Water leaks from a boiler can be a serious problem and should never be ignored. If left unchecked, boiler leaks can lead to serious damage such as corrosion and rusting of the boiler’s internal components. Worse still, leaks could cause the boiler’s electrical components to malfunction or short-circuit.
Some of the telltale signs of a leaking boiler are:
- – A puddle developing under the boiler
- – Dripping or a constant stream of water behind the boiler
- – Damp patches on walls near the boiler
- – Development of mould or mildew on walls close to the boiler
Common Causes of Boiler Leaks
The quickest and safest way to find out why your boiler is leaking is to consult an approved boiler specialist to take a look. There are many different reasons for a boiler leak, including:
- – Pressure issues
- – The pressure relief valve could be dripping, which would indicate a fault in the boiler or the system
- – Wear and tear or damage to internal parts or connecting pipework
- – Poor installation of new boiler. Always check that new boiler installation is carried out by a qualified, Gas Safe Registered engineer.
- – A leak will only ever get worse, so we would highly recommend dealing with it promptly to lessen the chance of any further damage and to keep your hot water and central heating system in tip top condition.
When Should I Call a Boiler Specialist?
If your boiler is getting old or you’ve fallen behind with its service schedule, you will most likely need a qualified heating expert to deal with the leak. Always choose a Gas Safe Registered engineer, who will be best placed to diagnose the problem, which could be:
A Faulty Expansion Vessel
The expansion vessel keeps water pressure constant as it heats or cools. A jammed or faulty expansion vessel can cause a leak.
Impaired Pipework Seals
Over time, pipework seals can perish or corrode and cause leaks.
Internal boiler component faults
Failure of valves, pumps or the heat exchanger can result in leaks.
Incorrectly fitted pump seal
A badly fitted pump seal is very likely to leak and will need replacing.
Loose joints
It is inevitable that over time, wear and tear of joints and pipes can lead to loosened connections and water leaks. This is due to the repeated expansion and contraction that happens through the heating and cooling of water in your heating system.
Temperature Settings too High
Leaks from the temperature valve usually mean that the settings are too high. This can be caused by a fault in the boiler’s temperature probe.
Boiler Body Cracks
We mostly see this on older boilers. Over time, after much expanding and contracting due to repeated warming and cooling, boilers can split or crack. This is a very serious issue and is almost always an indicator that it is time to replace the boiler rather than pay out for an expensive repair.
Should I continue to use my boiler if it’s leaking?
If you find a leak, or notice that your boiler pressure has dropped very quickly (which would suggest a leak), we would suggest turning off the water supply and central heating and contacting a Gas Safe registered engineer as soon as possible for advice and assistance.
Is a Leaking Boiler Dangerous?
Yes, a leaking boiler can be dangerous. Water leaks can spread onto electrical components which could then short-circuit. Depending on how far it travels, water leaks may also cause damage to fixtures and fittings.
Does a leaking boiler cause low pressure?
Yes. Any leak within your central heating system will lead to a drop in boiler pressure.This means that your system will not operate efficiently and does need prompt attention.
Is it Time for a New Boiler?
You can reasonably expect a decent boiler to last for 10 years, 15 if you’re lucky. After this point, it is usually more cost-effective to invest in a new, more efficient boiler than to keep fixing one that is on its last legs.
How to Prevent Boiler Leaks
Regular boiler maintenance really is one of the best ways to help prevent leaks in the first place. A routine annual boiler service will also keep your boiler running efficiently, safely and reliably.
Power Flushing
Chemical power flushing removes sludge from your heating system, thereby reducing the risk of corrosion, one of the more common causes of leaks.
Conclusion
If you’ve noticed a leak, it’s time for a prompt service, repair or replacement. The WaterGuys are always happy to have a friendly chat to discuss the best solution for any boiler problems.
Why not give us a contact us on 020 313 77749