If your boiler is acting funny, you may be wondering whether or not you need to have it repaired. Obviously if your boiler simply stops working, you know there is a problem. But what if your boiler is still working but just acting a little off? Here are some warning signs to watch for that indicate an issue with your boiler.
Leaking
Keep an eye out for any leaks on the system, no matter how small. Because the water loop is a closed system, if it loses water, this can result in major damage to your boiler if not repaired right away. If you notice any leak, no matter how minor it may look, don’t ignore it. Call John Sadler Plumbing & Heating immediately and get it repaired.
Loud Banging on Startup
If you hear a loud bang when your boiler starts up, that could indicate that the heat exchanger inside the boiler is plugged with soot. The heat exchanger will need to be professionally cleaned to get your boiler humming (as opposed to banging) again.
Air Noises in Pipes
Strange noises coming from the pipes near your boiler could indicate that air is getting introduced somewhere on the system – this could mean that an auto-air vent needs to be replaced, or a heating pipe or hot water baseboard is leaking, or old piping that has become porous (this is typical with Poly-B pipes).
Whole House isn’t Heating Properly
If your home is heating up enough or at all, that is one of the most obvious clues that you have a problem with your boiler. If the boiler room is hot, but your house is cold, there could be an issue with the pump not circulating properly, or the expansion tank may have become waterlogged.
If the expansion tank becomes waterlogged, the relief valve will blow off in the room and you may find the floor is wet or hear loud banging sounds.
One Room isn’t Heating Properly
If most of your house is heating normally but one particular room or area is staying cold, that is most likely an issue with one of your zone valves not opening properly. If a zone valve can’t open all the way, then that zone of your home will not be heated, while the other parts of your home will be heated as usual.
The most important issues that need to be addressed are the things you cannot see. That’s why it is so important to get it serviced every year to ensure the boiler lives to a ripe old age. Having your boiler inspected ensures the health of the boiler feed valve, which allows fresh water to be added if the system is losing water, as well as the heat exchanger. The heat exchanger is the heart of the boiler where the water circulates through and re-heats before cycling through the house again. On some boilers, the heat exchanger needs to be cleaned annually. If your heat exchanger is leaking, you will find water coming from your boiler and will need to schedule repairs as soon as possible.
Need your boiler inspected, repaired, or replaced? We’ve got you covered.
