How To Find And Repair Valve Leaks In Your Boiler

Valve leaks are one of the most stress-inducing issues that can happen to a boiler. Because movies and television shows depict leaking valves as life threatening situations, the minute you hear hissing or see leaking liquid, you may panic. In reality, valve leaks aren’t that dangerous. However, this issue is serious due to the expense and irritation caused by repair costs and downtime.

If you catch a valve leak early enough, you can prevent it from turning into a major repair job that potentially shuts down your equipment. If you work with water heaters, boilers, or water tanks, you should expect a valve leak at some point and prepare for it. The best way to prepare is to know how to troubleshoot a leak, common causes of valve leaks, and if you should call in a professional.

Troubleshooting a valve leak

If you see liquid seeping out of a valve, your natural inclination is probably to call a plumber. However, there are many things you can do to troubleshoot the problem before calling someone else. First, see if the leak is coming from the valve or something else. Second, check to see how many leaks there are. Third, examine the condition of the valve and the area around it. Do you see any buildup or debris or deposits? Sometimes you can stop a leak by simply cleaning up the area around the valve.

Common causes of valve leaks

Your first thought if you see a leak is probably that the valve is defective. However, there are many causes for leaks besides this. For example, parts can become loose, o-rings and washers might degrade, or the settings might be turned up too high. Check each of these issues while you inspect the leak. You may find that turning down the boiler’s pressure solves the leak problem.

When to call a professional boiler service

If you find that these tips are working for you, then you can probably handle the valve leak yourself. However, if the leak is significant, coming from multiple sources, or you cannot identify a specific cause, you may want to call a professional. If even one of those factors is present, it will be easier for an experienced boiler service technician to troubleshoot and repair the valve leak.

Repair or replace?

If you have determined you can handle the leak yourself, you need to come up with a plan. If the leak is minor, you can try tightening the packing nut on the valve. You can also wrap the valve in tape, but this is usually a temporary solution, as tape degrades quickly. If you find that tinkering with the parts isn’t working, then you may need to disassemble the equipment to get at the leak.

A professional can inspect and take apart your boiler or water tank to find the problem. Sometimes leaks are hidden within the pipes, which can only be reached by someone with expertise. For instance, contaminants in the water might degrade the pipes within the boiler, resulting in a valve leak. Contaminant build-up will slowly corrode pipes, starting with small leaks that eventually make their way outside of the boiler, requiring replacement.

Tools needed for basic boiler service

If you are trying to fix a problem yourself, you will need the right tools. First, you need an adjustable wrench. Second, pliers are critical for working with pipes and valves, especially slip joint pliers. You should also keep masking tape and extra washers. You can use the tape to prevent leaks temporarily and you can never have too many washers when you’re working with a boiler.

The cost of failing to repair your boiler

Boiler leaks can result in expensive repairs. You should never ignore a leak, because doing so will always develop into something more serious. Even minor leaks will eventually grow into issues that could result in equipment breakdown or failure. Moreover, water damage is insidious, corroding and destroying the interiors of your walls and other equipment.

Need to find or repair a leak in your boiler?

If you have a boiler leak that requires professional service, contact the experts at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas today. 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 via email for more information about how we can help you. You can also visit us in person at 404 S. Hayden St. in Amarillo.