Red Seal Boilermaker Practice Exam 2025 - Free Boilermaker Practice Questions and Study Guide

The effect of scale buildup in a boiler primarily leads to reduced efficiency and can cause overheating and damage. Scale forms when minerals in the water precipitate and accumulate on the heat transfer surfaces of the boiler. This buildup acts as an insulator, hindering the transfer of heat from the combustion gases to the water.

As a result, the boiler has to work harder to generate the same amount of steam or hot water, which leads to increased energy consumption. The excessive heat that is not effectively transferred to the water can also cause localized overheating of the boiler materials, potentially resulting in deformation, cracking, or even catastrophic failure if not addressed. Therefore, maintaining clean heat exchange surfaces is crucial for efficient boiler operation and longevity.