Troubleshooting Common Boiler Issues

Your boiler heats your Ann Arbor, MI home through chilly weather. If you have a combination boiler, it will also heat your water. It can be a real hassle if it stops working. Boiler problems can range from low water pressure to unreliable temperature control to faulty gas valves. While some of these issues are harmless, others are safety hazards that need immediate professional attention. Below, we will discuss how to recognize, troubleshoot, and deal with common boiler issues so you can depend on it to work well year-round. 

Your Pilot Light Is Out

If you have an older gas boiler, it may have a pilot light. This is a small blue flame that ignites the main burner when you need heat. If your pilot light goes out, the boiler won’t work as it should. A faulty thermocouple or pilot ignition, air drafts, and soot or dust buildup on the dirty pilot assembly can all cause problems. Also, a poorly adjusted flame, a kinked pilot tube, or a defective gas valve can lead to pilot light issues.

You may notice that your pilot light is out. If so, you can try turning the gas off, waiting five minutes to ensure any residual gas dissipates, then following the manufacturer’s instructions to relight the pilot. If you suspect a defective gas valve is causing the problem, or you feel unsafe following these steps, you should have an expert address the issue.

You Suspect You Have a Faulty Gas Valve

A boiler’s gas valve regulates the flow of fuel to the pilot light and burner. If this gas valve gets clogged, stuck, or experiences some other fault, your boiler may malfunction. If you smell a strong odor of gas or rotten eggs, you could have a faulty gas valve. Other signs of this issue include your boiler cycling frequently or stopping generating heat, or you are hearing hissing, whistling, or rattling noises. If your pilot light will not stay lit, or you see strange error codes on your boiler's display, reach out to a professional. 

Faulty gas valves can be dangerous. They can put you at risk of experiencing carbon monoxide poisoning or an explosion. It takes specialized tools and knowledge to repair a gas valve. If you suspect a problem, call a professional right away to ensure your safety and get your boiler back on track.

Your Heater or Hot Water Stops Working

A combination boiler that provides both radiant heat and hot tap water can malfunction if its diverter valve experiences a mechanical issue, gets blocked, or wears out. This valve controls the water flow through the radiators and taps in your home by directing hot water where it’s currently needed most. Water is heated on demand. This allows you to keep your home warm and have hot water available for showers, laundry, and your other household needs.

If you have heat or hot water but not both, you should hire a qualified technician to address the issue. Repairing or replacing a diverter valve can be a complicated task that is best left to a professional. 

You Experience Low Water Pressure

If your boiler pressure drops, you could have low water levels, leaky pipes, or deteriorating seals. Low water pressure can cause your boiler to struggle or fail, leading to unpredictable temperature changes or a complete system breakdown. 

If your water pressure seems low, check the pressure gauge on your boiler, and use the filling loop to add water to the system to normalize the pressure. If this task is too complicated or the pressure drops again, call a professional for assistance. 

Your Thermostat Is Malfunctioning

A thermostat regulates a boiler’s heating cycle and keeps the temperature at your desired level. If your boiler doesn't maintain the proper temperature in your home, a worn-out thermostat, dead batteries, improper device settings, or a wiring issue could be to blame. If you experience fluctuating temperatures or your home feels hotter or colder than it should, check your thermostat’s display to make sure that it’s showing the temperature, date, and time correctly.

The information on your thermostat’s display may be inaccurate or missing, or you see an error code. If so, try replacing its batteries, resetting the thermostat, and adjusting the temperature upwards to see if the boiler responds. If these steps fail to resolve the issue, call our team for help. 

You Have Air Trapped in Your Boiler

It’s possible for boilers to hold both air and water inside them. Temperature fluctuations or a pressure buildup inside your system can create an air lock that keeps hot water from circulating efficiently through your radiators. This makes it hard to heat your house. If your home feels too cool and you notice strange banging or gurgling noises, you could have trapped air within your boiler. 

If you think your boiler has an airlock, you can try to bleed your radiators to release the trapped air. First, turn off the boiler and allow your radiators to cool off. Find the bleed valve on the radiator farthest away from the boiler, insert the radiator key, and turn it to release the air trapped inside. When the hissing stops and the water starts flowing again, turn the key the other way to close the valve. 

Repeat the process with your other radiators, working your way back to the boiler, and check your system pressure. If the pressure is within acceptable levels, you can restart your boiler. If the pressure is too low, or the problem recurs, or you don’t feel confident enough to bleed your radiators, call a plumber or boiler technician to fix the issue. 

You May Have a Faulty Burner

Your boiler’s burner creates the flame that heats your water by mixing gas with air to start the combustion process. If the burner malfunctions, it can prevent your boiler from igniting and cause you to lose access to your heat and hot water. 

If you suspect that your burner isn’t working well, look for visible signs of trouble like an orange or yellow flame color. Listen to strange sounds as the burner ignites. You should also verify that the power and gas supply are working properly. If you see any signs of trouble, do not open the boiler. Instead, have a professional fix the issue to ensure your safety. 

You Notice Your Boiler Is Leaking

Boilers can leak anywhere water and steam meet a joint, seal, puncture, or crack in your system, especially if its materials are aging. If you notice water pooling outside of the boiler, encounter a damp or moldy area nearby, or experience low boiler pressure, you could have a breach or corrosion in your system. You might also have a problem with your expansion tank or your heat exchanger that is causing water to escape. 

If you notice any signs of a leak, carefully inspect your pipes and joints for drips, rust, discoloration, and condensation. Then, have a service technician determine the severity of the problem. Leaky boilers can be difficult to repair and may require replacement, but only an expert will know for sure.  

When boiler problems are making life difficult at home, you’ll want to call in the professionals at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® of Ann Arbor. Our capable, highly trained boiler technicians can evaluate your heating system and make necessary repairs and replacements. We will ensure your home stays safe and that you’ll have hot air and water when you need it. Our team also offers comprehensive plumbing repair, installation, and inspection services on demand. If your boiler is causing you trouble, don’t hesitate. Call us at Benjamin Franklin Plumbing® to schedule service today in Ann Arbor.