If you walked down to your basement to start a load of laundry only to notice that your sock was completely wet because you stepped into a puddle that seems to be coming directly from your boiler. We’re glad you found us.
A leaky boiler is no one’s idea of a good day, but we are here to help. If you’ve discovered that your boiler is leaking water, you likely have lots of questions, including:
- Can I fix this on my own?
- Who do I call for help?
- Why is my boiler leaking in the first place?
If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. If you have a boiler leaking water, keep reading our step-by-step guide to find out everything you need to know.
What Does The Boiler Do?
We’re going to start simple. What does your boiler do, exactly?
While the answer might seem obvious to some, if you are a new homeowner, you might not be familiar with all of the parts of your home. A boiler is a large rectangular device in your home that is filled with water. Using either gas, oil, or electricity, this water is heated to a high temperature. The hot water – or, in some cases, steam – then flows through the radiator systems to keep your house nice and warm.
Some types of boilers – known as combination or combi boilers – are used to heat both your home and your water supply.
Because boilers depend on water, it’s easy to see why leaks are a common and serious problem.
4 Reasons Why Your Boiler Is Leaking Water
So, why is your boiler leaking in the first place? There are four main reasons why a boiler springs a leak. Here are some of the key things to look out for.
1) Boiler Pressure
One of the most common causes of a boiler leak is problems with your boiler pressure. Every boiler comes with a pressure gauge on the front of it. You can check this yourself to see what your boiler’s current pressure level is. Ideally, your water pressure level should sit between 1 and 1.5 psi.
Chances are, if the pressure is too high, your pressure relief valve will have to work doubly hard to ensure that the pressure goes down to a normal level. This can cause your boiler to leak water.
2) Bad Seal
Your leak may be coming from the pipes themselves. If the joints where the pipes and heating system meets up are badly sealed, a water leak can form. Ensuring that these joints are properly sealed during installation can save you from a headache further down the road.
3) Faulty Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger is a key part of your boiler, as it is what allows the boiler to heat up cold water. When the heat exchanger isn’t working properly, you’re likely to notice that your house feels chillier than usual.
While it is not uncommon for the heat exchanger to break down and decay over time, it is an unfortunate problem for homeowners, as it can be expensive to replace.
4) Corrosion
If your boiler system is older, it is more than likely that you may be dealing with some corrosion. Corrosion happens when rust from your pipes is brought back into the boiler. This rust build-up can cause leaks, usually from the bottom of your boiler.
What To Do When Your Boiler Leaks
When you have a leaking boiler, it can feel a bit overwhelming. The first step is not to panic! Getting help will make the whole project feel much more manageable. Here’s exactly what you should do when you notice your boiler is leaking water.
- Clean Up – It’s important to clean up the water as best you can to avoid causing damage to your floors. Wipe up the existing water, and if you can find where the leak is, try placing towels or buckets around it to protect your floor.
- Get Help – Next, you’ll want to contact a reputable plumber in your area. Reviews and referrals are a great way to find someone you can trust.
- Adjust Pressure – If you see on the pressure gauge that the water pressure is too high or too low, you can try adjusting this yourself to see if it will stop the leak. Other problems will likely require you to get help from a pro, though.
Repairs vs. Replacement
While many boiler issues can be fixed with simple repairs, more serious issues combined with the age of your existing boiler may mean that a boiler replacement may be a better choice in the long run.
Your plumbing professional can help advise you on whether a repair or a full replacement is better for you and your home.
Cost of Boiler Repair
We know the question that has been on your mind since you first spotted the problem. How much is this going to cost?
The good news is that most boiler repairs are relatively affordable. Depending on the type of repair you need, you can expect to pay anywhere between $100-$700. If you need a boiler replacement, on the other hand, you could be looking at a much bigger number. A new boiler usually costs $4,000-$7,000, depending on the style and size of your home.
Boiler Maintenance
The best way to avoid costly repairs in the future is to have a good boiler maintenance routine. Here are some maintenance tips to incorporate into your yearly schedule.
- Schedule Tune-Ups – Scheduling tune-ups with your plumber once a year can keep your boiler running smoothly.
- Regularly Check Water Pressure – Keeping an eye on your water pressure throughout the year will help you spot problems before they start.
- Bleed Radiators – Air pockets form in your radiator when air can’t pass through smoothly. This can cause your boiler to work inefficiently. Bleeding your radiators once a year will stop air pockets from forming.
Work With the Best!
Need a reliable team to help with your boiler leaking water? AJ Alberts plumbing can help! Whether you are looking for a boiler repair or a full replacement, we have the knowledge to keep your home’s heating system working all year long. Contact us today to learn more about our services. </span
If you walked down to your basement to start a load of laundry only to notice that your sock was completely wet because you stepped into a puddle that seems to be coming directly from your boiler. We’re glad you found us.
A leaky boiler is no one’s idea of a good day, but we are here to help. If you’ve discovered that your boiler is leaking water, you likely have lots of questions, including:
- Can I fix this on my own?
- Who do I call for help?
- Why is my boiler leaking in the first place?
If you’ve got questions, we’ve got answers. If you have a boiler leaking water, keep reading our step-by-step guide to find out everything you need to know.
