As with any other appliance, your boiler is subject to a wide range of frustrating issues. When it comes to Boiler Repair in Warringon the chief among this is the dreaded “leaky boiler.” Ultimately, this is a problem that can arise for a number of reasons and can require a wide range of efforts to fix. What is true of all leaky boiler problems, however, is that you need to act fast to ensure that you don’t end up with a messy – or expensive – issue on your hands.
In this article, we’ll cover five reasons why your boiler might be leaking and discuss some ways that you can attempt to fix the problem yourself. Of course, we’ll also be quite frank about when it’s time to call a professional.
Common Reasons for Leaky Boilers
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Your first step when discovering that your boiler is leaking should be to attempt to find the source of the leak. This will help you figure out which of the following issues might be the cause, as well as how serious the problem is.
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Corrosion
We’ll start with one of the more common examples: corrosion. Corrosion is most likely to affect the pipes that carry water to and from your boiler, a common cause of leaks. In some cases, however, corrosion can affect your heat exchanger, requiring it to be replaced. However, if the corrosion spreads to multiple parts of the appliance, you may need to purchase a new one.
Corrosion is usually quite easy to spot when it occurs on the boiler’s pipework or outer shell. However, if it happens on the inside, you’ll need to contact a professional to get an idea of what to do next.
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Excessive Boiler Pressure
All boilers have a pressure relief valve that can discharge water from the system if the pressure inside reaches a certain point. You can self-diagnose this issue by looking at your boiler’s pressure gauge. Most boilers operate properly at a pressure level of about 1 to 4 bar. Once you get above this level, you can start to see some discharge taking place.
If your boiler is reading a bit high, there are a few things you can try. One is to attempt to bleed your radiators and relieve some pressure. However, before you do this, you’ll want to ensure that the boiler’s filling loop has been closed all the way. You can do so by making sure the taps on the back and set perpendicular to the pipe.
If you don’t see any results from bleeding the radiator, you may have an issue with water flow due to a buildup of minerals or other deposits in the piping. This will require an expert’s assessment to diagnose and treat.
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Heating Pump Leakage
If you’re not 100% sure how boilers operate, this one can be a bit hard to identify. You see, sometimes the seal around your boiler’s heating pump can wear down, especially if the unit is quite old. This also happens after prolonged periods of high pressure, which can put strain on many seals in the unit. Eventually, the seal will wear down to the point that it allows water to leak out.
Unfortunately, a leaky heating pump is a situation where professional help is required. You’ll need a certified Gas Safe Engineer to operate on your boiler in this manner. Try to do it yourself, and you can cause a lot of damage or completely void your warranty.
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Bad or Loose Joints in the Piping
It’s pretty easy to spot joints that have loosened due to wear and tear over the years. After all, as hot and cold water alternates through the system of pipes, it causes them to slightly expand and contract, putting pressure on the system that often shows up in the joints. You could also see issues related to corrosion or poor installation. Either way, this is not a repair that you can do on your own, so you’ll need to put a call in to a professional as soon as it’s identified.
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Incorrect Installation
Though wear and tear does account for many boiler leaks, poor installation is often the primary cause of these issues. As with anything else in this world, the cheapest or lowest-cost option is usually a direct reflection of the work you’ll receive. If you have the budget, it’s always better to choose a reliable, experienced installer who will do the job right. In the end, this will save you from costly repairs or replacements down the road.
Choosing the Right Installer / Repair Service
One of the things you want to look for when selecting a boiler repair service or an installer is a working relationship with the manufacturer of your product. In many cases, repairmen that are certified on certain brands or product types will do a much better job. In some cases, you can find companies or individuals that have certified for most common brands.
Are Boiler Leaks Dangerous?
Boiler leaks are not so much a threat to life and limb as they are to your property and pocketbook. Though the presence of mold can end up causing problems down the line, leaks are more likely to do more damage to the floor in your home and to the boiler itself if you leave them unattended.
Can You Use a Leaky Boiler?
If you notice that your boiler is leaking, regardless of the reason, it’s imperative that you stop using it right away. This means cutting off the water supply and switching the boiler itself off.
In Conclusion
Though a leaking boiler is clearly an annoyance, it needs to be dealt with quickly to minimise the damage to your home, your boiler system, and your wallet. Of course, some repairs can be done on your own, especially if they’re minor enough. However, it is always a good idea to call a professional to make sure those minor problems are the ONLY problems.
Boiler Repair Warrington
Dallam Court, Dallam Ln, Warrington WA2 7LT
Phone:01925357398
Website: https://www.boilerrepairwarrington.co.uk/