Just like with any other complex HVAC unit, there are a wide array of issues that can occur over the years that will either damage your boiler or decrease its efficiency. 

The following are some common boiler issues and how to repair them:

1. Odd Noises Coming from A Boiler

There are a variety of noises that can indicate problems in boilers–– banging, gurgling, whistling. 

  • Banging or rumbling can mean the boiler is kettling which is very dangerous because it causes steam to build up with nowhere to go, putting a lot of stress on the system. This is fixed by a specialist removing mineral buildup. 
  • Gurgling means that air is getting into the system and causing areas of the home to heat unevenly. The issue is resolved by a technician draining all the air out of the system and finding the source of the leak to fix.
  • Whistling is also the result of kettling and means there is hot air trapped inside, so a professional must come and release the pressure safely, then find and fix the air leak. 

2. No Hot Water or Heat from the Boiler

One of the most disruptive issues from the boiler is when it isn’t doing its job to heat the home or the water. There are a number of potential causes for this issue including faulty valves, broken system diaphragms and airlocks, low pressure, a broken thermostat, and more. 

There is some troubleshooting you can do first before calling a technician for help. First, check to see if the pressure gauge is below 1. If it is, it may need to be repressurized, which you can do yourself. Check your thermostat to see if the settings may be causing the issues, sometimes the device’s manufacturer guide can help you figure out the issue. If neither of these things work, it’s time to call for help.

3. Boiler Ignitor Issues

Older boilers sometimes have permanent pilot lights which need to stay lit to operate the larger burner inside your boiler. If the light keeps going out, the gas supply might be throttled due to a faulty thermocouple, deposit build-up, or just a strong draft blowing out the light. You can try to reignite the pilot light yourself by following the instructions in your boiler manual and by first making sure the gas stopcock is on. If you do not feel comfortable doing this, you can call for help. But if the issue persists, it may be time to get a new boiler installed. 

4. Boiler is Leaking or Dripping

Boiler leaks usually have to deal with a broken pump seal or pressure valve. If the leak is coming from the pump seal, the seal could have worn out. If the leak is coming from the pressure relief valve, there is likely excessive boiler pressure and this valve will need to be replaced. A leak around the system’s pipes could be due to corrosion. This is an issue where you will want a professional to come in and assess. 

5. Low Boiler Pressure

If the pressure drops too low–– which you can check on the pressure gauge––the system will not work properly. Your boiler’s pressure should ideally be set at 15 and if it drops below 1, there will be issues. These issues could mean a system leak, recently bled radiators, or a pressure valve in need of replacing. 

Look for signs of a leak. If you don’t see a leak, you can try repressurizing your boiler. If these suggestions don’t help or you don’t feel comfortable with repressurizing your boiler, you will need professional assistance. 

6. A Frozen Condensate Pipe

Pipes commonly freeze in the colder seasons. Your system’s condensate pipe transports the acidic water caused by waste gas away from the boiler. Condensate pipes risk freezing if they are fitted outside or in an unheated space of the home. This issue can result in the condensate reverting back into the boiler and the system either breaking down or the pipes bursting. Fortunately, there’s a way for you to defrost a condensate pipe yourself. 

7. Thermostat Issues

If your thermostat is old, it might be malfunctioning. You can try resolving this issue by first replacing the batteries. If that doesn’t work, try positioning the thermostat closer to the boiler and check for any interference that could be causing an issue. If that troubleshooting doesn’t work, take a look in the thermostat manual for any advice. However, we recommend installing a digital thermostat. It can help better regulate settings and also save on energy costs.

8. Radiator Problems

Uneven or inconsistent heating is typically caused by a build-up of air or sludge inside of radiators. Many radiator issues can be resolved by “bleeding” them to flush out whatever has built up. This is something you can do yourself. 

If you notice issues with your heat or hot water, contact the professional team at Day & Night Mechanical. We provide high-quality, affordable service and repairs for boilers in Denver, Boulder, Brighton, and all surrounding areas. We can also help you find a new boiler and provide boiler installation at affordable rates. No matter what boiler services you need, we are the HVAC company to call! 

Contact us here or by calling 303-936-2696. We do free consultations!