Troubleshooting: Your Home’s Boiler

Residential boilers are not as common as they used to be, but if you have a boiler in your home, you’ll need to know how to troubleshoot common problems with it’s performance. Keep in mind that boilers can be dangerous pieces of equipment and that any maintenance or repairs should be done by a qualified service technician.

That said, here are some of the issues that can develop with a boiler and what should be done about them:

No heat or no hot water

Common causes of this problem include malfunctioning thermostats and low water levels inside the boiler. It can also be caused by broken or malfunctioning internal diaphragms, airlocks, or motorized valves. A broken thermostat can be replaced relatively easily, but any replacement work on internal components should be done by a qualified professional.

Leaks or drips

Water leaks or consistent drips can be caused by broken seals, damaged pipes, or broken pressure valves. If the internal pressure is too high, it can cause leaks around pressure valves. Corrosion or wear can cause leaking around connections and around pipes and tanks.

Unusual noises

Banging, gurgling, whistling, and other noises coming from inside the boiler can indicate the internal pressure it too low. Kettling, a noise that sounds like water boiling inside a kettle, can be caused by buildup of lime, scale, or sludge on the boiler’s heat exchanger. A system flush can often resolve the causes of kettling and other sounds. Keep in mind that odd noises inside the boiler could also be a sign of imminent failure, so have the system checked by a pro.

Pilot light problems

Without the pilot light, the fuel in the boiler cannot be ignited and heating cannot be produced. If the pilot light keeps going out, it could be caused by a bad thermocouple or damaged seals.

NisAir Air Conditioning and Heating serves Martin, Palm Beach, and Indian River counties with more than thirty years of HVAC industry experience. Contact us today for more information on recognizing problems with your boiler and understanding when it’s time to call in a professional.