Steam Boiler Repair in Union County, NJ — From a Family That's Worked on Steam Since 1985

One annual tune-up catches gas safety issues, low water cutoff failures, and efficiency drops before they become emergencies. Steam or hot water — we maintain both.

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Most homeowners don't think about their boiler until the heat stops working. By then, problems that started small — sediment buildup, a corroded low water cutoff, a slightly off combustion mixture — have grown into expensive failures or, worse, safety hazards. Continental Plumbers has been maintaining boilers across Union County since 1985. One annual visit checks combustion safety, tests low water cutoffs, calibrates controls, flushes sediment, and gives you a clean bill of health going into winter — or tells you straight what needs attention.

NJ Master Plumber License #9142

Since 1985

4.7★
(1,377 reviews)

Combustion analyzer + CO testing

What Boiler Maintenance Includes

A Complete Boiler Tune-Up — Hot Water or Steam

Real maintenance isn’t a glance and a sticker. Here’s exactly what we do for each system:

💧 Hot Water (Hydronic) Boiler Maintenance
✅ Combustion analysis Measure CO, CO₂, oxygen, draft. Critical safety check.
✅ Flush sediment Drain accumulated sediment that reduces efficiency and damages internal components.
✅ Expansion tank check Test diaphragm condition, check pressure, refresh if waterlogged.
✅ Pressure relief valve test Manual lift test to ensure it discharges if needed.
✅ Circulator pump inspection Check operation, listen for bearing wear, verify flow.
✅ System pressure verification Confirm proper cold-fill pressure (12–15 PSI typical).
✅ Bleed air from system Eliminate trapped air causing cold spots and inefficiency.
✅ Burner cleaning & adjustment Clean burner assembly, optimize for clean combustion.
✅ Venting inspection Verify flue/vent is clear, properly sloped, no signs of backdraft.
✅ Controls calibration Test aquastat, high-limit, low-limit settings.

💨 Steam Boiler Maintenance
✅ Low water cutoff test CRITICAL safety device. Drain, clean, test. The #1 maintenance item on steam boilers.
✅ Combustion analysis Measure CO, CO₂, draft. Same safety check as hot water.
✅ Skim the boiler Remove oil and contaminants from water surface that cause priming/surging.
✅ Sight glass cleaning Clean glass and cock valves so water level reading is accurate.
✅ Pressuretrol test Verify cutoff pressure setting (1.5–2 PSI residential).
✅ Pigtail / siphon cleaning Clear scale that blocks pressure sensing.
✅ Main vent inspection Verify it opens properly, replace if failed.
✅ Radiator vent testing Check each radiator vent, replace stuck or failed.
✅ Sediment flush Drain accumulated sediment from low points.
✅ Burner cleaning & adjustment Same combustion optimization as hot water.

Why Boiler Maintenance Actually Matters

Four Reasons Annual Maintenance Is Worth It

We don’t push maintenance as a sales tactic — boilers genuinely need it. Here’s what an annual tune-up actually does:

Catches Safety Problems Early

Carbon monoxide leaks, failing low water cutoffs, gas valve issues. Boilers are the #1 source of CO incidents in homes. Annual combustion testing prevents the worst case.

Extends Boiler Life by Years

Well-maintained boilers last 20–40% longer than neglected ones. We see boilers from the 1960s still running because someone maintained them properly.

Lowers Heating Bills

A properly tuned burner uses less fuel for the same heat. Sediment-free boilers transfer heat more efficiently. The savings often pay for the maintenance.

Protects Your Warranty

Most manufacturers require documented annual maintenance for warranty coverage. We provide written service records you can file with the manufacturer.

When to Schedule Maintenance

The Right Time for a Boiler Tune-Up

Not sure when yours was last serviced? Call (973) 900-0430 — we'll do a quick assessment and tell you if you're overdue.

We Get It

The Concerns We Hear About Boiler Maintenance

"Is annual maintenance really necessary, or is it just an upsell?"

Fair question. With boilers, it actually is necessary — partly because of safety (carbon monoxide is real), partly because of efficiency, partly because most manufacturer warranties require it. We see the difference between maintained and neglected boilers every winter. A $200 annual visit prevents repairs and replacements that cost thousands.

"I've never done maintenance on my boiler. Is it too late?"

Almost never. Even on a 30-year-old boiler that's never been professionally maintained, a thorough cleaning and tune-up can recover efficiency, catch safety issues, and add years of life. We'll be honest about what condition it's in.

"Will maintenance void or affect my manufacturer warranty?"

The opposite. Most warranties require documented annual maintenance. Skipping it can void coverage. Our service records meet manufacturer requirements.

"I manage rental properties. Can you handle annual maintenance across multiple boilers?"

Yes — and many property managers do this with us across Union County. Single visit per property, documented service records, scheduled annually before winter. Helps avoid the 2 AM tenant call about no heat.

The Neighbor Difference

Why Union County Trusts Continental for Maintenance

Local since 1985

40+ years maintaining steam and hot water boilers in Union County. We've seen what proper maintenance preserves.

Combustion analyzer on every visit

We don't just look at the boiler — we measure combustion gas chemistry. Catches CO issues invisible to the eye.

Documented every visit

Written service records with readings, findings, and recommendations. Use them for warranty, insurance, or property records.

Licensed & warrantied

NJ Master Plumber License #9142. Maintenance work warrantied — if anything we touched fails, we come back at no charge.

Where We Serve

Boiler Maintenance Across Union County

Union Township

Elizabeth

Cranford

Westfield

Linden

Roselle

Hillside

Summit

Springfield

Clark

Rahway

Kenilworth

Scotch Plains

Fanwood

Garwood

New Providence

Berkeley Heights

Mountainside

Roselle Park

Don’t see your town? call (973) 900-0430

Boiler Maintenance FAQs

How long does a maintenance visit take?

Standard tune-up: 90–120 minutes. Combustion analysis, cleaning, testing, and documentation. Steam boilers sometimes take slightly longer due to additional safety device testing.

What's the best time of year to schedule maintenance?

Late summer or early fall — before heating season starts. Beats discovering a problem in January when emergency service is at peak demand.

Do you maintain boilers I didn't buy from you?

Yes. We service all major brands of steam and hot water boilers, regardless of where you bought it or who installed it.

Will maintenance keep my warranty valid?

Yes. Most major boiler brands (Weil-McLain, Burnham, Peerless, Viessmann, Navien, etc.) require documented annual maintenance. We provide service records that meet manufacturer requirements.

What happens if you find a problem during maintenance?

We tell you immediately — what we found, what it means, and your options. Sometimes it's a quick fix during the same visit (small parts in stock). Sometimes it's "plan for replacement in 2–3 years." We don't push repairs that aren't necessary.

Is carbon monoxide testing included?

Yes — every maintenance visit includes combustion analysis with a calibrated CO analyzer. We measure ambient CO, flue gas CO, and combustion efficiency.

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