15-Second Fix: Why is My Outdoor Furnace Filter Leaking?
Having a filter system on your outdoor wood boiler is a must but it's often overlooked by some outdoor boiler owners. Some even refused to use it because their dealers did not recommend having one. What they never realize is that they are slowly killing their furnace.
You have to remember that all outdoor wood burning boilers should have a filter to protect the entire heating system. These are specialized filters that can handle very hot water (if you don't have a filter, see below). Sometimes the filter leaks - and this is irritating.
The solution is very simple - you should replace the O-Rings on the filter every few years. The O-Ring Kit costs only a few bucks (available HERE) and we recommend that everyone have an extra O-Ring kit on hand.
These O-Rings just wear out and get flattened over time. Then it gets harder and harder to get a good seal. The O-Ring Kit can be installed in seconds and stops leaks!
More details are below:
The filter has Two O-Rings located here:
It is very simple to replace the O-Rings when cleaning the filter cartridge. Just unscrew the clear housing and you will see where the O-Ring needs to be placed.
Also, there is a smaller O-Ring that needs to be replaced in the gray valve at the bottom. This O-Ring does not wear out as fast as the larger one at the top, but you may as well replace it at the same time since the O-Ring kit provides both O-Rings.
Sometimes, when the O-Ring at the top fails, it seems logical to attempt to screw on the clear housing tighter. Please DO NOT DO THIS! It may crack the black hub at the top. If your filter is leaking, you should inspect this black hub for cracks.
This is what the black hub looks like:
If this black hub is split or cracked, it must be replaced. This takes more time than simply replacing O-Rings.
So in order to avoid damaging the top hub and spending more, be sure to replace your O-Rings every few years in the future to prevent this from happening again. Doing this won't hurt your pockets. Filter O-rings are available HERE at only $5.95.
If you do not have a filter... You need one.
Here's why:
Outdoor wood furnaces are all open to the atmosphere. Therefore, you will get sediment in your boiler system.
Using our Liquid Armor Water Treatment as a chemical treatment for the treatment process of your water is not enough. This is only used to treat your water but not to filter out dirt or debris that can cause sediment build-up.
Sediment will build up in your heat exchangers and destroy them, AND sediment is the "Secret Killer" of outdoor wood boilers. If you don't have a filter, your heat exchangers will fail after some years and need to be replaced.
Some outdoor wood stoves have failed due to silt after only a few years of usage - this, of course, depends on your water conditions.
Don't make the mistake of thinking "Everything is fine! I don't need one." Remember that what you can't see WILL hurt your boiler system which in the long run may cause more damage.
Filter kits are sold complete with every fitting needed needed, AND the kit includes simple instructions and drawing for quick assembly. For more information on the Filter Kit, click HERE, or see below.
Other Filter Replacement Parts available are as follows:
For more information, click HERE to contact us and ask us any questions. You can also visit our website OutdoorBoiler.com to browse for more outdoor wood boiler parts!
