As the backbone of your home’s heating system, a boiler needs to function smoothly to maintain comfort during the colder months. However, like any household appliance, boilers can encounter issues, some of which you can troubleshoot on your own. New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing will share a basic guide to help you identify and address some of the most common boiler problems.
Why Do I have No Heating or Hot Water from My Boiler?
Some of the potential causes for a boiler to fail to provide heat or hot water may be:
• Broken diaphragms and airlocks
• Failed motorized valves
• Issues with the thermostat
• Low water levels
When troubleshooting why a boiler is not creating heat or producing hot water you will want to:
• Check the thermostat settings and ensure it’s switched to ‘heat’.
• Look at the boiler pressure and water level to ensure they are within normal ranges.
• Reset the boiler according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
• If the boiler has a pilot light, make sure it’s lit.
Is Boiler Dripping or Leaking Water an Emergency?
A boiler may leak or drip water and can include:
• A variety of issues, depending on where the water is leaking from
• Worn-out internal components, such as seals or pressure valve
When you troubleshoot why your boiler is leaking water you will want to:
• Identify the source of the leak. If it’s from a pressure valve, the boiler pressure might be too high.
• If the leak is coming from the pump seal, it may have worn out and need replacing.
Why is My Boiler Making a Weird Noise?
Potential causes for a boiler developing strange noises can include:
• Air in the system
• Low water pressure
• Imminent pump failure
Troubleshooting noise you may want to follow the following tips:
• Bleed your radiators to remove any trapped air.
• Check the pressure gauge and repressurize the system if needed.
• Listen to determine if the noise is coming from the pump, as this could indicate it needs repair or replacement.
What Causes Boiler Pilot Light to Go Out?
Another common problem boiler can encounter may be the pilot light goes out and will not come back on. This may be due to:
• A broken thermocouple
• A buildup of deposits near the pilot light
When troubleshooting this problem you will want to:
• Try relighting the pilot light, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Check for drafts or airflow that could be blowing the light out.
• Clean the pilot light area to remove any buildup.
Why Does the Boiler Keep Turning Itself Off?
Some of the reasons behind why a boiler may completely shut off are:
• Low water pressure
• A problem with the thermostat
• Blocked condensate pipe
When troubleshooting this problem you may need to:
• Look for error codes on the boiler’s display that can diagnose the issue.
• Check water pressure and repressurize if necessary.
• If it’s cold outside, your condensate pipe may be frozen. Gently thaw it with warm water.
Boiler & Furnace Heating Maintenance, Repair, Replacement & More in Bedford Hills, Manhattan, Flushing, Queens, Brooklyn & The Bronx, New York
While some boiler issues can be safely addressed with a bit of DIY knowledge, others require the expertise of a certified professional, especially when it comes to internal components or gas supply issues. Regular maintenance is also key to preventing these common problems from occurring in the first place. If a problems had developed in any of these common areas and you need help, contact New York Air Conditioning, Heating & Plumbing today.
