Boilers are known for having fewer moving parts than other types of heaters, thus making them remain efficient and repair-free for longer. Of course, they aren’t indestructible. The repair issues that do arise can also be a bit higher maintenance, meaning you won’t want to try working on these problems yourself. A few problems that your boiler might experience include:
Pilot Light Won’t Stay Lit
Gas powered boilers will depend on a pilot light to create heat. If the pilot light refuses to stay on for very long, the problem could be with the thermocouple.
The thermocouple is responsible for opening or closing the valve that supplies the natural gas. Normally, the thermocouple will respond to electrical voltages to determine how often this valve should stay open. In the event that this component malfunctions, it can cause the pilot light to go out soon after lighting it.
Due to the fact that this component deals with gas, we do not advise that you try fixing this problem on your own. Calling a heating repair service in Cedar Grove, NJ is your best option.
Banging, Gurgling, Rumbling
Any strange noises coming from your boiler can be cause for alarm. In most cases, it’s probably due to mineral deposits building up inside the boiler.
This is common in cities that receive hard water. If you’re not familiar with the term, hard water is defined as water that contains high volume of minerals–specifically calcium and magnesium. These two minerals are stubborn and will not be removed during any treatment processes. Instead, they’ll end up inside your plumbing system and in the hottest part of your system: such as the boiler.
As the buildup accumulates in your boiler, it will create a layer of insulation that can cause uneven heating. And, with that, comes air pockets that will burst when heated, thus resulting in a gurgling noise.
A heating repair expert will be able to help you to flush your boiler of these pesky deposits.
Leaks!
Leaks can be harmless or an omen of danger. We can tell you a few methods that can help you diagnose the problem, but if you’re unsure, don’t hesitate to call and ask for advice.
Harmless leaks would include:
- Pressure Valve Discharge: Boilers are full of heat and pressure. Too much pressure can cause your boiler to crack or burst, which is costly and dangerous. A method to prevent this is through pressure release valves. If there’s too much pressure built up in the boiler, the pressure valve will leak in order to correct the problem.
- Loose Joints: As temperatures fluctuate, the pipes leading to and from the boiler may contract or expand. This can cause their joints to become loose, thus causing some leakage. This is easy to fix since all you have to do is tighten the joints.
Serious leaks would come from:
- Cracks in the Body: This is something you should expect to see from an older boiler. As time passes, the metal body of the boiler can contract and expand and eventually crack. Whether or not the problem can be fixed will have to depend on the opinion of an expert.
- Damaged Seals: A seal that has been cracked or damaged can result in leaks. While it is possible to replace your own seals, we recommend consulting with a professional. The problem is commonly complicated by a malfunctioning boiler pump.