A sudden boiler issue is never an ideal situation. From leaks to malfunctioning radiators, boilers suffer from several problems if not serviced regularly. Maintenance problems become nastier when they are not identified and tackled on time. Fortunately, most common boiler issues are all easily identified and can easily be fixed with the help of skilled boiler and heating system technicians.
The article below lists the most common boiler problems making it easy for you to identify them when your boiler is acting up.
- Leaking Boiler
A boiler leak is usually caused by internal component deterioration, such as a pump seal or pressure valve. If the leak is due to a problem with the seal, it could have worn out. Should the leak be from your pressure relief valve, your system’s pressure has likely become too high.
Corrosion around your boiler pipes can also cause leaks. Sometimes leaks are simply caused by an issue in the way your system was installed. Therefore, it is recommended to seek services from a professional and trained engineer to help you identify the problem and fix the issues. If the leak is due to malfunctioning an important internal part of your system, the gas engineer may ask you to install a new boiler.
- Low Boiler Pressure
This is the easiest problem to identify; you can check whether your boiler’s pressure is too low by simply looking at the built-in pressure gauge. Ideal boiler pressure should be 1.5 bar; if it is lower than 1, your boiler will not work properly.
System leaks, recently bled radiators, failed components, or seals can also result in low boiler pressure. To identify the main cause of the problem, first, investigate the boiler physically for any imminent leaks and corrosion – don’t try to remove any casings; it can be dangerous -. If you discover any leaks, call the repairs. If you don’t identify any leaks, try repressuring your boiler.
- No Hot Water
Understandably, it is very frustrating when your boiler fails to perform the very task it is designed for, i.e., to provide your home with heat and hot water. The reason behind this can be anything from broken system valves, airlocks, faulty motorized valves to low boiler pressure. Sometimes you have issues with the water heater and they also need to be repaired.
If the problem is due to bad pressure, check the gauge bar; if it is lower than 1, it surely needs repressuring. Return to your user manual if a thermostat issue causes intermittent heat or no hot water then check your supply and set the temperature accordingly. If you still cannot figure the reason, contact your manufacturer and get the issue rectified.
- Frozen Condensate Pipe
This is a very common issue, specifically in areas where winters are extreme. The condensate pipe is responsible for transporting condensate from your boiler to the outside drain. During the cold season, the condensate can freeze and cause drain blockage. This problem is particularly common in houses where the condensate problem is located externally or in an unheated area like a garage or basement.
If left unaddressed, the blockage can cause condensate to travel back into the boiler, causing system breakdowns. Lagging and insulating condensate pipe can serve as a permanent solution to the problem.
- Radiator Faults
Cold patches or other similar problems can be the result of a faulty radiator. Often the build-up of sludge formation in the radiators causes unequal distribution of heat. Cold patches at different locations can be because of different radiator problems. Spare some time in learning more about radiator problems – as most radiator problems are solved by a simple action called radiator bleeding – you can bleed radiator on your own. Otherwise, professionals are always there to help you in exchange for a little money.
- Boiler Not Responding To Thermostat
If your device is totally in line with time but still your boiler is not responding to your thermostat, the controls are old or probably broken. However, you should perform a few boiler and thermostat checks before declaring it a kaput.
Some checks can include: changing the batteries (although it is very obvious, a common mistake), changing the positioning of the devices (bring them closer) and checking if some interference is causing the issue. If the problem lies with the thermostat, get back to the user manual for instructions or contact your manufacturer.
Conclusion
No matter how preempted you act with your household maintenance, some unprecedented problems occur no matter what. Boiler tops the list when it comes to unforeseen problems. Sudden breakdowns, cold patches, cold water, and improper heating can occur anytime. Keeping a regular inspecting eye on your boiler can help you pinpoint the problem before it is too late. However, whenever encountered with a boiler problem, never settle for an inexperienced gas technician, as safety comes first.
