Common Boiler Problems To Avoid

Common boiler problems can put you in a position with no hot water, and problems can arise at any time. You can make regular checks to ensure you spot problems early. Sometimes you will need a boiler electrician to conduct maintenance or solve a problem. Other times you can perform a simple remedy.

If your boiler isn’t working, you should arrange to make repairs as soon as an issue arises, to ensure a minor problem doesn’t become an expensive catastrophe.

Here we take a look at common boiler problems and indicate when you should tackle the issue or call in a professional. It is time to avoid the stress and the inconvenience of no water and remember, every problem doesn’t necessarily mean you need a new boiler.

No Hot Water

No hot water is extremely frustrating, especially in winter. Before calling out a boiler electrician, you should check the thermostat, programmable timer, and power supply. If the power is on and your programmer appears to be working, you might need to replace boiler elements or the thermostat. This is a technical job where a professional will drain the boiler and replace the parts.

If no water flows from your hot water tap, check to see if the service valve is open. If it fails to operate, it may need replacing. If you have hot water, but not enough, the unit may not be heating the water sufficiently. A technician will need to check the elements are working and evaluate if you have an overrated system, where you may need a bigger unit.

Faulty circuit breaker

If your water heater switches off and will not turn on again, then it may be the case that the circuit breaker has tripped. You can reset the circuit breaker and check if it trips again. If it does, you should call a boiler electrician.

Whenever you suspect an electrical fault, it is best to get your boiler electrician involved. It is not safe to start tampering with the thermostat, circuit breaker, or fuses. If you expose any electrical elements of the system or touch burned wires, you risk electrical shock. A professional will evaluate your electrical boiler issues, and in some cases, they may need to fit a circuit breaker with a higher amperage.


Leaks

Leaks are a serious issue and need addressing as soon as possible. Even a small leak can, over time, lead to significant damage to your home that will be expensive to fix and could pose a health problem by encouraging mould.

Water leaks are most often caused by defective pressure and temperature valves or corroded pipes. If you notice water dripping through the Tundish (safety valve) of your unit, this can indicate too much pressure in the system, which can be caused by too much heat in the boiler.

Try twisting the red or black cap to reset the temperature-pressure relief valve. If water continues to leak through the valve, you should call an emergency boiler electrician. Don’t forget to turn off your water, and if the water is leaking out of the boiler, turn off the electric as well.

Noises

Noises can be annoying, and they are a common issue for people with electric boilers. If you notice popping, rumbling, knocking, and hissing, this can be caused by a build-up of sediment in the tank, and you should call a boiler electrician.

A boiler electrician will be able to check for loose heating elements and water pressure fluctuations that can cause noise inside your boiler.