When your boiler is leaking water, you’ve got a problem. But just how big a problem is it? If you’ve got a leak and you’re looking for boiler repair or cleaning in West Monroe, NY or beyond, let’s take a look at some of the reasons why water would be coming out of your home heating system and what it might take to fix it.
1. Leaking Pipe Fittings/Poor Installation
If water is leaking out of your boiler around the pipe fitting, it’s likely an installation issue caused by poorly sealed or soldered fittings. It could be as simple as a ¼ turn, or could require reinstallation by a heating professional.
2. Boiler Pressure Valve Fault
Your boiler pressure valve, also known as a boiler safety valve or a T&P valve (temperature and pressure), is one of the most important components of your boiler. But calcite and limescale buildup can increase the pressure inside your tank, and if your pressure valve is faulty or if you have to much tank pressure, you’ll need to have a boiler repair expert take a look.
3. Corrosion
Metal corrosion in the pipes or tank of your boiler is also a common cause of leaks. Depending on the severity of the corrosion, addressing the problem could be as simple as a quick boiler repair service call. But if the corrosion has spread to too many pipes or a large enough percentage of your tank, it could require complete heating system replacement.
4. Old Rubber Seals in Boiler Pump
Hot water boiler systems use circulation pumps to move hot water through the piping in your house. But the rubber seals inside the pump can crack or grow less effective with age, and it’s not uncommon for old or broken seals in your boiler pump to leak water. These seals are inexpensive and easy for a qualified HVAC repairman to replace.
5. Faulty Expansion Tank
Your boiler’s expansion tank provides the hot water in your system a place to expand and relieve pressure. A good way to determine if this is the source of the leak is to watch and see when water leaks. If you start seeing water only after the boiler’s burner has been running for a little while, it could be the expansion tank.
6. Corrosion of Heat Exchanger
A heat exchanger can leak when it is rusted or cracked. The heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts of a boiler, and if you see rust or cracking, the likely recommended action would be to replace the entire system. It’s possible that it could be just a poor connection, though, which could be much simpler (and less expensive) to fix. A HVAC repair technician will be able to diagnose the problem.
7. Age!
Like any other system in your home, your boiling or heating system will get old, and as it ages, normal wear and tear will take its toll on the equipment. Past a certain age or amount of usage, corrosion, rust, cracks, and more are not uncommon. But there is good news: Today’s boiler heating systems are much more energy efficient than older models. Scheduling new heating installation can not only help you avoid repair calls down the road, but you’ll also reduce your monthly energy bills.
Central New York’s Leading Boiler Service Contractor
Heating and cooling in Utica, NY and the rest of Central New York is easy with Fred F. Collis. If you have boiler issues in Rome, New Hartford, Clinton, or elsewhere in the Mohawk Valley, we can get your heating fixed! We service all heating systems, so whether you’re looking for a boiler or an oil furnace repair company, reach out to Fred F. Collis today.
