Outdoor Furnace 15-Second Fix: Why is My Filter Leaking?

15-Second Fix: Why is My Filter Leaking?

All outdoor wood boilers should have a filter to protect the entire 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; they get flattened over time and it gets harder and harder to get a good seal. The O-Ring Kit installs 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. 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. Be sure to replace your O-Rings every few years in the future to prevent this from happening again.

If you don't have a filter then you definitely need one. Here's why: Outdoor Wood Furnaces are all open to the atmosphere. Therefore, you will get sediment in your system.

Sediment will build up in your heat exchangers and destroy them, AND sediment is the "Secret Killer" of outdoor wood burners. If you don't have a filter, your heat exchangers will fail after some years and need to be replaced. This is much more costly than having a filter!

you definitely need one. Here's why: Outdoor Wood Furnaces are all open to the atmosphere. Therefore, you will get sediment in your system.

Sediment will build up in your heat exchangers and destroy them, AND sediment is the "Secret Killer" of outdoor wood burners. If you don't have a filter, your heat exchangers will fail after some years and need to be replaced. This is much more costly than having a filter!

We have seen some outdoor wood stoves fail after only a few years from sediment - this of course depends upon your water conditions too. Don't make the mistake of thinking "Everything is fine and I don't need one." What you can't see WILL hurt your boiler system. 

Filter kits are sold complete with every fitting needed, AND the kit includes simple instructions and drawing for quick assembly. For more information on the Filter Kit, click HERE, or see below.

A filter will enable you to Turn UP Your Thermostat and Still SAVE Money on your heating bills for decades with your outdoor wood burner!

Visit our online store OutdoorBoiler.com for more outdoor wood boiler parts!

Operating Furnace FAQs:

• Am I burning too much wood?

You may be. Is the wood properly seasoned? Have you cleared the firebox? High wood consumption can be caused by a number of factors.

• Can I leave my Outdoor Wood Burner over the weekend?

You may have someone "feed" your furnace for you or you may lower the thermostat temperature.

• Do I have to drain my furnace if I'm away for a long time?

No, as long as you have filled the furnace, added the proper amount of water treatment & keep the pump circulating the water.

• What are the critical items to operate and maintain my furnace efficiently?

1. Keep water full

2. Manage ash

3. Use water treatment

4. Use seasoned wood

5. Keep fire in the middle of the firebox

6. Clean tubes regularly

Maintenance FAQs

• Why is outdoor boiler water treatment important?

The boiler chemical (corrosion inhibitor) that you would apply to your furnace water coats the inside of the furnace to reduce the effects of corrosion on the metal. 

Click HERE to order our Liquid Armor Water Treatment and other outdoor wood furnace parts. Every gallon of Liquid Armor comes with FREE 2 sample bottles. Then submit your water sample to Outdoor Boiler Lab and get Free Water Test!

• How often do I need to Inspect my Chimney/Flue

Inspect chimney and flue monthly and clean as needed. Clean chimney and flue annually. Perform cleaning and maintenance only when no fire is present in the firebox and ashes are cooled completely.

Troubleshooting

• Why am I not getting hot water?

Check that the hot water system is connected properly. Check if the heat exchanger is partially or totally clogged.

• Why does my furnace continue to burn when it is not operating?

Check the door seal, door adjustment, and solenoid.

• I can't find a leak in my furnace. Why am I losing water?

Outdoor Wood Burning Boilers use a non-pressurized system, this means that the existing heating system is exposed to the air. Since the water in the system can and will be warmer than the air, there will be evaporation of the water in the system. The water must be checked and adjusted at least once a month, sometimes more.