Boilers can leak for a couple of reasons, ranging from faulty installations to a corroded water component. Sometimes water leakage around your boiler can be a result of condensation and not permanent leaking. You shouldn’t ignore any form of boiler leaks if you come across any.
Ensure you understand all the signs of leaking and find a way to fix it. Here are some of the common causes and signs of a leaking boiler and how to fix them.
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1. Water Leaking From Your Boiler’s Underneath
Water can leak underneath your boiler if you poorly install your pipework. Another cause of the underneath leak can be corrosion. Your system will corrode when water combines with metallic debris, leading to boiler damage.
You don’t need to worry about corrosion if you’ve installed a new boiler. When there are joints in your new boiler pipework that haven’t been correctly fitted, it’ll be prone to small water leaks. It’s difficult for installers to spot them during installation.
If you find such small leaks in your boiler, don’t panic. Return them to the installer to check and correct the work and have your leak fixed.
How to Check for the Water Leak
You need to check under your boiler for any signs of leaking. If it’s not that severe, you can use your hands to feel if the pipework joints are wet.
What to Do When You Find a Leak Under Your Boiler
Don’t attempt to repair the pipes underneath your boiler by yourself. Contact a gas engineer to fix it for you. However, you can contain the leak by placing a bucket underneath the boiler or using a piece of cloth to wrap around the leaking pipes.
2. Corrosion Due to General System Wear
Corroded pipes and hot water cylinders are the most causes of boiler leaking water. Corroded pipes and hot water cylinders become brittle then degenerate gradually. You’ll need a boiler repair if only a single component is corroded, but a new boiler in case of extensive corrosion.
As time passes by, your boiler gets old and eventually starts leaking due to extensive corrosion. You can have it checked by an engineer to see if they can save it. Ensure you weigh the cost of repairs against the cost of acquiring a new boiler.
How to Check for Corrosion
You don’t need a gas engineer to check for corrosion unless you’re visually impaired. Checking corrosion is simply a matter of visual observation.
How to Fix Your Boiler Corrosion
All you can do when your boiler is totally in a mess is preparing for a new boiler installation. You can contact a professional to repair it at a lower cost. Call a heating engineer to confirm a new boiler’s price or check the boiler’s best deals online.
3. Boiler Leaks Due to Too Much Pressure
Pressure is another cause of boiler leak. Too much water in the boiler can cause a breakdown. If the boiler pressure is too high, the pressure release valve discharges a lot of water, making the boiler leak.
How to Check for Pressure Issue
Make sure your boiler has a pressure gauge on the front. The pressure gauge looks like a low-end speedometer. It should be around 1 bar and within the green markings.
Take note of the green markings because anything beyond the green bar indicates that there’s overpressure in your boiler.
What to Do When Your Boiler Indicates Pressure Issues
Fixing the pressure issues of your boiler is quite simple. You can reduce the pressure of your heater by bleeding the system.
Check if the loop tap under the boiler is firmly closed before you start bleeding it. After closing your taps, proceed and bleed the radiators using a bleed key to loosen the nut.
4. Boiler Leaks From Seals on Internal Parts
Like humans, boilers have fluids running through their whole system, but only in the right channels. Don’t take it lightly when you notice your boiler is leaking internally.
The seals and joints inside your boiler are capable of decaying over time, making water leak out of them at a rapid rate. Overpressure can also cause boiler decay.
How to Check for Leaks on Seals
If you feel comfortable removing the cover of your boiler and check around without any fear, then nothing can stop you from checking leaks on your seals. However, you can leave it for a gas-safe engineer if you aren’t comfortable checking it yourself. Ensure you don’t touch it if you aren’t sure of what to do.
What to Do When You Notice Leaks on the Seals
Leave the sealing to the professionals if you’re not a qualified gas safety engineer. You can solve minor sealant issues, but not extensive ones. However, over time, corrosion can cause substantial sealing issues, leaving you with no repair option but to look for a new boiler.
5. Faulty Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger is the most expensive component in your boiler. They don’t easily fail unless they are old. But expect them to fail if your boiler is of low quality.
Be ready to experience a broken heat exchanger if you purchase a cheap boiler.
Checking a Leaking Heat Exchanger
There’s no way you can identify a broken heat exchanger unless you’re a qualified gas engineer. Make sure you get help from a certified professional to diagnose the problem immediately. If you decide to diagnose your broken heat exchanger, you risk spending a hefty amount on regular maintenance.
Fixing a Leaking Heat Exchanger
You can only replace your heat exchanger by employing qualified boiler engineers. Consider getting yourself a new boiler of whatever type if your heat exchanger is broken.
A Boiler Leak Is Something You Shouldn’t Ignore
You don’t have to cause a distress alarm when you notice small leaks on your boiler. But ensure you respond as quickly as possible to larger boiler leaks. Get professionals to check and repair your boiler leaks before they escalate further.
Also, ensure you follow the due procedure when buying your boiler. Go for boilers with strong, quality internal parts, and come with a labor warranty. Get your boiler serviced yearly to prevent minor issues.
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