During your annual maintenance visit, you’re service provider should check your boiler’s condensate pH level. If it is between 2 and 4, the State of Massachusetts requires your high-efficiency boiler be treated with a “pH neutralizer.” Otherwise, the highly-acidic condensate will corrode and seriously damage your pipes, as well as sewerage systems and treatment facilities.

Condensate is created when the boiler’s flue gas temperature drops below 130 degrees Fahrenheit. To maintain a desired pH level of about 7 to 8.5, the condensate passes through a tube of lime chips (pH Neutralizer) before it is dumped into public drainage systems.