Boiler Tips for Common Problems
December 17, 2023
Boiler Not Working? Boiler Troubleshooting Complete Guide
Boilers are vital for keeping your home warm and ensuring you have hot water when you need it. However, if your boiler is not working properly, it can quickly disrupt your daily routine.
Gas boiler problems might be as simple as a low water level or a malfunctioning pilot ignition, but they can also involve more significant issues requiring professional repair. In this guide, we’ll explore boiler troubleshooting tips to help you identify and address common boiler issues.
Whether you’re dealing with a gas boiler problem, water heater, plumbing, or another concern, Blue Dot is here to support you. If the problem persists beyond these tips, or if you need professional services, don’t hesitate to call for expert diagnostics and repairs.
What Is the Common Problem in a Boiler?
Common boiler issues include low water pressure, faulty thermostats, and pilot lights that won’t stay lit. These issues can often be resolved with basic boiler troubleshooting. Still, they can also point to more serious gas boiler problems that require professional repair, such as a failing water pump or a malfunctioning diverter valve.
Below, we’ll guide you on how to troubleshoot common issues before they become big problems!
Common Boiler Issues to Check
Pilot Light
If the pilot light goes out, your boiler won’t function properly. Common boiler issues related to the pilot light include a malfunctioning thermocouple, drafts extinguishing the flame, or debris blocking the gas flow.
If your pilot light has gone out, you can try to reset it using the manufacturer’s instructions. This is usually done by turning the gas control knob to the “off” position, waiting a few minutes, then relighting the pilot. If this is a recurring gas boiler problem, call your local boiler expert.
Clock
The boiler clock, or timer, controls when your boiler turns on and off, allowing you to set heating schedules that match your daily routine. If the clock malfunctions, your boiler might not turn on when needed. Common boiler issues related to the clock include power outages resetting the timer, incorrect settings, or a faulty clock mechanism. If your boiler is not working according to your set schedule, you can try resetting the clock. Most homeowners can safely reset the clock.
Gas Valve
The gas valve in your boiler regulates gas flow to the pilot light and burner, ensuring your boiler can produce heat when needed. If the gas valve is faulty, your boiler may not ignite.
Common problems with gas valves include becoming stuck, clogged with debris, or failing due to electrical faults. Unlike simpler issues, addressing a gas valve requires specialized knowledge and tools. Attempting to fix it yourself can be dangerous, so it’s best to contact Blue Dot to have a professional diagnose and repair the valve safely.
Diverter Valve
The diverter valve in your boiler directs hot water to either your heating radiators or your hot water taps. When the diverter valve fails, you might notice that you have either heating but no hot water or vice versa.
Failures in the diverter valve can occur due to wear and tear, blockages, or mechanical failures within the valve itself. Fixing a diverter valve usually involves dismantling parts of the boiler, which can be complex and potentially risky, meaning it’s not a repair homeowners should attempt.
Water Pump
Is water leaking around your boiler? This could indicate a faulty water pump. The water pump is responsible for circulating hot water throughout your home’s heating system. When it fails, you might notice reduced heating efficiency or a complete loss of hot water.
Water pumps can fail due to worn seals, electrical issues, or blockages. If you see any water around the base of your boiler, it’s crucial to rely on the expertise of a service technician to determine the exact problem and fix it safely. Attempting to repair or replace a water pump on your own is not recommended due to the complexity involved.
Thermostat
The thermostat is the control center for your heating system, regulating the temperature in your home by communicating with the boiler. If your rooms aren’t warming up as they should, or the boiler isn’t responding, the thermostat could be to blame.
A thermostat might fail due to dead batteries, incorrect settings, or simply age-related wear and tear. In some cases, it could also be a wiring issue. Before assuming the worst, try replacing the batteries and checking the settings. If these steps don’t resolve the issue, call an expert.
Low or High Water Pressure
Low or high water pressure in a boiler occurs when the water in your heating system drops below or above the recommended level, affecting its ability to function efficiently. When the pressure is too low, your boiler may struggle to heat your home or provide hot water, leading to inconsistent temperatures or complete system failures. Too high can cause significant issues like leaks, strain on components, and potential damage to the system.
To check the water pressure, you can look at the pressure gauge on your boiler, typically located on the front panel. If the water pressure is low, it’s often safe to try topping the system yourself by using the filling loop, which allows water to flow into the system to raise the pressure. If the pressure continues to drop, it’s time to call for help.
Electrical Components
Modern boilers use electrical components such as circuit boards, thermostats, pumps, and timers to function effectively, so if these components fail, it may mean your boiler is not working properly, causing issues like intermittent heating, unexpected shutdowns, and complete system failures. Causes of these common boiler issues include power surges, faulty wiring, worn-out parts, and exposure to moisture.
Diagnosing electrical problems can be challenging and potentially dangerous. While you might check for obvious signs like a tripped circuit breaker or error codes on the display panel, in-depth gas boiler troubleshooting of electrical components should be left to the professionals.
Trapped Air
Trapped air in a boiler occurs when air pockets form within the system, preventing water from circulating properly. This can lead to cold spots in radiators, reduced heating efficiency, and unusual noises like gurgling or banging. If left unresolved, trapped air can cause your boiler to work harder than necessary, increasing wear and tear.
To safely troubleshoot trapped air, bleed your radiators using a radiator key to release the trapped air and allow water to flow freely again.
Faulty Burner
A faulty burner in a boiler can result in the system failing to ignite properly, leading to no heat or hot water. The burner is responsible for mixing gas with air to create the flame that heats your water. When it malfunctions, you might notice intermediate heating, a yellow or orange flame instead of a blue one, or a complete lack of ignition.
Diagnosing a faulty burner typically involves checking for visible signs like an irregular flame color or listening for unusual sounds during ignition. This should be handled by a professional.
There’s Water Around the Base of My Boiler
Is water leaking around the base of your boiler? You could have loose joints, faulty seals, a faulty heat exchanger, a corroded pressure valve, or expansion tank issues.
Common Boiler Problems to Check
Loose Joints
Loose joints in your boiler occur when the connections between pipes and the boiler become unstable or worn over time, leading to water leaks. To check for loose joints, carefully inspect the areas where the pipes connect to the boiler and look for any signs of dripping or moisture.
If you detect a leak, you can try gently tightening the joints with a wrench. However, be careful not to overtighten, as this can damage the pipes. If tightening doesn’t resolve the issue, it’s time to contact a professional to address and repair the problem.
Faulty Seals
Over time, the seals in your boiler can deteriorate, leading to leaks around the joints and connections. These seals are essential for keeping the water within the system, but wear and tear can cause them to crack and break down.
To spot faulty seals, check for any water pooling or dampness around the connections on your boiler. Faulty seals generally need to be replaced by a professional to ensure your boiler functions correctly and to prevent future leaks.
Faulty Heat Exchanger
The heat exchanger in your boiler is responsible for transferring heat from the burner to the water, making it a critical component of your heating system. When a heat exchanger becomes faulty, it can cause significant water leakage, often appearing as drops from the bottom of the boiler.
You may also notice unusual noises or a drop in heating efficiency. Diagnosing a faulty heat exchanger is complex and dangerous due to high temperatures and pressures. Because of this, any suspected issues with the heat exchangers must be handled by a professional.
Corroded Pressure Valve
Your boiler’s pressure valve helps maintain safe pressure levels within the system. However, this valve can become corroded over time, reducing heating efficiency and leaks. Signs of a corroded pressure valve include rust, discoloration, and water pooling around the valve.
You can inspect the valve visually for any of these signs, but homeowners should never handle a corroded valve themselves. Corrosion can weaken the pressure valve, making it prone to failures under pressure. It’s always safest to have a professional assess and replace the valve if corrosion is detected.
Expansion Tank Issues
Your boiler system’s expansion tank absorbs excess pressure caused by heated water expanding. When the expansion tank malfunctions, it can lead to leaks and uneven pressure-related damage to your boiler.
Signs of expansion tank issues include water leaks, unusual noises like hissing or banging, or fluctuating boiler pressure. You can check the expansion tank’s pressure using a gauge, but a professional should handle any significant issues to avoid further complications and system failures.
Expert Solutions for Persistent Boiler Issues: Schedule Service Today
If your boiler is taking longer to heat, producing uneven temperatures, and making unusual noises, these could be signs that it’s beginning to fail and that a replacement is on the horizon. And if your boiler is still not working despite some basic boiler troubleshooting, it’s time to call in the experts.
Our technicians are ready to diagnose, repair, or replace your boiler, ensuring your home stays warm and comfortable. In addition to our boiler services, we offer comprehensive HVAC and plumbing repair services, including garbage disposals, drain cleaning, and sump pump repair.
Don’t wait until a small boiler problem becomes a big one—call Blue Dot at 410-204-2662 or schedule your service online today and keep your home’s systems running smoothly.
