Your boiler is a key part of the hot water system in your home. However, as your home's hot water system begins to age, your boiler may begin to exhibit signs of wear and tear. A common sign that your boiler needs to be repaired is when it begins to leak water. Below is a brief guide to the possible causes of a leaky boiler and the steps you should take to remedy the problem.
Internal Pressure Problems
Your boiler will be connected to an outlet pipe. This pipe helps to control the internal pressure within the boiler. As it does this, you may occasionally see water dripping from the end of the pipe. This is completely normal. You should never attempt to block or seal over the end of the pipe as this could cause excessive pressure to build up within the boiler, causing it to burst. However, if you notice that the outlet pipe is dripping a large quality of water, this could be a sign of more serious and complicated problems with your boiler and hot water system. You should call a professional plumbing service and have the boiler inspected.
A Damaged or Broken Seal
Your boiler will have several seals on its underside, which are designed to prevent water from escaping as it is heated. Over time, these seals can degrade and can become damaged or broken. If a seal has failed, you will see that that water has begun to collect beneath your boiler. While it is possible to replace the seals yourself if you have some DIY knowledge, it may be best to call a professional plumbing service, who will be able to inspect the boiler for other signs of damage and wear.
A Cracked Boiler Wall
Boilers are usually constructed using metal. Every time you use your boiler to heat water, the metal walls of the boiler will expand and then contract. This places the metal under stress and can lead to metal fatigue and cracking. If you notice cracks on the side of your boiler, you should not carry out a DIY job to patch them up. Cracks are a sign that the entire structure of the boiler may be compromised. If this is the case, you may have to replace the entire boiler system. To determine the extent of the damage, you should call in a plumber.
If you have any concerns about your hot water system, you should contact a professional plumbing service, such as Bunbury Plumbing and Gas, today.
