Boilers are great, reliable pieces of equipment that provide a home with heating and hot water, but they need repair from time to time. If you notice any signs that your boiler is in need of maintenance, call a service technician as soon as possible to ensure that you don’t experience an expensive breakdown.
There are a number of ways that your boiler can break down, so here are some tips to help you recognize if it needs repair or replacement:
Leaks and damaged seals
Call a professional immediately if your boiler is leaking. Even a small leak can cause serious problems and need to be addressed immediately. This is especially true for older boilers, which have a greater likelihood of developing cracks and damages that lead to leakages.
It can also be caused by a faulty seal that allows air to enter the system. Service technicians will need to replace a damaged or cracked seal.
A leaking boiler can be difficult to spot, so it’s important to take note of all the potential signs and symptoms that you should look for. These symptoms include:
No hot water or heat
If your boiler doesn’t produce any hot water, it could be a sign that there is a problem with the pilot light or a faulty gas control valve. While you can try to reignite the pilot light on your own, it’s usually best to contact a qualified engineer to fix it for you.
You may also have a gas leak, which can be dangerous. It is important not to touch any gas supply parts. You could cause an explosion that can prove fatal if you do.
Frozen Pipes and Cold Weather
If you live in cold climates, the plastic condensate pipe of your boiler that transports acidic water outside can freeze and block the boiler. This is a common problem that can be fixed by pouring hot (not boiling) water over the frozen section of pipe until it thaws.
Symptoms of this problem include no hot water and heat, as well as gurgling sounds from the boiler. Attempt to clean the condensate pipes with a cloth or heating pack to prevent further damage.
Check the Relief Valve and Pressure Gauge: If your boiler’s gauge shows low water levels, make sure to check the relief valve. It allows excess steam to escape the system when the boiler shuts off. Regular testing is a good idea.
Your pressure gauge should read between 1 and 1.5 bars. If it’s less than that, you should top it up using the boiler filling loop. You can find a filling loop in your hot water cylinder cupboard or on the bottom of your boiler.
A faulty pressure gauge can be easily fixed, but if you have any questions or concerns about the issue, it’s best to consult a service technician for boiler repair advice.