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Jan 17

Top 10 Boiler Problems Homeowners Experience

image of a homeowner feeling chilly due to boiler problems

It isn’t an ideal situation for a boiler issue to crop up. Only a few scenarios bring more inconvenience than having no hot water or heating in your home during the winter season.
Keep reading to explore some of the common boiler problems and the likely causes. This also includes some of the potential repairs, so continue reading to determine how you can help your heating system, whether a combi or heat-only boiler, go back to good working condition again.

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Top 10 Boiler Problems Homeowners Experience

This article helps you learn some of the most common boiler issues homeowners encounter.

Leaky Boiler

oxidized boiler pipe due to boiler leak

A leak in your boiler is typically caused by an internal component issue. It can be due to the pump seal or pressure valve. If it’s the latter, the system’s pressure has likely increased too much. A worn-out pump seal may also be the cause of the leak.

Corrosion can cause a leak to develop around the pipes of your system. The issue may be because of how your system was installed. It is recommended that you call an HVAC expert to help you find and repair the problem. If the leak is due to a severe problem, your HVAC technician may recommend a boiler replacement instead.

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Boiler Has Low Pressure

You only need to look at the built-in pressure gauge, and this will typically tell you if your boiler’s pressure is too low. The ideal boiler pressure is 1.5 bar. If it is set below 1, your boiler cannot operate as it should.

Low pressure in your boiler can be due to a system leak, component or seal failure, recently bled radiators, and other issues. You can help determine the cause by first searching for visible leak signs. However, never attempt to remove the casings from the boiler. You should call an HVAC expert once you discover a leak. If you can’t find a leak, you can attempt to repressurize the boiler if you are comfortable doing so. However, this is best left in the hands of a capable HVAC professional.

No Heating Or Hot Water Coming From The Boiler

image of a homeowner sitting by radiator and boiler not producing heat

It can be a hassle when your boiler stops performing the task that it was designed to do, which is to provide heating and hot water to your home. This problem can be due to several causes, such as a broken thermostat, broken system diaphragms and airlocks to low pressure, and malfunctioning motorized valves.

You can find out if this problem is due to low pressure by checking the pressure gauge. If it is below 1, it may need to be repressurized. If a thermostat issue causes intermittent heating and hot water, look up a possible solution in the device’s manufacturer manual. If you can’t find any, contact the manufacturer for assistance.

If these suggestions don’t help, we advise that you call a trained HVAC specialist. After all, a professional is needed to resolve problems like a broken motorized valve or faulty diaphragm.

 

Frozen Condensate Pipe

This is a common problem, especially during the winter. The condensate pipe is tasked with transporting the condensate from the boiler to the drain outdoors. When there is cold weather, the water can freeze and block the pipe. This is a common issue in homes with condensate pipes installed externally or in a garage and other unheated areas. The issue can cause the water to back up into the boiler, leading to a system breakdown.

Fortunately, there is an easy and quick fix. All that is needed is to lag or insulate the pipe, which usually works as a long-term solution for the problem.

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Boiler Radiator Faults

cat on radiator depicting home heating oil system

Air or sludge buildup in the radiators can cause problems like cold spots because the heat is distributed unevenly. Cold patches can indicate various issues. However, many radiator problems can be fixed through radiator bleeding. Find the reason behind your radiator problem by calling an experienced HVAC technician in your area.

Boiler Not Responding To Thermostat

Has time been going forwards or backward recently? Ensure that your thermostat has the correct time. A boiler that doesn’t respond to your thermostat may have faulty or old controls. You can conduct some steps to verify if the device has gone entirely kaput.

First, replace the batteries. This may sound obvious, but it is a commonly overlooked issue. Consider positioning the thermostat closer to the boiler and check for any interference that may be causing the boiler not to respond. You should also read the instruction booklet for recommendations on resolving the issue. If the thermostat problem persists, call the manufacturer to ask for help.

 

Boiler Produces Gurgling, Banging, or Whistling Noises

Boilers normally make sounds while running, especially during start-up. However, call a qualified HVAC technician if your boiler produces whistling, banging, or gurgling noises out of the blue.
Some causes of unusual boiler sounds are a malfunctioning pump, limescale buildup (kettling), or low water pressure. Read our article about noisy boilers to learn all you need to know.

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Boiler Pilot Light Keeps Switching Off

Older boilers may be equipped with a permanent pilot light that should remain lit to light the larger burner in your boiler. A pilot light that keeps going out may mean a faulty thermocouple, which cuts off the fuel supply. There could also be a deposit accumulation or a draft that’s blowing the light out.

You can attempt pilot light relighting if you are comfortable doing it yourself. Follow the boiler manual’s instructions carefully. If you own a gas boiler, ensure that the gas stopcock is on before you try relighting the pilot. Ensure that the gas stopcock is on before reigniting the pilot. You should also verify that there are no gas supply issues. You can do this by checking other gas appliances. Contact an HVAC technician to resolve this issue.

This is a common problem that older boilers have. Modern systems do not have this issue because they do not have pilot lights. Instead, they ignite electronically. Consider getting a boiler replacement if pilot light problems persist in your boiler.

Boiler Won’t Turn On (No Power)

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Check other appliances and your home’s power supply if your boiler unit won’t switch on. If they work, examine your fuse box for faulty or tripped switches. If you cannot determine the cause, get in touch with a qualified HVAC technician for assistance.

If your gas or oil boiler turns on but keeps switching off, there could be low pressure or a clog is inhibiting the system. Check the pressure gauge of your boiler. If it is set below 1, repressurize it. You can also call a reputable HVAC contractor in your area to help you.

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Boiler Breakdown

All the issues listed above will lead to boiler breakdown if neglected. Therefore, you should call an HVAC expert right away.

Boilers can also break down beyond repair due to age and inefficiency. If you have an old and inefficient boiler, it is worth investing in a boiler installation so your heating and hot water needs are met. A modern and energy-efficient boiler can also help save more on your energy costs!

Remember that you should only conduct simple checks on your boilers. There should be a minimum risk in these checks. Do not try to conduct a DIY repair because this could be very dangerous.

Call Skylands Energy Service For Your Home Heating Requirements

image of skylands energy service logoWhen you need top-quality HVAC services in the area, don’t hesitate to call Skylands Energy Service. Our company only has the best professionally certified technicians to help you with your heating and cooling service needs, such as installations, repairs, replacements, and maintenance. Our friendly techs have vast knowledge, the right tools, and years of experience to perform accurate and prompt HVAC system services.

Our company offers the most affordable HVAC service rates in the area. If you need to replace your HVAC equipment, we can recommend the most suitable one for your home within your budget. We always prioritize our clients’ indoor air quality, comfort, and energy efficiency. Call Skylands Energy Service today to schedule an appointment, and receive a free, in-home estimate.

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