What is a common hazard associated with improper boiler maintenance?

Improper boiler maintenance can lead to water hammer, which is a serious issue that can occur in steam systems. Water hammer happens when condensate or water slugs accumulate in the piping and are then violently displaced by high-velocity steam. This results in loud banging noises and can cause significant damage to the boiler and associated piping systems if not addressed.

Water hammer can lead to mechanical wear and tear on equipment, increased stress on pipes, and in severe cases, can even rupture pipes or cause other catastrophic failures. Regular maintenance practices, such as ensuring proper drainage of condensate and checking for correct steam trap operation, are essential to prevent water hammer from occurring.

On the other hand, options like increased energy efficiency, enhanced combustion, or noise reduction are typically associated with proper boiler maintenance rather than hazards resulting from neglect. Properly maintained boilers operate more efficiently, ensuring that combustion is optimized and that excess noise, which can also be linked to issues like water hammer, is minimized. Therefore, the correct choice highlights a real and significant danger directly tied to inadequate maintenance practices.