Boiler maintenance is incredibly important as these are very costly to repair and replace. Getting the boiler repaired in time is crucial, or else it may put the health of your family members in danger.
It is essential to regulate the check-ups of boilers to minimize their operating and energy cost, which will bolster equipment life and improve safety. In this article, we will be providing a general guide for boiler repair and maintenance.
- What is a boiler?
A boiler is an enclosed pressure vessel that heats the fluid (usually water) to produce steam or the vaporised form of liquid. Then the hot water or steam is circulated through a piping system to transfer heat, generate power, and manage various other processes.
Boilers are highly versatile and a fundamental piece of engineering equipment. Boilers are specifically made to be used in different industries at various levels- domestic, commercial, and industrial.
How to know when you need your boiler to be repaired?
Some common symptoms will alert you about the improper functioning of the boiler. Keep your eyes open to notice these symptoms mentioned below:
- No hot water
- Low water pressure
- Loud noises
- Piolet light keeps going out
- Leaks and drips in the system
- Frozen condensate pipe
- Boiler not responding to the thermostat
How can you tackle the troubleshooting boilers?
If you notice any of the boiler issues mentioned above, consider these suggestions to overcome them. However, if you find the problems too difficult to tackle on your own, consult the boiler repair specialists at www.WiseTradesmen.com to discover the best maintenance services.
- No hot water
The general reason for the lack of hot water is that there is no heat from your boiler; it can be caused by a problem with the radiators or a broken gauge.
What to do:
Check your boiler’s gauge as the likely reason for not getting enough heat could be poor pressure. In this case, you will need the assistance of a professional boiler repair company.
- Low water pressure
Common reasons for low water pressure include a leak or blockage in the system or bad pressure tanks.
What to do:
Check the boiler’s main water line to check if it’s creating pressure or not. If there is any leakage, your local plumber can easily fix it.
- Loud Noises
Some common reasons for loud gurgling noises are:
- Ill fitted pipes
- Air in the system
- Low water pressure
- Pump Failure
What to do:
Check whether the loud banging is coming from pipes knocking together. In this case, a plumber can provide an easy fix. And in case of pump failure, the pipe may deteriorate and cause loud noises. You may need the help of a repair company.
- Pilot lights keep going out
If your pilot lights continue to go out, it could be due to several issues such as:
- A draft blowing the lights out
- Build-ups on the pilot light
- Broken thermocouples
- Bad ignitor
What to do:
It is vital to be cautious if you are relighting your pilot light. Proceed further only if you feel comfortable and have knowledge in this area. Otherwise, contact a local heating company.
- Leaks and drips in the system
As boilers primarily operate with metal pipes, they get corroded quickly because of the heated water. Leaks and drips are fairly common, and problems like this may come up due to some underlying issue with the internal part of the pressure valve or pump seal.
What to do:
The easy solution for water leakage is calling a plumber; professionals can attend to issues like drips and leaks. However, on the latter problem, you will need to call a repair company.
- Frozen condensate pipes
Some people may not know what condensate pipe is. It drains the excess water (condensation) from your boiler. The common reason for your condensate pipe is:
- Poor wall insulation near the boiler
- The boiler is not used for too long during a cold snap
- Location of a boiler in the basement or garage
What to do:
You can fix this by defrosting your condensate pipe but make sure to not use boiling water. If it is still not working properly, consult your local heating company.
- Boiler not responding to thermostat
The reason for this can be:
- Broken functions and controls
- Wrong setting of the time in your thermostat
What to do:
You can try to fix the time setting situation by replacing the batteries. Or contact a local company for assistance.
How can you keep up the maintenance of your boiler?
Here are some simple boiler maintenance tips for you:
- Check the pressure gauge to ensure it’s working on the correct level.
- Ensure that your boiler flame is blue. If it is orange or yellow, immediately call a safe gas engineer as there could be a risk of leaking carbon monoxide.
- Get your boiler professionally serviced every year.
- It’s necessary to release the trapped air in your radiators. Therefore, you need to bleed the radiators at least every year.
- Power flush your system at least once in a while to keep your radiator free from dirt and debris.
- Ensure that your boiler is well ventilated.
- Lag your external pipes to avoid further breakdown.
Boilers are expensive, and their repair and maintenance are equally costly. So, it’s crucial to keep their timely proper care. Not only will this be cost-effective, but it will also ensure your safety.
How can you care for your boiler?
First, you need to maintain a checklist that will help you supervise the smooth functioning of your boiler. For instance, maintain a weekly, monthly, or annually checklist to know the regular working of your system.
Furthermore, know-how your equipment works by reading the owner’s manual. Pay attention to specific instructions to know about your boiler. It will help you notice whenever there is some minor problem in the functionality.
And if you notice any major problem, get the assistance of a licensed service agency.
Additional Tip: Never try to repair a boiler yourself
If your boiler needs repair, hire professional services at www.WiseTradesmen.com. As gas pipes and appliances can be hazardous if not handled correctly. Further, there may be dangerous consequences like fires, explosions, or carbon monoxide poisoning.
