Common Boiler Problems And What To Do About Them

Many homes, workplaces, and businesses rely on boilers for heating, industrial processes, and more. Unfortunately, boilers can often stop working or stop working effectively, sometimes without warning. Because boiler problems are so common and because most should be fixed immediately, it is important to be aware of the most common boiler problems and of what you should do when they occur.

No Heating Capability

The whole reason that boilers exist is to provide heat. Some are meant to heat up a room while others are meant to heat water or other liquids. If a boiler suddenly stops doing its job, there are many problems that could be to blame. Some of the most common are:

  • A broken diaphragm
  • Low water levels
  • Improperly set thermostat
  • Broken airlocks
  • Damaged or broken valves

Obviously, you don't want to start replacing parts until you've had a professional take a look at your boiler. However, you can perform basic troubleshooting, such as checking the water levels and the thermostat settings, adjusting as needed, and trying again. If none of those things work, though, it's time to call a pro.

Sudden Shut-Off

Sometimes, a distressed boiler may shut off on its own. When that happens, one or more of the following problems is likely to blame:

  • Interrupted power supply
  • A frozen pipe
  • Too much air in the system
  • A broken pump

The first thing you'll want to do is to make sure the power supply hasn't been interrupted. If other devices connected to the same plug aren't working or if there has been an outage, try flipping the appropriate breaker and checking to see if the boiler comes back on.

Frozen pipes, unfortunately, will just need to be thawed out, which you can do naturally by waiting or manually by applying a heat source. The other common causes of boiler failure are likely going to require some expert help though.

Low Water Pressure

One final problem frequently seen with boilers is water pressure that suddenly drops too low. The most common cause of sudden pressure loss is a leak somewhere in the system. Check the system thoroughly for leaks, and if one is noticed, turn off the boiler and patch the leak.

Another cause of low water pressure could be a faulty or broken pressure release valve, which will usually need to be checked and replaced by professionals.

As you can see, when you run into a common boiler problem, there are a few things you can do to try and fix the issue yourself. Contact a professional from a business like Reagan-Riter Boiler Works Inc if you're unsure of any boiler issues.

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