Outdoor Furnace 15-Second Fix: Why is My Filter Leaking?
All outdoor 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...
You need one. Here's why: Outdoor wood burners 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 boilers. If you don't have a filter, your heat exchangers will fail after some years and need to be replaced.
We have seen some boilers 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! 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.
Free Support and Fast Answers
With FREE Technical Support, our hundreds of videos, articles, operations & maintenance tips, and FREE Design Services, we guarantee that we will provide you the right answer to your question or solution to your problem."
Our Customer Promise
Customer support begins with a great customer service team. Our dedicated team is trained and experienced in all things outdoor wood furnaces.
You can always expect a human on the other end of the line. We know what’s important to you - your family, saving money, and keeping your house toasty warm - and we make that our highest priority. Contact us!
Free Water Testing
One of the most important steps in prolonging the life of your outdoor boiler is to ensure that the water in your boiler is not corroding the steel. Water starts to eat holes in steel immediately upon contact (through rust corrosion) unless properly treated. We test your outdoor boiler water for free! Get your wood boiler water treatment now!
Send your water samples!
Learn more.
