How to Inspect Boiler Tube Ends: What Welds, Beads, and Flares Tell You

During inspections, the ends of boiler tubes tell a story—if you know what to look for. In this hands-on Weekly Boiler Tip (filmed at Boiler University) we examine welded, beaded, and flared tube ends. You’ll learn what each type looks like, how they behave under thermal stress, and what signs could indicate a bigger problem. Safety notice: Always consult experts for complex repairs. Weekly Boiler Tips are compiled by the knowledgeable and remarkably prolific content creators at WARE, a family owned, third-generation, 69-year-old commercial and industrial boiler rental and service firm based in Louisville KY. You can learn all about this and more at WARE's Boiler University.