WiFi endoscope for inspecting boiler for scale

#1: Post by **jyl** » November 2nd, 2019, 10:45 pm

I decided to drain my Elektra Maxi boiler and have a look inside. It's hard to really inspect the inside of the boiler. Peering into one of the holes doesn't show too much. Umm, it's dark.

A few months ago, on a whim, I bought a WiFi endoscope. You can find these for about $35 on Amazon. Search for "Desptech wireless endoscope". Other than sticking it up my nose when I first received it, I've never used it.

Well, it works pretty well. See below stills from the video.

Flexible cable, several feet long. LED light on camera end. Easy to use. Cheap. Not waterproof as far as I know. But did I say cheap?

Anyway, I see gray stuff coating the wetted boiler surface. It's not shiny and coppery like it was after I restored it. Otherwise, not sure I know all that much more than I did before, but at least I know there's no sea monsters down there.

Should I fill the boiler with something active to deal with the gray stuff, or just drain and refill with fresh water every now and then?

#2: Post by **OldNuc** » November 3rd, 2019, 5:41 am

Leave that copper oxide alone as it is what is protecting the copper.

#3: Post by **slybarman** » November 3rd, 2019, 7:22 am

I think you need more fiber in your diet. This is the worst looking colonoscopy I've ever seen.

#4: Post by **cpro48609** » November 3rd, 2019, 10:05 am

I like using misc tools in the coffee arena also lol! We have a Klein Wifi Boroscope that is waterproof so I'll have to try that. I did take a pic of my Profitec Pro 600 with a thermal camera to see how it heats up. Cool stuff! Good thinking on the boroscope!

November 3rd, 2019, 10:15 am

While you're in there check for mice.
People always forget.

November 4th, 2019, 12:17 am

I think I'll try a regular regime of draining and refilling the boiler every couple months. I have very soft water but there were still some gray particles in the boiler water. I'm already in the habit of drawing off a cup or two each day using the hot water tap.

The endoscope is also useful, it turns out, for inspecting the underside and hidden bits of the machine. And for looking closely at the group. And for examining your bald spot, gums and back teeth. Whatever did I do before I had this thing? They also have a model with a built in screen (don't need a smartphone to view image) that is not much more. I'll get that next time.

#7: Post by **AssafL** » November 22nd, 2019, 2:20 am

OldNuc wrote:Leave that copper oxide alone as it is what is protecting the copper.

Are you talking about the OP's nose or boiler?

#8: Post by **OldNuc** » November 22nd, 2019, 5:30 am

The boiler copper.

#9: Post by **slipchuck** » November 22nd, 2019, 8:05 am

slybarman wrote:I think you need more fiber in your diet. This is the worst looking colonoscopy I've ever seen.

November 22nd, 2019, 11:22 am

jyl wrote:Should I fill the boiler with something active to deal with the gray stuff, or just drain and refill with fresh water every now and then?

I would do a complete Citric Acid flush, 're-scope' it and use that as a 'Baseline' for future reference.