Why Is My Boiler Leaking?

Your boiler provides heat by heating water and then moving that hot water or the steam it generates to radiators throughout your home. Because water is involved, boilers can sometimes leak, but it’s important to know why. Common causes of boiler leaks include pressure issues, faulty seals, or corrosion. Heart of Ohio is here to explain why boilers leak, what you can do to troubleshoot the issue, and when it’s time to call a professional.

How To Troubleshoot Leaking Boilers

On average, boilers last around 20 years, but it’s smart to have your boiler checked and serviced annually to avoid problems and ensure a long lifespan. If your boiler is leaking, this may signal it’s time for a replacement, but there are ways to troubleshoot the issue to be sure.

Here’s what you can do before calling a professional for help:

• Shut off your boiler: This is important for preventing further water loss and potential damage to the system’s components. Locate the power switch and turn off the boiler.
• Look for the source of the leak: Inspect your boiler to try to identify where the water is leaking from. Check for a leaky relief valve, corroded pipes, or water pooled around the bottom of the boiler.
• Check the pressure gauge: The occasional drip of water coming from the pressure outlet pipe is normal when the boiler releases pressure. If large amounts of water are coming out, this indicates a pressure issue. Check the pressure gauge to see if the needle is pointing to the green or the red. If it’s pointing to the red, call a professional right away.
• Check the temperature control valve: If water is leaking from the temperature control valve, the boiler temperature is probably too high. Be careful, as this can cause scalding water to come out of your taps.

Boiler Repair Tips for Homeowners

When your boiler leaks, sometimes it just needs a few adjustments to get back to normal, but other times, this is a sign of a bigger problem. Boiler leaks can happen for many reasons, but there are steps you can take to determine if the issue is fixable or if you should call a professional.

Steps include:

• Tighten loose connections: Boilers expand and contract as the temperature changes. This can cause joints to loosen and leak water. Check all the fittings, cover all pipes/tubes coming out of the boiler, dry the area, and wait to see if water appears again. If loose connections are the issue, a quarter turn might help. Otherwise, call a professional to ensure all connections are properly tightened.
• Check the condensation pipe: Modern boilers tend to produce condensation, which is normally drained through the condensation pipe. If this pipe is clogged or damaged, this can cause condensation to back up and leak, creating puddles around the bottom of the boiler. Check the condensation pipe for blockages and ensure it’s securely connected. If this pipe is damaged, a professional will need to replace it.
• Look for brown water: A boiler leaking brown water indicates a buildup of rust and dirt within the system, probably caused by corrosion. This is a serious issue that requires immediate professional attention.
• Look for cracks or dents: As your boiler repeatedly expands and contracts, this can lead to cracks and dents, as well as damaged seals, that cause leaks. Call a professional to determine the best next steps.

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Depend On Heart of Ohio To Repair Boiler Water Leakage Fast!

At Heart of Ohio, we offer comprehensive boiler solutions, including expert boiler repair services and emergency HVAC services. Our technicians have the tools, training, and experience needed to diagnose and fix any boiler issue. If your boiler is leaking, we will thoroughly inspect the unit to pinpoint the issue and use our expertise to properly fix the problem. We’ll then conduct rigorous testing to ensure your boiler is functioning efficiently and safely. If repairs won’t cut it, we also offer superior boiler replacement services to restore heat to your home.

Schedule professional boiler repairs with Heart of Ohio. Call us today for a free in-home estimate.