Common Boiler Problems & How to Fix Them

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As the winter weather cranks up your boiler or heating system, it’s important to stay ahead of potential issues.

The team at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling, and Electrical sees the most issues at the beginning of the heating season, when people are firing up their heaters and boilers for the first time in months.

Read on to learn more about some of the most common repair problems we see with boilers and give our Denver heating experts a call if you have questions, or need to schedule service!

1) Circulating Pump Problems

If your boiler uses hot water to heat your home, you’ll see red, square components on the piping. These components are small pumps, known as circulating pumps, that push the hot water up into your heating outlet (radiator, baseboard, or radiant heating tubing). These pumps are electronic, and problems can develop with the wiring or the circulator wheel inside the pump, causing it to malfunction.

2) Leaks

Your boiler system is made to prevent leaks as much as possible. If you see a leak, you need to call for repair right away. Leaks can be indicative of a few things, such as corrosion with a pipe or a joint that has gone bad. Leaks depressurize your heating system and can lead to water damage, so it’s important to have any leak you see repaired as soon as possible.

3) Pressurization Problems

Having the right pressure inside your boiler heating system is critical for proper heating. Your boiler has a special component called the expansion tank that helps ensure that the pressure in your heating system is stable. However, problems can sometimes develop with the expansion tank that impede its ability to work properly and adversely affects the pressure in your heating system.

4) Old Age

Is your boiler older than 10 years? Boilers that are a decade old may not be producing enough heat due to old age. While most modern boilers are made of durable materials, they do tend to wear out over time, especially if they are not maintained on a regular basis. If your boiler is on its way out, we can recommend a new model to suit your needs.

5) Boiler Kettling

If you’ve ever noticed your boiler giving off a deep rumbling sound, it means that your system is kettling. Kettling may sound bad, but don’t panic. Your boiler isn’t going to explode. However, it will require serious repair if you don’t act quickly.

Causes of Boiler Kettling: Boiler kettling is caused by hard water depositing calcium and magnesium in the heat exchanger, forming lime scale that hinders water flow. Over time, that trapped water evaporates into steam, creating pressure and causing the distinct rumbling sound. Prolonged stress on the heat exchanger can lead to severe issues and needs immediate attention from the pros.

Effects of Boiler Kettling: Boiler kettling ultimately reduces how efficiently it distributes heat, and steam pressure may lead to pipe rupture, which could cause extensive water damage. The results could lead to thousands of dollars in damage, including the cost of replacing the heat exchanger, which may easily exceed the boiler’s value. If you observe kettling, promptly turn off the boiler and call the team at Bell right away to prevent further harm.

6) Lack of Boiler Maintenance

In order to work properly, your boiler needs to be checked regularly by a trained Denver heating professional. Regular maintenance can cut down on repairs and extend the life of the equipment. Make sure you have a heating technician from Bell Plumbing and Heating perform routine maintenance on your boiler at least once a year.

Call Bell for Boiler Repairs, Maintenance & Replacements

Boiler problems are an inconvenience, but don’t have to derail your day. If you’re noticing any of these common issues with your boiler or want to maximize its effectiveness, call the team at Bell Plumbing, Heating, Cooling and Electrical for comprehensive boiler repair services in Denver, CO. Call today to schedule an appointment!

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