Top Ten Boiler Issues Experienced In A Home

image of a homeowner in front of radiator due to boiler problems

It is always stressful when your boiler does not function properly. After all, since we rely on our boilers, especially during the winter, it is an extremely inconvenient experience. Not having access to heat and hot water is a dangerous situation to be in.

Continue reading below to explore some of the most frequent boiler problems and why these issues occur. We also share some possible solutions, so continue reading to learn more about how you can fix your heat-only, combination, or system boiler.

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Top Ten Boiler Problems Experienced by Property Owners

This article details some of the common boiler problems that property owners face.

1. Leaking Boiler

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Your boiler may leak because a pump seal, pressure valve, or another internal component is compromised. The system may push too much pressure if it leaks from the pressure relief valve. If the leak comes from the pump seal, the seal most likely has become worn.

If your leak occurs around the pipes in the system, you could have an issue with corrosion. Corrosion could stem from the initial installation, so you should call a certified HVAC technician to evaluate the leaks. The technician may suggest you replace your boiler if the leaks link to a major fault in the system.

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2. Low Boiler Pressure

After you read the built-in pressure gauge, you will have a clear indication if the pressure reading is too low. Your pressure measurement should be 1.5 bars, and a reading below 1 indicates a malfunction in the system.

Common causes of low boiler pressure include a recently bled radiator, a broken seal or other components, or a leak in the system. To determine if this is the issue, look at the system for signs of any leaks. Do not try to remove any of the casings from the boiler; instead, call an HVAC contractor immediately for assistance if you detect a leak. If you cannot find the leak, attempt to repressurize the boiler, but only if you feel comfortable with this process. However, this process is better managed by a competent professional who specializes in heating repairs.

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3. No Heat or Hot Water from Your Boiler

image of a homeowner taking a cold shower due to no domestic hot water and boiler

Anyone would get frustrated if their boiler does not provide heat or hot water to their home. After all, your boiler’s primary function is to keep your family comfortable. Several factors could cause these problems, including broken system airlocks and diaphragms, a broken thermostat, low pressure, or faulty motorized valves.

If your pressure gauge reads below 1, the problem could be low pressure, and you should pressurize the system. If your heat and hot water supply are inconsistent, the problem could be the thermostat. Check the manual to see if the manufacturer has provided a solution. If the manual offers no resolution, contact the manufacturer for further assistance.

If the above suggestions are not helpful, you need to contact an expert HVAC contractor. Only a professional should check malfunctions caused by a faulty diaphragm or broken motorized valves.

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4. Frozen Condensate Pipe

Frozen condensate pipes are common occurrences in the winter season. These pipes transport the condensate from the boiler unit to the outside drains. If the weather is cold, the condensate may freeze and cause a blockage. Property owners whose condensate pipes are installed outside or in an unheated space, such as the garage, tend to have this problem. When the condensate pipe is frozen, the condensate travels back into the boiler and could cause the system to malfunction.

You may be able to address this problem fast without assistance from anyone. One long-term solution that you could try is insulating or lagging the pipe.

Related Article: What To Look For In A Boiler Repair Company

5. Faults with the Boiler’s Radiator

image of mittens on radiator

A build-up of sludge or air inside the radiator could cause cold patches or other issues, which leads to uneven heat distribution in your home. Unfortunately, if you find cold patches in different areas of the house, you may have more than one type of issue. Luckily, you can rectify most of the problems with your radiator by bleeding the system. To find out what may be causing your radiator to malfunction, call an experienced HVAC technician within your area.

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6. Boiler Not Syncing with Thermostat

Has daylight savings time caused the clocks to go forward or backward recently? You must ensure that you adjust your thermostat according to daylight savings time. The controls could be out-of-date or broken if your boiler does not respond to the thermostat. However, you can conduct a few checks to ensure it is still viable and not ready to be thrown out.

For instance, try replacing the batteries. You may be surprised, but many homeowners make this silly error. Also, try setting your device a little closer to the boiler and check for any interference which could cause a disruption. If you continue to have a problem with your thermostat, review your manufacturer’s booklet for ideas or solutions. You can also call the manufacturer for further assistance.

7. Banging, Whistling, or Gurgling Noises from the Boiler

image of a homeowner cupping ear and listening due to unusual boiler noises

Your boiler will make certain noises while operating, but this is more prevalent when the system starts up. You need to contact a knowledgeable HVAC technician if you hear uncommon whistles, bangs, or gurgles from your boiler.

Air in your boiler system may cause unusual noises. Other factors, such as limescale build-up or kettling, low water pressure, or a malfunctioning pump, can cause your boiler to be noisy. Check out our article about noisy boilers to learn more about these issues.

8. Boiler Pilot Light Not Staying On

Many older model boilers have permanent pilot lights that must remain lit to light the larger burner inside the boiler. Unfortunately, the thermocouple may be faulty if the pilot light does not stay on because it could cut off the fuel supply. On the other hand, a draught may be blowing the light out, or there may be a deposit build-up.

First, try reigniting the pilot if you feel confident with this approach. Ensure that you follow all instructions in the manual. Ensure the gas stopcock is on before relighting the pilot if your boiler is gas-powered. Also, check to ensure you have no problems with the gas supply and assess your other gas appliances to confirm that the gas supply is okay. We suggest you speak with a certified HVAC technician to assist you with remedying this problem.

This type of issue is common in older systems. Modern boilers do not have pilot lights installed; instead, they ignite electronically. Consider replacing your old boiler with a newer boiler system if you continue to have problems with your boiler’s pilot light.

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9. The Boiler Will Not Start Up (No Power)

If the boiler does not start up, check your other appliances and power sources first to ensure that this equipment works. If the appliances and power supplies are functioning, check the fuse box for tripped or failed switches. Contact a professional HVAC contractor if you cannot determine the cause of the failed start-up.

If your boiler does start up but switches off right after, the pressure may be insufficient. You could also have a blockage stalling the system. Check the pressure gauge and repressurize the boiler if the reading falls below 1. Otherwise, reach out to a trained HVAC contractor in your locale.

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10. Boiler Malfunction

Eventually, your boiler will break down if you never address the boiler problems listed above, making it unable to service your home. You must call an HVAC contractor immediately if your boiler breaks down.

Inefficiency and age can cause a boiler to break down and need replacement. If your boiler is old and inefficient, your best option is to invest in a more modern system. Newer systems are better at providing consistent hot water and heat to keep your family safe and comfortable. Modern boilers are energy efficient, so you can enjoy the extra money you save on your energy expenses.

You have to perform maintenance checks on your boiler regularly. These checks can be simple and safe for a novice to perform. If there is a problem, never attempt to solve these problems by yourself because boilers are dangerous equipment.

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Contact Hart Home Comfort For All Your Home Heating Needs

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Hart Home Comfort confirms that they provide competitive cooling and heating services within the area. If you need to replace your HVAC system, our team can suggest the most suitable model for your home while keeping you within your prescribed spending plan. Of course, our priority remains your comfort, including indoor air quality and savings from selecting an energy-efficient model. Schedule an appointment today by calling Hart Home Comfort for an in-home estimate at no cost. Click the link to view our service area.

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