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Before starting a steam or hot water boiler, you should check for?

  1. Water in the boiler

  2. Proper operation of all valves

  3. The pressure gauges

  4. Your safety equipment

The correct answer is: Water in the boiler

Before starting a steam or hot water boiler, checking for water in the boiler is crucial. This is because a boiler needs an adequate amount of water to operate safely and efficiently. If the boiler is low on water or has no water at all, it can lead to overheating and potentially cause damage to the boiler components, including the boiler shell and heat exchanger. Insufficient water levels can result in a condition known as "dry firing," which can cause severe accidents or failures. While the other options are also important for safe boiler operation, ensuring the presence of water is fundamental. Checking the proper operation of all valves, the pressure gauges, and your safety equipment should follow, as these components contribute to the overall safety and performance of the boiler system, but they rely on the existence of water for the boiler to operate effectively.