4 Common Causes Of Boiler Leaks And How To Repair Them

Have you noticed wet spots or standing water in your boiler room? These are likely caused by boiler leaks, which should be fixed as soon as possible. Understanding what might be going wrong will help you make sure these leaks are repaired quickly and efficiently. There are many things that can cause boiler leaks including pressure problems, loose joints, cracks, or seal problems.

Pressure problems

Boilers have a pressure outlet pipe that comes out of the side. The pipe may begin to release a few drops of water on occasion, but this is not considered a leak. The purpose of the outlet pipe is to relieve some of the excess pressure built up inside the boiler. Sometimes, the steam comes out and condenses into those few drops of water. This process is entirely normal and should not cause concern. If there is a significant puddle of water under this pipe, however, the tank likely has too much pressure. If this is the case, you should contact a professional boiler maintenance technician.

Cracks

The metal body of an older boiler has endured years of stress. These years of expansion and contraction can cause the metal to crack or split. Cracks can cause huge leaks and serious water damage. It can be very expensive to repair a cracked tank. If you are in this situation, it may be better to have a technician install a new boiler.

Seal problems

Another cause of water spots or leaks could be bad seals. Boiler seals typically go bad over time. Excess heat and pressure can shorten the life of the seals as well. When the seals wear down enough that they are not watertight, the boiler pump may push the water out through damaged sections. At this point, a boiler technician should probably replace both the seals and the water pump at the same time.

Loose joints

The last common cause of water leaks from your boiler are loose joints. This type of issue is often easy to repair. All you need to do is tighten the joint’s fitting to make sure the connection is secure. Whenever you have a leak from a joint, check them all to make sure they are not beginning to come loose.

If you are dealing with any of these boiler issues, hiring a professional plumber to repair your system can help. Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas can help with all of your plumbing needs. Call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more about our heavy industrial, residential, and commercial services. You can also stop by our office at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo.