Why Your Boiler May Be Leaking Water

You probably spend a small amount of time thinking about your boiler. But, the boiler is one of the most important parts of your home or business, especially during the winter. Many models are so well-designed that most people never need to bother with them because they work all the time. While you can leave your boiler alone most of the time, that doesn’t mean you can neglect it forever. You should conduct regular inspections and maintenance every year. This could save you thousands of dollars in emergency repairs. To help you, this post will go over some (but not all) of the common causes of leaks.

Heating pump leaks

The heating pump is one of the most common culprits of a leaking boiler. This component usually leaks because a seal has been blown, which occurs if your boiler is old. Another common cause of heating pump leaks is excessive pressure, which causes the seal to blow.

Auto-air vent

The auto-air vent is a boiler safety device that releases when the unit is operating at too high a pressure. The excess pressure is transferred to the auto-air vent to release it from the unit. The auto-air vent (like many vents) works on a pressure valve. When the valve is triggered, it quickly releases pressure. The problem is that these valves can sometimes also let water out which causes a leak.

Boiler connections

Boiler connection leaks are more rare, but not impossible. They come up frequently in newer models that haven’t been assembled correctly. Luckily, this is an easy fix. If you think the boiler connection is causing a water leak, dab it dry, then leave it alone for a few minutes. Come back and check if it is wet. The connection is loose if there is more water. Take a wrench and tighten the connection. Usually, a 1/4 turn is enough.

Heat exchanger corrosion

The heat exchanger is located near the bottom of the boiler and is a very expensive component. Unfortunately, if you see a leak at the bottom of your boiler, it could be a heat exchanger issue and may be cheaper to replace the entire system completely. The heat exchanger can corrode over time slowly and eventually split or crack, causing leaks. Don’t try to fix this yourself. Contact an experienced boiler repair company. They will be able to give you your best options on repairing the heat exchanger or replacing the unit.

Are leaking boilers dangerous?

Not always. Boilers leak water frequently. The trick is to determine which leaks are dangerous and which are just bothersome. If you see leaks from the bottom, that could indicate that water is dripping over electrical components, which is dangerous. You should turn off your boiler and call for emergency assistance if you have this issue. If a leak is extensive, it could also spread and cause additional internal damage.

Boiler maintenance and repair in the Texas Panhandle

If your Boiler is Leaking water, contact a local, experienced plumbing company. The experts at Allen’s Tri-State Mechanical Inc. in Amarillo, Texas can handle any issue with this equipment. We provide Commercial and Residential Plumbing services throughout the Texas panhandle. You can reach us at (806) 376-8345 or Contact Us by email to learn more.