boiler

5 Common Boiler Problems and the Reasons Why They Happen

Are you having trouble with your boiler? When the weather gets colder, boilers are tested, and some issues start showing up. Sometimes, these problems call for expert repairs, but in other cases, it might be time for a replacement.

If you want to understand how to protect your boiler system, here are some common problems you must know about.

1. Inaccurate Thermostat

An inaccurate thermostat is the most common cause of boiler problems. The usual reason behind this is the accumulation of limescale, which causes scale deposits in the heating system. Sometimes, it is also simply due to old age or the wiring.

Before you attempt a fix, check if someone might have bumped the thermostat or if the settings are inaccurate. If it is turned on and the settings are correct, you might need to have it repaired or replaced.

2. Frozen Condensate Pipes

Frozen condensate pipes are a common problem when winter arrives. The pipes, which are plastic, can easily freeze. When the condensing pipe freezes, the water inside freezes, too, leading to a blockage.

To fix this problem, you will need to heat the pipe to melt the ice and then drain out the water that has accumulated inside.

3. Pilot Light Shutting Off

If you notice that your pilot light is shutting off frequently, you might be having problems with the thermostat.

There are two possible reasons for this. First, your thermostat might be shut off, so it is not sending the signal to your pilot light. Second, the pilot light may be faulty and is shutting off even if the thermostat is fine.

To fix this, you can try to reposition your thermostat, or you may need to consider replacing it. If you verify that the pilot light is failing, you should just replace it with a new one.

4. Boiling Kettle Noises

If your boiler is making strange clanking noises, you might have a problem with the expansion tank. The expansion tank is the system that regulates the volume of water, and if it springs a leak, you will hear your boiler making strange noises.

The usual cause of this problem is a faulty valve inside the expansion tank. If you decide to replace it yourself, make sure you take the right precautions. Some expansion tanks can hold hot water, so you might burn yourself if you are not careful.

5. Dripping and Leaking

Leaking boilers are incredibly common, especially in those that are several years, or even decades old. As the parts of the boiler age, they lose their structural integrity and become unable to hold all the water inside.

If you notice water leaking from your boiler and the nearby pipes, it’s time to call in a professional contractor to determine the cause of the problem. It may be due to a simple loose fitting, or it may be a serious issue like pipe corrosion. You will likely need an outright replacement of the damaged parts to ensure that your boiler continues to work as it should.

Final Thoughts

It’s normal to encounter all sorts of household problems during the cold winter months. If you are experiencing issues with your boiler, it’s best to call in an experienced professional instead of attempting to fix the problem yourself.

Are you in need of immediate boiler repair in Abbotsford, BC? Call us at Bromac Mechanical. Our team of experts can help you with emergency plumbing problems, from leak detection services to water heater repairs.

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