Common Causes Of Boiler Leaks And How To Repair Them

Boilers are among the most costly pieces of machinery on your property. They play a vital role in regulating temperature, especially during winter. A boiler shutdown can incur expenses far beyond immediate repairs or replacements, impacting your daily routine and work schedule. Proper boiler maintenance, including understanding and repairing leaks, is essential to avoiding such disruptions and ensuring optimal performance.

What does a leaky boiler mean?

A leaky boiler indicates that something is wrong with your equipment. The leak could be a minor problem that may develop into a serious issue or be indicative of a serious problem that is already present. Regardless, you must address boiler leaks as soon as possible and take steps to identify and prevent them in the future.

Common causes of boiler leaks

Most boiler leaks are caused by corrosion, faulty water pipe connections, a broken seal, or a damaged valve or pump. To save time and money, you can try to identify the cause of a leak before initiating repairs or contacting a repair company. However, if your boiler is gas-operated you should contact a professional to conduct repairs immediately. Natural gas boilers are dangerous and should only be serviced by a certified professional. Additionally, if you notice an issue with your gas boiler, you should shut off your gas and water supply immediately.

Faulty pressure valves

The standard pressure for a boiler is between 18 and 21 PSI. Some leaks are caused because the boiler is operating at pressures above 21 PSI. The valves on boilers are designed to release pressure to avoid causing an explosion by purposefully leaking water.

Faulty pressure is generally caused by the accumulation of sediment, which prevents the pressure valve from closing and increases pressure on the boiler. You can test to see if there is sediment build-up by following certain steps.

First, shut off your boiler and allow it to cool so you can handle it. Once it is cooled, lift the manual pressure relief lever and release the water for three to four seconds. The water will discharge with some force, so beware. The water should come out relatively clean.
Next, shut the valve. If water continues to leak, it could mean that sediment is trapped inside.
Repeat this process until you can get the relief valve to close. If the relief valve cannot close, shut down the water feed valve and replace the relief valve.
Finally, if no water discharges, then that likely means the valve is clogged by sediment and needs to be replaced.

Faulty temperature valves

If the boiler temperature gets too high, other issues can arise. The temperature probe is responsible for regulating the temperature in the boiler. If the temperature is too high, you may need to replace this component. If the temperature is too low, it could indicate a faulty thermostat or an issue with the heating system.

Corrosion in boilers

Corrosion is a common problem in boilers, arising from frequent exposure to water at fluctuating temperatures. This process gradually weakens the pipes and tanks, potentially leading to leaks. Typically, corrosion manifests in a valve or pipe that can be easily replaced. However, failing to address this issue can escalate the damage.

Incorrectly installed pipe fittings

Pipe fittings are another weak spot in boilers. Unfortunately, they are occasionally installed incorrectly, which can cause leaks. A boiler technician can usually reinstall the pipe fittings correctly. However, depending on when leaks are identified, the damage may be too extensive and the pipes may require total replacement.

Faulty pumps or seals

Seals are another vulnerable part of boilers that can lead to leaks. They may corrode or loosen, allowing water to escape. Fortunately, seals are easy to replace. Pumps are also essential for proper boiler function, and a leak could indicate a faulty pump that needs to be replaced. It is crucial to regularly check and maintain pumps and seals to prevent leaks.

How to prevent boiler leaks

Repairing boiler leaks is vital but preventing them can help save you time and money. Regular maintenance, including annual inspections, can help identify and address potential issues before they become costly problems. Additionally, proper water treatment can reduce the risk of corrosion in your boiler. Monitoring and controlling the pressure and temperature levels is also essential in preventing leaks.

Need to repair a leak in your boiler?

If you are looking for the best local plumbing company to handle your boiler maintenance and repairs, contact the professionals at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical, Inc. in Amarillo, Texas. We provide industrial, commercial, and residential services throughout the Texas Panhandle and Tri-State area.

You can call us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email for more information about our service. You can also visit us in person at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo to see how we can help you.