Boilers are essential in modern households, as well as commercial buildings. Besides keeping the house warm, the equipment will supply you with hot water. As is the case with any device in your home, this one must be kept in peak condition at all times. Otherwise, you’ll end up suffering costly boiler repairs. In worse cases, you may even have to deal with potential safety hazards or do a complete boiler replacement.
So, it makes sense to keep checking for signs that your boiler is about to become faulty. In this guide, we’ll look at some of these signs and see what you can do about it.
Understanding Your Boiler
As central heating systems, boilers must heat water, and this then circulates through pipes or radiators to keep the room warm. They’re designed to run on different types of fuel (natural gas, propane, or oil). Some even use electricity. As the fuel burns in the chamber, energy is released to heat the water through metal tubes or coils.
As the water heats, a process known as convention forces the hot water to rise through the pipes, while cooler water flows into the boiler. The water will then keep circulating through the pipes and radiators in the building. As long as you run regular heating system maintenance, your system should be able to bring your indoor temperature to the desired level.
You can control the temperature using a thermostat. So, how exactly does this work? You just need to set your desired temperature, and the system will keep boiling the water till you get to your desired indoor temperature level. At this point, the system will stop boiling the water, until the temperature drops further. If your thermostat doesn’t seem to be working properly, you should consider calling certified boiler technicians.
Signs of Impending Boiler Failure
There are several signs that point to boiler problems or complete boiler breakdown. Watching out for the signs of boiler failure can help you avoid serious boiler repairs or an entire gas boiler replacement later.
i. Unusual Noises
One of the most common things you’ll notice is the presence of unusual noises. Banging or clanking sounds can show that there’s a buildup of limescale or debris in the heat exchanger or boiler. Air could also be trapped in the system. A boiler inspection can help you determine the source of the problem. Whistling, gurgling sounds, popping sounds, or rumbling sounds are also common signs of boiler failure.
ii. Unusual Smells
It is also essential to be aware of unusual smells as this can help with boiler safety. A gas leak may be easy to detect as it creates a distinct smell. It is important to quickly contact certified boiler technicians if you suspect that you may have a gas leak. Make sure you explain the issue clearly and evacuate the premises.
iii. Leaks or Drips
Also, check for leaks and drips around the heating system. These can suggest several issues with the boiler system, some of which will require the immediate help of certified boiler technicians. Here are some common boiler problems that could manifest in leaks and drips:
- A leak in the pressure relief valve
- Faulty seals or gaskets (these deteriorate over time, so heating system maintenance can help prevent the issue)
- Corrosion and rust (regular boiler inspection and heating system maintenance can help with these boiler problems)
- Cracked heat exchanger due to thermal stress or corrosion
- Pump seal failure
- Condensate pipe issues
- Expansion tank problems
iv. Fluctuating Temperatures
Fluctuating temperatures are also among the signs of boiler failure. This usually happens because of low water pressure in the boiler system. With professional boiler services, you’ll be able to determine whether the water pressure is within the recommended range. If it’s not, you may need to repressurize the system to prevent boiler breakdown later.
Other factors that can cause fluctuating temperatures in your heating system include:
- Air that’s trapped in the system
- Issues with the thermostat
- Problems with the circulation pump
- A blocked or dirty heat exchanger
- A faulty diverter valve
- Incorrect boiler sizing
It can be hard to determine the exact cause of the fluctuating temperatures, so you should consider hiring professional boiler services to fix the issue. Running regular boiler maintenance can also help you avoid developing problems in the future.
v. Increased Energy Bills
Another way to determine whether you have a boiler breakdown is to check your energy bills. If the bills have increased significantly over a short period of time, then you likely have a faulty heating system. The boiler repair technicians can help you figure out the source of the problems.
vi. Age of the Boiler
It’s also important to keep track of the age of your heating system as this may determine whether it’s a good idea to get a boiler replacement. Older systems will be less efficient and can raise your energy bills significantly. In addition, you’ll be spending a lot more on boiler maintenance or boiler service once the system hits the 10-year mark.
What to Do When You Spot These Signs
Now that you know what to look for in your boiler inspection, it’s time to look at some boiler maintenance tips.
i. Schedule Regular Boiler Maintenance Checks
First, you need to schedule regular gas boiler service and maintenance. A professional will be able to notice any signs that indicate issues with the heating system and resolve the issue early. They may even be essential in ensuring boiler safety, especially if there’s a gas leak.
ii. Contact a Qualified Boiler Technician
If you’ve already determined that the boiler has a problem, it’s essential to contact qualified technicians. At Complete Plumbing Solutions, you’re guaranteed boiler safety and reliability with our expert technicians. And what’s more, you’ll get transparent quotes with no hidden fees.
iii. Consider Replacement
Sometimes, boiler maintenance or boiler service may not be the best option you have. In such cases, you should consider a complete replacement of the system. This is especially a good idea for very old systems. Even with the best boiler maintenance tips, you’ll find old heating systems inefficient.
About Complete Plumbing Solutions
Complete Plumbing Solutions is your reliable plumbing & boiler service company that is based in Cork, Ireland. The company is RGI-certified, so you can be certain that you’re in good hands. Among the services we provide are commercial plumbing and heating solutions, gas boiler services, boiler installation and more. Whatever you’re looking for, the team at Complete Plumbing Solutions is ready and waiting. Schedule a call back using the online contact form or give us a call at (085) 169 4244 today.
Conclusion
Having a properly functioning boiler is essential. With the best boiler maintenance tips, you can be certain that you won’t need to deal with expensive repairs in the future. Similarly, your bills will be low. It’s essential to watch out for signs of boiler problems. Some of these are unusual noises or smells coming from the boiler, leaks or drips around the system and very high energy bills. If you notice any of these issues, you should contact boiler repair technicians immediately. It’s also a good idea to carry out regular inspections and maintenance of the systems. A certified technician will be able to alert you whenever they notice anything wrong with the boiler.
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