Common Boiler Issues and Repairs

Common Boiler IssuesBoilers are common in the Chesapeake Area and have been in use for years in both residential and commercial properties. While they are sturdy and reliable, with age they will need maintenance and repair. Our team is efficient and will work to get the heat back on, and business up and running as soon as we can. Here is a list of the common boiler issues and repairs we will address when performing a boiler inspection.

  • Strange Noises (Kettling) – If you notice strange banging, whistling or gurgling it could be from air within the system, or very low water pressure. Pump failure can also be responsible for the banging. There is a phenomenon known as Kettling (think of a steaming kettle on the stove) that could also be the cause. Limescale or sludge build-up restricts the flow of water in the heat exchanger. Thus, overheating the water causing it to boil and steam, hence the kettle-like sounds.
  • No Heat or Hot Water – Nothing is worse than waking up on a cold winter morning to no heat or hot water. Probable causes could range anywhere from broken diaphragms to airlocks. Our technicians would also check the valves for failure and measure water levels. We would also inspect the thermostat and boiler pressure.
  • Ignitor Issues – If your pilot light keeps going out the boiler’s thermocouple device could be defective, therefore prohibiting gas supply. The pilot light system may also have deposit built up within it. It is important to proceed with caution here because it may be an issue with gas lines. A professional assessment is always the safest.
  • Leaking and Dripping – First, determine where the leak is coming from. A common problem is a broken component such pump seal or a pressure valve. Additionally, if the pressure valve is defective, it will cause excessive boiler pressure. Should the pumps seal be the culprit, it will need replacing. Another reason could have nothing to do with the boiler, but with the pipes around the boiler. Our team always makes sure to inspect surrounding pipes for corrosion and proper fit.
  • Low Pressure – If the pressure in your boiler drops too low, the system will not function properly. There is a built-in pressure gauge that you can check. Some of the reasons causing the issue are a water leak; the pressure valve needs replacing, or if you recently bled the radiators.
  • Frozen Condensate Pipe –  If your boiler has a condensate pipe, it will transport the acidic water, caused by waste gas away from the boiler. Because of the location of the drain, the pipe risks freezing. An issue with the condensation will cause the pipes to freeze, and in the worst case could cause them to burst.
  • Thermostat Issues –  If your thermostat is older, it may be malfunctioning. Replacing it with a digital thermostat could serve to regulate settings, thus resulting in energy saving. If you have a digital thermometer, it sounds simple, but double check the settings. The thermostat may not be registering temperature correctly and not turning the heat on, although you are cold or hot. Small tweaks in the settings could make a big difference.
  • Radiators Not Getting Hot –  Radiators that are heating up inconsistently, or not at all could be addressed in a few ways. Sludge or air that builds up in the can cause uneven heat distribution. The radiators may need “bleeding” to flush them out. When certain radiators are not heating, and others are, the radiators need balancing, involving adjusting the valves of all the radiators in the property. Lastly, if necessary, chemical flushing will remove all sludge, if nothing else is effective.
If you notice issues with your heat or hot water, contact the professional team at The Severn Group. We have an efficient list of common boiler issues and repairs, and we thoroughly inspect your system. You can be confident that we will get your business up and running as soon as possible. Contact us today to schedule an appointment.

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