Steam System Summer Health Checklist

Keep your plant safe, efficient and ready for anything this summer
From Spirax Sarco UK & Ireland

☀️ Why Check Your Steam System in Summer?

Summer is the ideal time to inspect, service and optimise your steam system — especially ahead of planned shutdowns or lower seasonal demand. A proactive approach now can help prevent costly failures later in the year and improve your energy performance.

✅ Your Summer Health Checklist

1. Inspect Steam Traps
□ Conduct visual and functional checks on traps across the system
□ Replace or repair failed-open/failed-closed traps
□ Consider a steam trap survey or permanent monitoring solution

2. Review Condensate Recovery
□ Check for waterlogging, back pressure or flow issues
□ Ensure condensate lines are properly insulated
□ Inspect condensate pumps and float traps for reliability

3. Check for Leaks and Insulation Gaps
□ Walk the line: identify steam leaks or escaping condensate
□ Repair small leaks early to avoid escalating fuel losses
□ Replace or top up insulation where it’s damaged or missing

4. Test Boiler Controls and Alarms
□ Validate safety valves, level controls, and blowdown systems
□ Check burner performance and flue gas composition
□ Review BMS/alarm system response times

5. Service Heat Exchangers and Calorifiers
□ De-scale and flush where required
□ Check for uneven temperatures, fouling or flow restrictions
□ Ensure condensate is discharging correctly

6. Review System Load Profiles
□ Analyse seasonal demand – are boilers oversized in summer?
□ Consider opportunities for shutdown or load sharing
□ Adjust control parameters for leaner summer operation

7. Update Maintenance Logs & Plan Ahead
□ Document all inspections and interventions
□ Schedule repairs or upgrades during planned shutdowns
□ Review stock levels for spares and critical parts

📉 Did You Know?

• A 3mm steam leak at 7 bar could cost over £4,000 per year
• Just 1mm of scale can increase fuel use by 10%
• A failed steam trap can waste £1,000+ annually in lost energy
  
  

🛠️ Need Support?

Our engineers are on hand to help you assess your system and prioritise the most effective improvements — whether it’s through a steam trap survey, energy audit, or tailored aftercare plan.

📞 Speak to your local Spirax Sarco expert
🌐 www.spiraxsarco.com/uk

🏁 Don’t Wait for Winter — Stay Ahead This Summer.

Spirax Sarco UK & Ireland
Your partner in sustainable steam system performance.