year. Guess I'll save them some time and me some $ and add minor furnance maintenance to my resume.

[@porchonkey1842]

Joanne Phillips I have the same issue. Seems impossible to get someone over & when you do it's an arm and a leg! Good luck with the project ;)

[@balutanski]

someone told me that the rubber washers will be ruined when removing - I guess that's not true?

[@porchonkey1842]

David Balutanski I would say that it would be a good move changing them when you do the cleaning. I didn’t plan that far in advance to think of that. Thanks!!

[@balutanski]

porchonkey I just cleaned it 10 minutes ago. pretty dirty. First cold nights are coming here to jersey. So I wanted to check the boiler. There is no water in the glass. The tank is filling up - i heard it fill after I drained some dirty water. Do you know why the glass could be dry??

[@balutanski]

porchonkey thanks for the video. Well done.

[@porchonkey1842]

David Balutanski Thanks man, I’m no professional obviously. Just trying to keep up my boiler, and every couple years have a Pro come out and do a safety/maintenance check. There is a valve that lets water into the glass. Make sure that it’s open. There are a lot of different boilers out there. So yours may be different then mine.

[@balutanski]

porchonkey valves are open. Could be a clog in the feed to the glass. I’ll get a pro to look this week.

[@Savadorason1]

-A big thanx

[@gogaton]

great

[@sjh9173]

Use a proper tool to loosen like a crescent wrench and not a channel locks.

[@porchonkey1842]

Didn’t have one so I had to use that. Thanks for the pro tip!

[@mrnegatively5125]

Snowman furnace lots of asbestos on that

[@porchonkey1842]

Just so you’re informed on the current lingo these days. Per Nancy Pelocy, it would be “SnowPerson” Not SnowMAN... do you see the difference? By the way, it’s not asbestos, it’s oatmeal.

[@zikomilicevic3431]

none

[@montanatothedeathofme184]

Don’t know how to hold your tools 🛠 right

[@porchonkey1842]

Hi Tool... No one ever showed me. Why don’t you put up a “Know how to hold your tool” video? Tool

[@ErNoVa2112]

shut it down

[@porchonkey1842]

Good idea! Use solar, kill the birds

[@stricht8]

Old girlfriends!

[@WApnj]

OMG ! You don't know which way to turn a nut or use pliers in the correct direction and have the nerve to post "instructions"... Rotfl

[@chihuahuaclub3402]

Nobody twisted your arm to watch it did they? This video helped me to clean my Site glass so eat shit!

[@porchonkey1842]

If you were a real smart ass, you should have commented on my wrong selection of tools. I should be using a fixed wrench. Let’s turn your attempted dolting comment into something constructive, to help people. We forget, that’s why I put this up. OMG is so dramatic, & you used a run on sentence... FYI. Mrs tool genius, can you please advise users on what the proper use of tools are?

[@porchonkey1842]

I went to your page to look at your videos, maybe to find something that will help me. You don’t have any videos posted? Maybe you should get out of your moms basement & do something constructive. Your negativity will hold you back in life. You’ll see.

[@WApnj]

@@porchonkey1842 and.... Every comment I make gets you money if you are monetized. You should thank me.. Your Welcome.

[@porchonkey1842]

@@WApnj HaaHaa I’m not a “you tuber” I don’t make money on this