Top 10 Boiler Problems Homeowners Experience
It is never a good situation when you have a sudden issue with your boiler. There are very few situations that are more inconvenient than having no heating and hot water in your home. Being exposed to the cold is especially difficult for children and the elderly. Here is a list of some of the most common boiler problems. It also includes their likely causes while highlighting some possible repairs. Read on to learn how to get your home’s boiler up and running again.
Top 10 Boiler Problems Homeowners Experience
Contents
- Top 10 Boiler Problems Homeowners Experience
- Boiler Is Leaking
- Low Boiler Pressure
- No Heating Or Hot Water From The Boiler
- Frozen Condensate Pipe
- Boiler Radiator Faults
- The Boiler Makes Whistling, Gurgling, or Banging Noises
- The Boiler Doesn’t Respond To The Thermostat
- Boiler Pilot Light Keeps Switching Off
- Boiler Won’t Turn On (No Power)
- Boiler Breakdown
- Call Point Bay Fuel For Your Home Heating Requirements
This article discusses some of the most common boiler issues homeowners encounter.
Boiler Is Leaking
An issue with your pump seal, pressure valve, or other internal components can cause a leak in your boiler. If the leak is due to a pressure relief valve issue, the pressure in the system has likely become too high. The seal could have worn out if the leak had stemmed from the pump seal.
Corrosion may have caused a leak to develop in your system’s pipes. There could also be a problem with the way the system was installed. It is recommended that you consult an HVAC professional to help determine and resolve this issue. Your HVAC technician may recommend getting a boiler replacement if the leak is due to a particularly severe problem.
Low Boiler Pressure
You can typically determine if your boiler has too low pressure by taking a look at its built-in pressure gauge. The ideal pressure of your boiler is 1.5 bar. If the pressure is set below 1, your boiler won’t operate properly.
Low boiler pressure can be due to a failed seal or component, recently bled radiators, or a system leak. You should first look for visible leak symptoms to help identify the problem. However, you shouldn’t try to remove any boiler casings. If there is a leak, call an HVAC professional. If you don’t find a leak, you can attempt to repressurize your boiler if you think you can do so. However, it is best left to the professionals.
Related Article: The Ultimate Guide For Residential Boilers
No Heating Or Hot Water From The Boiler
It can be frustrating when your boiler doesn’t do what it was designed to do, which is to provide your home with hot water and heating. A broken thermostat, malfunctioning motorized valves, low pressure, and faulty system diaphragms and airlocks can cause this issue.
Check the pressure gauge to see if it is below 1 to identify if the problem is due to low pressure. It may need to be repressurized if this is the cause. If a thermostat issue causes intermittent heating and hot water, check the manufacturer’s guide of the device to find a possible solution. Contact the manufacturer for help if you can’t find a solution using the guide.
If these suggestions don’t help. We recommend consulting a trained HVAC technician because a professional needs to check problems like a faulty diaphragm or a broken motorized valve.
Frozen Condensate Pipe
This is a common issue, especially during the colder seasons. The condensate pipe of your system transports the condensate from the boiler to the outside drain. The condensate can freeze and block the pipe during periods of cold weather. This is common in homes that have the condensate pipe installed externally or in an unheated area like the garage. This issue can result in the condensate backing up into the boiler and causing the system to break down.
The good news is that the problem can be easily repaired on your own. Insulating or lagging the pipe can often be a long-term solution to this problem.
Related Article: What To Look For In A Boiler Repair Company
Boiler Radiator Faults
Air or sludge buildup inside the radiators can result in cold patches and other issues. This can also cause uneven heat distribution. Cold patches in various areas can point to different kinds of problems. Luckily, many radiator issues can be fixed by bleeding the radiator. Determine the reason behind your radiator problem by calling an experienced HVAC technician in your area.
The Boiler Makes Whistling, Gurgling, or Banging Noises
Boilers normally make sounds during operation, especially as it is starting. However, a qualified HVAC technician must check a boiler that suddenly makes odd banging, gurgling, or whistling noises.
Low water pressure, faulty pump, or air in the system can result in unusual boiler noises. Limescale buildup, called “kettling,” can also cause boiler noises. Consult with an HVAC professional.
The Boiler Doesn’t Respond To The Thermostat
Have you had to reset the time forward or backward recently due to Daylight saving time? If this is the case, ensure that the thermostat is set with the correct time. A boiler that ultimately fails to respond to the thermostat may mean the device is old or broken. You can conduct some checks before concluding that the device is completely broken.
For instance, replace the batteries. This may seem like an obvious solution, but it is commonly overlooked. You can also try placing the thermostat closer to the boiler and check for any interference that may be the root cause of the problem. Read the manual for advice if the thermostat problem persists. You can also consult with the manufacturer.
Related Article: What Is A Boiler Expansion Tank?
Boiler Pilot Light Keeps Switching Off
Older boilers may feature a permanent pilot light that needs to remain lit so that it can light the larger burner inside your boiler. A pilot light that keeps going out may mean you have a malfunctioning thermocouple that cuts off the fuel supply. Other reasons could be a draft blowing the light out or a deposit buildup.
If you are comfortable doing so, you can relight the pilot light yourself. Ensure that you follow the boiler manual’s instructions on how to do so. For gas boilers, make sure that the gas stopcock is on before relighting the pilot. Ensure that there is no gas supply issue present. Check other gas appliances to verify this. We recommend calling a licensed HVAC contractor to resolve this problem.
This is a common problem with older boilers. Modern systems do not have pilot lights and ignite electronically. Consider getting a new boiler installed if this pilot light issue persists.
Boiler Won’t Turn On (No Power)
Check other appliances around your home to verify if they work if the boiler unit won’t turn on. Also, check the fuse box for any failed or tripped switches. If you cannot determine the reason, contact a trained HVAC technician to help you.
If your boiler repeatedly turns off even after turning it on, there could be low pressure or a clog inhibiting the system. Check the pressure gauge and repressurize it if it is set below 1. You can also call your local, trusted HVAC technician to help you.
Boiler Breakdown
If unaddressed, all the problems mentioned in this article can eventually cause a complete boiler breakdown. Therefore, you should call an HVAC contractor right away.
Boilers can break down beyond repair from age and inefficiency as well. A new system is a worthy investment if you have an old, inefficient boiler. It will ensure that your home gets the needed heating and hot water. Modern and energy-efficient boilers can also help you save on your energy expenses!
You must remember that you should only conduct simple boiler checks with minimum risk. Do not conduct a DIY repair because it can be extremely dangerous.
Related Article:What Is The Best Temperature To Set Your Heating Oil Boiler At?
Call Point Bay Fuel For Your Home Heating Requirements
Need top-quality heating and cooling services in the area? Don’t hesitate to call Point Bay Fuel. Our certified technicians can conduct high-quality HVAC services, including boiler tune-ups, AC repairs, furnace installations, and much more. All our techs are experienced, skilled, and knowledgeable to service your HVAC system accurately and on time.
Our company offers highly competitive HVAC service rates. We can recommend the best solution for your home while working within your budget. We always prioritize your comfort, energy efficiency, indoor air quality, and more. Book your next service appointment with Point Bay Fuel. Call us today!
Contact us now by calling (732) 349-5059 to speak to one of our home comfort specialists! Call Point Bay Fuel today. Click here to view our service area.