Dislodged Boiler Venting System Releases Carbon Monoxide

Location: Surrey, BC
Regulated industry sector: Gas – Natural Gas System

Incident Overview

In a residential home, a family heard their CO detector alarm sound repeatedly and exited the building. Further investigation found that carbon monoxide was being released by a boiler through an exhaust vent, into interior space. The natural gas fired boiler’s exhaust venting system was dislodged by delayed ignition detonation. A degraded arcing ignitor, clogged condensate drain, and dirty heat exchanger may have contributed to the delayed ignition. Proper and timely maintenance would have reduced the likelihood of a delayed ignition occurring.