Your boiler is one of the most important elements of your home.
Designed to provide reliable radiant heat throughout your home, the boiler has been a popular implement in homes for dozens of years. While boilers are durable and long-lasting, they don't go on forever.
After about 10-15 years (the average lifespan of a boiler), it's common for your system to require repairs. Luckily, boiler repair is a simple thing to access.
Here's what you need to know.
7 Signs You Need Boiler Repair
Not sure when you may or may not need boiler repair? Here are a few sure-fire signs to keep your eyes out for.
1. No hot Water
A lack of hot water is the first and most obvious sign that you may need boiler repair. If your home isn't producing warm water and your radiators aren't kicking out any heat, it may be because the boiler is having difficulties with its pressure gauge or the gauge is broken altogether.
2. Low Water PressureLow water pressure is another sure-fire sign that you may need boiler repair.
In instances where your hot water is working, but it's coming through the pipes very weakly, it could be that you have an issue with your boiler's pressure. Depending on your unique boiler setup, the problem could run throughout the entire house, or be simply a problem in a more concentrated area.
The first step here is to check the boiler's main water line to see if it's still creating pressure. If not, it could owe to a leak or blockage in the system.
If you suspect that there is a leak in the system, call a plumber. The plumber will use his or her tools to fix the problem.
3. Loud Noises
Sometimes, boiler issues manifest in the form of noises rather than physical symptoms.
Because boilers use steam to heat homes and create radiant warmth, banging noises are one of the first signs that boiler repair is warranted.
In some cases, banging noises owe to air in the system. A loud banging noise may also indicate that pipes aren't fitted correctly and are knocking together as water and steam run through them.
The latter is a relatively easy problem to fix - a plumber must simply come and refit the pipes.
Finally, banging can owe to pump failure. As a boiler pump deteriorates, it will get loud.
4. Your Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
If your pilot light has recently gone out, the issue could be your boiler.
If you've tried to re-light the pilot light and found that the gas isn't working, you should contact your supplier first. Once you've done this, you can evaluate other common reasons for a pilot light issue. These include:
- A draft blowing the lights out
- Build-ups on or around the pilot light
- Broken thermocouples
Keep in mind that it's important to be cautious any time you need to relight your pilot light. If you're nervous about doing it or are unsure of why the light is out in the first place, contact a professional to help you do it safely and securely.
5. Obvious Leaks or Drips in the System
The boiler's primary function is to heat water. Heated water, however, corrodes metal quite quickly, and leaks are a natural part of the process.
If you notice leaks or drips in your system, it may be because something within your system's pipes has been compromised.
If this is the case, you'll need to call a plumber. Plumbers specialize in leaks, and stopping them is something virtually any good plumber can do.
Even if your boiler hasn't manifested any issues like knocking or leaking, trouble could be lurking if you notice your efficiency dropping suddenly.
Take a look at your monthly bills and take note of whether they've increased in recent weeks or months. If so, it could be a sign that something is amiss in your boiler system.
7. Operating Issues
Maybe one room of your home is boiling hot while another is frigid. If so, it's a sure-fire sign that your boiler needs some repair. In some cases, these issues owe to blockages or leaks. No matter what, though, they're worth professional evaluation.
What to do When you Need Boiler Repair
If you've noticed any of the above symptoms in your boiler, it's essential to seek out boiler repair. The question, then, is from whom, and when?
As a general rule, you shouldn't work on your boiler on your own. If you do, you risk creating a situation that can hardly be remedied besides with the help of a professional plumber. If you're suffering from boiler repair problems, the first step is to call a skilled plumber.
Plumbers specialize in boiler repair and have the tools and expertise needed to resolve your various boiler repair issues. This is true for old and new homes alike.
No matter what you're experiencing with your boiler, calling a plumber to complete your boiler repair needs is essential. In most cases, the issue is easy to fix and your plumber can get you back to operation in no time at all!