Common Boiler Issues You Need to Look Out For

Boiler issues, when left unattended, can be an expensive inconvenience. Most of these issues occur during winter, particularly when the boiler has been inactive for a long. Fortunately, most of them are common even in new boilers and can be easily remedied by a professional engineer in your home improvement endeavours. Here are some of the most common boiler problems.

Dripping and Leaking

Leaking and dripping are not problems that should be ignored. For your central heating system, this is a serious issue which could mean the valve or the seal is broken. Leaking or dripping, if overlooked, can cause rusting of internal components. Before calling in an engineer, inspect the pressure valve. The leak could be triggered by high pressure. As a safety precaution, the pressure relief valve is created to leak to prevent damage to your equipment. In that case, ensure that the boiler’s gauge needle is pointing in the green section. If it shows a red light, it means there is overpressure that needs to be controlled. Note: Most boiler drips and leaks result from corroded pipes. An engineer should replace them for optimal performance and the longer life of your system.

Kettling

Do you notice a deep rumbling sound emanating from your central heating system? That sound is called kettling. This is a common problem with heating systems, including new boilers, but it does not mean that your system is about to explode. However, if left unattended, this problem can escalate, leading to expensive repairs and a possible boiler replacement. Kettling is triggered by hard water, which is responsible for depositing magnesium and calcium in the system’s exchanger. The limescale eventually prevents the free flow of water, leaving it trapped in the pipe. Your system will then be unable to distribute heat with a blocked exchanger, and the pressure could cause a major pipe explosion. Should you notice kettling in LS1 Boilers, it is advisable to turn the system off and call in an engineer.

Low Boiler Pressure

In your home improvement efforts, you may want to choose a smart boiler, which is more economical and extremely reliable. As much as you may follow the boiler-buying guide for optimal performance, low pressure remains a common problem. Fortunately, this is an easy issue to diagnose. If the pressure gauge on your boiler has a green zone mark and the needle falls below it, the pressure is low. Low pressure leads to inefficiency, making it harder for the system to heat your home. Eventually, this will cost you more on energy bills. One of the triggers of low pressure is water leaks. Bleeding a radiator could also lead to low pressure. The most effective way to fix this issue is to re-pressurise the boiler. If you choose not to call an engineer, check the boiler buying guide to confirm that your system allows this. Should the pressure drop again after re-pressurising, it could indicate a more serious problem that requires professional engineering attention.

Whistling and Gurgling Noises

Whistling and gurgling noises are mostly caused by trapped air in the heating system. While kettling can cause whistling, this noise may indicate that air is trapped in your boiler. Although it may be easy to get rid of this air, an engineer will want to examine further where it is coming from. That way, it will be easy to rule out possible mechanical damage. If your pipes need regular oiling, whistling sounds can be expected. Gurgling, on the other hand, occurs when air passes through water. The air could find its way into the radiators. As a first step, the radiators should be bled. An engineer may have to drain the entire system. It could also be that you have a frozen condensation pipe, which is common during winter. Freezing causes blockage, which prevents proper circulation in the condenser.

Water Running Cold

When you run your taps or shower, are they running cold or lukewarm? This could be a sign of a fault with your boiler, one of the most common being a faulty diverter valve. This mechanical component in the boiler is prone to sticking as it ages, which can significantly impact water flow. That’s because it controls the flow of hot water, shutting off when the taps are not in use, allowing water to flow to the radiators, and opening to redirect warm water to the water outlets. So when it begins to stick, this process can go wrong.

As Heatable states, “The diverter valve is a boiler component that is prone to failing in older boilers, typically in those over 10 years old.”

So if you have an old boiler and are experiencing this issue, it’s highly likely the diverter valve is going haywire. The only way to know for sure is to consult a registered Gas Safe Engineer, who will be able to check out your boiler and identify the cause of the water temperature issues.”

As a primary source of central heating, functional boilers are essential to any home, especially during cold months. However, in some cases, boiler issues are inevitable. Most problems can be prevented by adopting an annual servicing schedule and engaging a Gas Safe engineer. A professional can quickly identify parts that need replacement or repair to avoid severe damage.