4 Common Problems With Hot Water Boilers

Boilers are often used in conjunction with hot water heaters. If yours isn't getting hot, has uneven heat, or experiencing other problems, you may need a professional. It helps to troubleshoot it first to decide if you need a professional (like Bunbury Plumbing and Gas) or a simple tweak.

The Boiler Keeps Turning Off

A common issue with a hot water boiler is when it keeps turning off an don continuously. This may not be due to a serious problem, but one that requires a little more investigating. If it keeps turning off and on, it could cause uneven hot water in your home and be a sign of another issue. This may be due to a faulty thermostat that needs to be replaced, or from water pressure that is too low. You might also be dealing with a faulty pump that isn't circulating hot water properly, or a closed valve that is keeping the hot water from being continuous.

There is No Heat

You may also be experiencing a complete lack of heat from the hot water boiler. This is often a problem with not enough power being supplied to the boiler, so always check for pilot lights that are out or lack of a proper connection. It could also be due to the thermostat on the boiler being faulty or having low water levels in the boiler. Find the fuse or circuit breaker that goes to the boiler to see if it was accidentally tripped. Reset it if you can and see if it solves the problem. If you notice continued problems with the fuse going out, contact a professional to have it looked at.

Radiator Isn't Getting Hot

It might not be the lack of hot water from the boiler, but that the actual radiators of the boiler are not heating up enough. This problem is often due to poor maintenance. If there is debris and sludge that gathers in the system, it needs to be removed. If it isn't, it can eventually cause the radiators to begin rusting and corroding, which affect how hot they get. Cleaning out the system of this debris is often the best source of action.

Inconsistent Heat

If you are getting hot water from the boiler, but you believe it is uneven or inconsistent, this is most often from the heat exchanger. It occurs when there are mineral deposits in the heat exchanger and the boiler itself. However, if the change is more sudden, it is most likely due to the water level. In either case, it is a good idea to contact a plumber to inspect and flush the boiler.