Have you ever noticed water around your boiler heating system and asked, “Why is my boiler leaking?” In this blog post, Grove Heating & Cooling will walk you through the common causes of boiler leaks. Before you call us for boiler repair services, our team shares what to try yourself to fix the problem.
Why Is My Boiler Leaking Water?
Boilers can leak for many reasons, but these causes tend to be the most common ones we see.
Boiler Pressure Problems
If you’ve noticed water around your boiler, it’s most likely coming from the pressure outlet pipe. This component is designed with no sealed fittings so the boiler can release extra pressure, which can produce some water outside of the system. All boilers have this component.
If you’re seeing a small amount of water dripping from the pressure outlet pipe, there’s no need to worry as this is normal. However, if you’re finding lots of water around the boiler, it may mean the pressure is too high inside the boiler. You can check the boiler’s pressure gauge to see if the needle is pointing to red or green. If the gauge is in the red, you need to bleed your boiler to lower the pressure.
Loose Fittings
As boilers are in use, their metal constantly is expanding and contracting as it goes from hot to cold. The perpetual expanding and contracting can cause the boiler’s fittings to loosen and leak. Another possible cause of loose joints in boilers is that the boiler is brand new. When a boiler is brand new, its fittings may be a little loose.
Loose fittings may be the reason behind a leaking boiler. If you think this might be the case with your boiler, the best course of action is to fix the problem as soon as possible. Start by examining all fittings. Dry everything off and then wait to see where water reappears. If your boiler pipes appear to be leaking, use a wrench to tighten fittings just a quarter turn and see if this solves the issue of your leak.
If the boiler leak persists, have your technician examine all joints and fittings to ensure they are snug. Taking care of this problem now will help to prevent more serious issues down the road.
Bad Seals
As your boiler ages, it’s common for the rubber seals installed throughout the boiler to harden and eventually break. Corrosion within the system can also cause these seals to wear out over time. Bad seals can cause your boiler to leak water, which not only wastes energy but can also lead to serious damage to your home.
If you have a leaky boiler, it’s important to call a professional to have the seals replaced. This is a fairly common reason for boiler leaks. In some cases, damaged seals can also be a sign that a newly installed boiler is operating at high-pressure levels. This problem can be easily fixed by a professional, so it’s important to get it checked out as soon as possible.
Maryland Boiler Repair Services
There are a number of reasons a boiler might spring a leak, but when you notice water around your unit, there are some things you can do to troubleshoot the issue yourself. If you cannot identify the reason behind why your boiler is leaking or suspect it’s due to an issue that requires professional attention, contact Grove Heating & Cooling to schedule an appointment for boiler repairs today.