What maintenance task is crucial to prevent overheating in a steam boiler?

Regularly checking the water level in a steam boiler is crucial to prevent overheating because the water level directly affects the boiler's ability to produce steam safely. If the water level is too low, the boiler can operate without sufficient water to absorb the heat generated by the combustion process. This can lead to overheating of the boiler's components, including the heat exchanger and boiler tubes, which can cause damage or even catastrophic failure, such as a boiler explosion.

Maintaining the correct water level ensures that there is always enough water to generate steam and absorb excess heat. This task is typically done with the help of a gauge glass or automatic water level control systems, which provide real-time monitoring of the water level. Regular checks are essential to quickly identify any deviations from the recommended level, allowing for timely corrective action.

While adjusting fuel input, cleaning, and inspecting electrical connections are important maintenance tasks, they do not address the primary issue of maintaining adequate water levels, which is critical for safe and efficient boiler operation.