Key Takeaways:
- Boilers provide reliable heating and hot water service but can be challenging to diagnose and repair when problems arise.
- Common causes of boiler issues include corrosion, frozen condensate pipes, pressure problems, and faulty installation or maintenance.
- Some common boiler problems include no hot water or heating, water leaks, pilot light going out, unusual noises from the boiler, radiators not heating up evenly, and ignition issues.
- To fix these issues yourself: check thermostats/timers; look for leaks; increase air supply into the system if needed; bleed radiators to release trapped air; add inhibitor if there is sludge build-up.
- If you’re unsure how to make adjustments or repairs yourself: hire an experienced technician who knows what they’re doing.
Boilers are a dependable source of heat and hot water; however, it can become challenging to determine the root cause and find an appropriate solution when something goes wrong.
Daigle Plumbing, Heating & Cooling discusses some common issues associated with boilers. We’ll also focus on what steps to take for successful heating system repairs.
5 Reasons for Boiler Issues
1. Faulty Installation
Hiring an inexperienced contractor can result in a Poorly installed boiler. It can cause several issues, ranging from inefficiency to water leaking or damage. Whenever getting heating system repair or installation done, be sure that experienced technicians are hired who know what they are doing. You must take your time researching technicians before hiring one.
2. Lack of Maintenance
Like any other machine, boilers require regular maintenance and servicing to keep them in good condition. Not paying attention to the regularly scheduled maintenance can cause several problems with the boiler. You must pay attention to the manufacturer’s recommendations for care, as this will help avoid costly repair bills in the future.
However, experts recommend replacing your old heating system with a new energy-efficient one. Doing so can drastically improve the efficiency of your system from 70% to an impressive 98.5%, meaning you’ll save money and have access to high-performance warmth!
Related: Things To Consider When Installing A New-Build Heating System
3. Corrosion
Corrosion occurs when air or moisture enters your boiler system, causing rust and wear on different parts of the system over time. This corrosion can lead to leaks and breaks. Ensure all seals are tight and secure, so the air doesn’t seep in and cause decay.
4. Frozen Condensate Pipe
Condensate pipes are typically outside and exposed to weather conditions, which can lead to them freezing over if temperatures drop below 32°F (-0°C). To solve this issue, wrap insulation around the pipe or purchase an electric heating cable that uses electricity to heat the line and stop it from freezing over.
5. Pressure Problems
The pressure levels in a boiler should remain consistent; if there is a drop or increase in the pressure levels, it could indicate an issue with the system. Check for leaks and ensure all valves are in working order and set to the correct level.
Common Boiler Problems
Now that you know the potential causes, let’s look at some common boiler problems and the heating system repairs needed to fix them.
1. No Hot Water/Heating
Boilers function to provide hot water and heat to your home. It could mean a fault with the thermostat or timer if it’s not happening.
How to Fix?
Check the thermostat and timer to see if they are working correctly. If not, you’ll likely need to call a heating system repair and maintenance professional.
2. Water Leaks
A water leak is easy to spot, as you’ll see a puddle of wetness around the boiler or pipework.
How to Fix?
Check for any loose connections and tighten them up. If this doesn’t solve the problem, there’s likely an issue with your boiler’s internal components that will require professional attention.
3. Pilot Light Going Out
Various issues, such as a blocked flue or incorrect pressure settings in the system, can cause this.
How to Fix?
Increase air supply into the system if needed and check that all pressure levels are correct. Hire an experienced technician if you need help with how to make adjustments.
4. The boiler Making Unusual Noises
Various things, such as an airlock in the system, kettling, or limescale build-up, can cause unwanted noises from your boiler.
How to Fix?
If it’s an airlock, you can fix this by bleeding the radiator and releasing trapped air. If it’s limescale or kettling, a visit from an experienced technician will be required.
5. The radiator is Not Heating Evenly.
Radiators are designed to heat evenly; however, this can be affected by poor circulation and blockages in the system caused by sludge or air.
How to Fix?
Bleeding your radiator helps release any trapped air in the system and get it flowing correctly again. If there are signs of sludge, an inhibitor should be added to prevent further build-up. Contact a professional to help.
6. Boiler Not Igniting
There could be several reasons your boiler isn’t igniting – from a faulty thermocouple or pilot light to a power cut or incorrect setting on your thermostat.
How to Fix?
If you have a gas boiler, check that there’s enough gas being supplied and check for any obstructions around the pilot light. You may need to reset the pilot light. If you notice a thermostat issue, it may be time to install a new one.
7. Thermostat Issues
Your boiler’s thermostat controls your home’s temperature, and if it’s not working correctly, you may find that the room is too hot or too cold.
How to Fix?
It’s usually a simple case of resetting the thermostat or replacing the batteries. Still, it could also be an issue with the thermocouple. If this doesn’t resolve things, you’ll need to contact an experienced engineer who can ensure everything is calibrated correctly.
Conclusion
Having a boiler problem can be a real headache. From kettling noises to no hot water, it’s essential to understand the causes and how you can fix them. We always recommend contacting an experienced engineer ASAP, as they have the right tools and expertise to perform necessary repairs or replacements. Don’t let your boiler problems linger – take action today!
Get Heating System Repair or Replacement From Professionals in Atkinson, NH
Daigle Plumbing Heating & Cooling is the go-to boiler system repair and maintenance company in Atkinson, NH. Our experienced and certified technicians are here to help you with all your residential boiler needs. Contact us today and get a free estimate for your heating system repair and maintenance.
