Boilers are complex, yet they are considered low-maintenance and durable compared to other heating systems. However, boilers are prone to a few common issues that require immediate attention. Here are four common boiler issues and their solutions.
Your Boiler Isn’t Producing Heat
If your room is freezing cold, and you don’t have hot water, this is a surefire sign that your boiler isn’t producing heat. There are many issues that could cause your boiler to stop producing heat. A broken safety switch, thermostat, or pump could be the cause of this issue. Trapped air and rust in the pipes can prevent the radiators from heating up. To solve this problem, you will need to replace the faulty part or bleed the air out of the radiators.
Your Boiler is Leaking
A leaky boiler can be caused by faulty seals, loose joints, or pressure issues. While a leaky boiler may be corrected by repairing these issues, sometimes the damage is more serious. A heat exchanger that is corroded or cracked will need to be replaced. Boilers generally last about two decades, so don’t panic if your new boiler is leaking. Be sure to check these minor issues before calling about a replacement.
The Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
Dirt is the enemy of your boiler’s pilot light because it blocks the sensors that allow gas to flow and ignite the flame. If your pilot light goes out, it may be a sign that the thermocouple is dirty or broken, or the pilot tube may be blocked with debris. In most cases, the thermocouple and pilot tube can be cleaned to resolve the issue. Emery cloth sandpaper is the best tool to use to clean the thermocouple.
Banging Noises Coming From the Boiler
If you hear strange, loud noises coming from your boiler, you need to investigate the issue as soon as possible. Banging and whistling noises are caused by kettling, which happens when minerals and sludge build-up in your boiler and disrupt the pressure. Your boiler is prone to kettling if you have hard water, and you may hear kettling noises if your boiler has a leak. Kettling can be fixed by doing a power flush or fixing the leak.
These are just a few of the most common boiler repair solutions. If you aren’t able to diagnose and repair the issue yourself, it may be time to call a boiler repair specialist to help you out.