Common Boiler Problems and Fixes

The residential boiler is a commonly used house tool that heats water and can create electricity. As a household device, the boiler has a multitude of uses in a home. One of the main uses is to heat water and to keep a home warm. During the winter time, this can be very difficult as the boiler can run into a number of problems, especially if it hasn’t been used very much. This article will discuss some of the most common problems with a residential boiler and how to fix it.

Can get hot water but the heater doesn’t work

One of the most common problems homeowners will run into is the fact that the boiler will produce hot water but will fail to warm up the house. The issue has to do with a specific setting on the boiler or a valve on the boiler is most likely broken.

Simple fix

Find the boiler valve that is broken, which generally will have a label on it. Once the boiler valves are located the next step is to find the zone valves. After the zone valves are found the next step is to turn all of the thermostats in the house. This will indirectly open up all the valves. The final step is to check around the house to see which valves are open or shut. The valve that is closed is the one that needs to be replaced. The next step is to shut off the boiler completely. Remove whatever electrical connections to the boiler’s valve motor using a screwdriver. After removing the connections, the next step is to replace the broken valve with another one. Make sure the valve fits in the correct place.

The boiler is leaking

A boiler leak can happen for a variety of reasons. A basic reason could be that the valve pressure is too high. The boiler may be a little too old and cracks could be causing the leak. The seals on the boiler pump could come loose. One of the common signs that the boiler is leaking is a loss of pressure.

Simple fix

A boiler repair technician may be able to fix the problem depending on the severity of the damage done to the boiler. A temporary fix would be to locate the leak and use a cement or tape-like solution to cover the damaged area. Depending on the amount of damage done, the boiler may have to be replaced.

Boiler making gurgling sounds

The boiler making gurgling sounds is a result of water pressure or something blocking the valve. Sometimes air is blocking the valve. The boiler may struggle to start, and certain parts of the house might not be getting heat. These are all signs that something is wrong with the boiler.

Simple fix

Take the steps to cool the pipes around the boiler that might have frozen over using a heated rag. If the boiler has a reset option it might defrost the frozen pipes for you.