Gaskets and Gasket Kits

What is a Gasket & what is its function?

A gasket is essentially a seal between two pieces of metal that prevents leaks. They are used in steam boilers, and in hot water boilers, too.

With a gasket in place, metal parts that touch other metal parts, such as manhole doors, hand-hole doors, pipe flanges, gauge housings, fuel lines, and valve housings, will mate together and withstand the pressure of steam, feedwater, or fuel.

On the fireside of the boiler, gaskets are also used to seal stack ductwork and dampers, to make sure airflow and exhaust are carefully regulated for maximum efficiency. 

Different Types of Gaskets & How to Choose

Gaskets can be made from a variety of materials including paper, rubber, plastic, spiral-wound metal, graphite, and woven fiber. WARE stocks multiple types of gaskets for various applications, including pre-cut gaskets designed for specific parts. 

We also stock complete gasket kits that include every gasket needed for a specific area or part in your boiler system. 

The Role Gaskets Play in a Boiler

Boilers require a lot of metal-to-metal contact between pipes, fittings, gauges, hatches, and tanks. Inserting a gasket between the two metal mating surfaces makes sure that steam, water, and fuel can’t leak out, especially under pressure. 

What is the Effect of a Bad Gasket?

A failing gasket may not be immediately apparent, because it may still be able to hold pressure – at least for a while. However, when a gasket starts to go bad, it will eventually start to release steam, water, or fuel. That means it’s time for immediate replacement.

Things to Consider About Gaskets:

Always choose the correct gasket material for your application. Many gaskets look alike, but a gasket must be designed for the substances, pressures, and temperatures to which it will be exposed. 

Helpful Resources

Relevant WARE Videos on Gaskets

Inside a Gasket Kit

Different Kinds of Gaskets in the Boiler Room

Choosing the Right Gasket: OB vs E 

Differences in Gasket Surfaces on McDonnell Miller Float Control Heads

Sealing Up the Gasket Surfaces on the Boiler

Using Fiberglass Rope Gasket to Seal Boiler Doors

Explore over 750+ explanatory videos on boilers and boiler systems on our Youtube channel. Our videos can help you quickly grasp complex boiler topics. Watch more here!

Relevant WARE Blog Articles on Gaskets

Giving You the Ring-Around: Boiler Gaskets

Monitoring Your Boiler Room

Don’t Blow a Gasket

Monthly Boiler Maintenance Means Safe, Efficient Operation

How To Prep For Your Annual Boiler Open & Close

Annual Steam Boiler Open & Close

What Parts to Keep On-Hand at All Times

Our informative and educational blog content can help you gain a deeper understanding of the boiler room. Read more here!

Technical Documents

Rental Contingency Plan

Gasket FAQs

What if my boiler takes a non-standard gasket?

Don’t worry. While WARE keeps the most common types of gaskets in stock at all times, we can also special-order and even custom-fabricate gaskets for any boiler out there. 

How important is it to choose the right material?

Absolutely crucial. Any gasket you use must be rated for the temperature, pressure, and mating surface material you’re using it for. No substitutions, please – using the wrong gasket can be catastrophic. 

Does WARE sell rope gaskets, tape gaskets, and blanket material for my boiler’s fireside?

We stock a large inventory of rope gaskets, tape gaskets, and blanketing material, including fiberglass and ceramic, and can cut-to-fit as needed.

Does WARE sell ladder tape/drop-warp gaskets?

We stock a wide assortment of ladder tape, also known as a drop-warp gasket, in various widths.

Does WARE sell PTFE joint sealant?

We stock PTFE joint sealant in various widths and thicknesses.