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Top 4 Reasons A Boiler Fails

Now that the cold weather is setting in, many people are reaching for their thermostats to kick up the heat. If you find that your boiler is suddenly not producing heat or hot water, that could equate to an uncomfortable cold season. Understanding why your boiler fails and the importance of boiler repair can help you stay comfortable all winter long.

1. Frozen condensate pipe

One of the most common reasons a boiler stops working is because of a frozen condensate pipe. When the pipe freezes, it causes the system to back up and shut down. Indicators of a frozen condensate pipe include an indicator light (in some cases) and gurgling sounds produced by your boiler.

If you suspect that your boiler's condensation line is frozen, you can attempt to clear up the blockage by thawing the frozen section of the line. Use hot water to help clear the frozen water that is trapped inside your line. Keep in mind that attempting to thaw the line may not always work. In that case, you would need to call in a professional to help you repair the issue with your boiler.

2. Pilot light has gone out

If you notice that you have no hot water or heat, you should check the pilot light. Aside from frozen condensation lines, a pilot light that has gone out is another common issue with boilers. If the pilot light is not lit, you could find that the solution is as easy as relighting the pilot. If the pilot refuses to relight, you may have a more serious issue on your hands.

If the pilot light does not relight, you will need a professional to come in and assist you. The issue may be as easy as residue built up on the pilot. Another problem is a broken thermocouple. Both residue on the pilot and a broken thermocouple would require the attention of a professional familiar with boiler repair.

3. Pressure loss

If the condensate line and pilot light are not the issues, be sure to check your boiler's pressure gauge. If the pressure gauge is below a one, that indicates a loss of pressure. A loss of pressure would prevent the boiler from producing heat. Reasons for pressure loss can include a faulty pressure release valve or a water leak.

Make sure to address a pressure loss issue right away. A repair professional will need to diagnose your boiler to find out what is causing the drop in pressure. From there, he or she can determine if you need boiler repair or boiler replacement to fix the problem.

4. Boiler sounds like a tea kettle

Is your boiler making a rumbling sound that is almost like the sound a large teapot would make? If so it likely indicates that there is a bigger problem with your boiler than you realized. Often the kettling sound occurs because there is a build-up of limescale and other disgusting sludge. When build-up occurs, it can block the system's water flow.

Eventually, the water builds up, boils, and produces a sound that may remind you of an oversized teapot just before it boils over. Make sure you call a boiler repair professional as soon as you hear a new sound like this one. A professional will be more than happy to address your boiler issues as quickly and efficiently as possible.

For more information on boiler repairs, contact a professional near you.

About Me

Call the HVAC Contractor and Cool Down!

When we bought our house, we had a home warranty that was good for one year. One of the first things that had to get taken care of was the air conditioner. Before we had the HVAC contractor come out, we made sure filters were changed and other basic maintenance was taken care of. The HVAC contractor that the insurance company sent out replaced the compressor and our AC is working fine now so we're glad that we did it when we did, especially because he found a major mistake in our system. You don't want to wait long when the AC goes out on a hot summer day. This blog is here to make sure you get the help you need.