Boiler tube leaks are one of the most common boiler system failures, leading to costly inefficiencies, increased maintenance costs, and even complete system failure if left unchecked. Addressing boiler leaks early through proper water treatment and maintenance can prevent major repair costs and keep your system running efficiently.
A leaked tube in a boiler system is a serious issue that requires immediate attention. Even a small leak can lead to significant heat loss, reduced system pressure, and long-term damage if not addressed quickly. In many cases, a tube leak is a symptom of deeper water chemistry or maintenance problems, such as corrosion, scale buildup, or improper water treatment.
At ChemREADY, we help companies mitigate boiler tube leaks with advanced water treatment solutions designed to protect boiler systems from corrosion, scale buildup, and thermal shock.
While leaks can occur for a variety of reasons, the main culprits behind boiler tube failures are:
Understanding these causes and implementing preventative maintenance measures can extend the lifespan of your boiler system while ensuring operational efficiency.
Learn more about Boiler Water Treatment Preventative Maintenance BMP’s
Corrosion is one of the most direct and costly causes of boiler tube failures. The primary form of corrosion affecting boiler tubes is oxygen pitting, which occurs when excess oxygen in the boiler water reacts with metal components, leading to corrosion.
Beyond localized tube corrosion, entire boiler systems can suffer from widespread corrosion due to low pH levels.
Scale buildup reduces heat transfer efficiency, leading to increased pressure, higher energy costs, and tube leaks. Additionally, scale can clog critical components such as blowdown and pressure release valves.
When cold water is introduced into a hot boiler, the sudden temperature difference causes the metal to expand and contract rapidly, leading to cracks and tube leaks.
A common but avoidable cause of boiler leaks is neglecting post-installation water treatment. Without proper treatment, boilers experience rapid corrosion, scale buildup, and premature failure.
At ChemREADY, we provide industry-leading boiler treatment solutions that help prevent leaks, reduce scale buildup, and optimize system efficiency. Our services include:
✅ Site Surveys to assess boiler water treatment needs
✅ Total Service Management for ongoing maintenance
✅ Supervisory Programs with or without chemicals
✅ Custom Water Treatment Solutions for commercial and industrial applications
Boiler tube leaks are mainly caused by corrosion, scale buildup, thermal shock, and improper water treatment.
Use oxygen scavengers like ChemREADY’s Boiler Deoxy, maintain proper pH levels, and implement routine water treatment.
Use BOILER DESCALE chemicals, schedule regular blowdowns, and maintain proper water chemistry to prevent scale buildup.
pH levels below 8 increase acidity and corrosion, while maintaining pH above 10 protects against unified corrosion.
We provide site surveys, customized water treatment solutions, and preventive maintenance programs to ensure boiler longevity and efficiency.
Nick Piskura is the Marketing and Web Development Specialist at ChemREADY who utilizes expertise in digital marketing strategies to provide knowledgeable insights in each segment of our business. Nick provides insights through web development and multimedia resources that support ChemREADY’s full range of services, including Legionella management, ANSI/AAMI ST108 compliance, boiler and cooling tower treatment, wastewater processing, and industrial water quality solutions.
