Pressure-balanced boiler systems require specialized technicians to diagnose and repair problems. If your boiler makes funny noises, leaks, drips, or doesn’t produce heat or hot water, it’s time for a service call.

Abel Heating and Cooling has repaired many types of boilers for over 70 years. We still hold true to our values of honest estimates and quality repairs on boilers and all types of HVAC systems. Please call us at 952-472-COOL (2665) for a service appointment on your boiler if you’re experiencing any of the following problems.

10 Potential Boiler Problems

In our experience, these are the most common boiler problems. Even if you think you’ve identified the problem with your boiler, please call a professional for service. Pressurized systems like boilers require service from technicians with specialized training.

Common boiler problems include:

1. Leaking and dripping –
Where is the water coming from? The source may not be visible to the eye if it comes from a broken internal component, such as a pump seal or a pressure valve. Too high boiler pressure can do this. A worn out pump seal can suddenly start to leak and need replacing. If the leak is coming from the pipes or tank, it could indicate corrosion or an improperly fitted system.

2. No Heat or Hot Water –
The failure of motorized valves, broken diaphragm and airlocks can cause loss of heat or hot water. Also, the thermostat or water level may be involved.

3. Banging, Gurgling or Whistling Sounds –
 Not only is this terribly annoying, even keeping you awake at night, it could spell serious problems with your boiler system. The most common cause is low water pressure. Called ‘kettling’, it can be a sign of imminent pump failure, or merely built up air inside of the radiators and oven.

4. Tapping Pipes or Radiators –
Maybe a thermostat radiator valve was incorrectly fitted, especially if you’ve had the radiator put in, or moved, recently. The other reason for banging pipes could be a build-up of limescale in the system. As water flows through your central heating system, it causes pipes to expand and contract, which can also be noisy if they are close to floorboards or not positioned well.

5. Humming boiler –
This can point to a problem with the heating elements. They may be set at the wrong time or pressure. If the boiler thermostat is working correctly, the fault might lie with the pump or pressure.

6. Pilot light keeps going out –
A broken thermocouple could be stopping the gas supply.

7. Loss of pressure –
There may be a water leak in the system, the pressure relief valve needs replacing, or the result of recently bled radiators.

8. Frozen condensate pipe –
Condensing boilers have a condensate pipe which usually transports the acidic water, caused by waste gas, through venting into a drain in the boiler room. Condensate neutralizers are a new code item now for high efficiency boilers, and where septic systems are involved, the acidity of condensate water can kill your good septic bacteria. The experience of your technician is important!

9. Thermostat Problems –
If the thermostat is inaccurate, or turning the heating on/off when it’s not supposed to, it might be time to buy a new one.

10. Use of Anti-freeze –
Every once in a while it becomes necessary to use non-toxic antifreeze in a hydronic heating system. The reasons for using non-toxic glycol vary, but often considered if the occupants of a dwelling may be gone for long periods of time. Were the home to lose fuel and power, components such as piping could freeze.

Need Boiler Repair? Call Abel Heating and Cooling

ABEL Heating and Cooling has served generations of local families, businesses, and churches for over seven decades. For boiler installation, service and repair, please call us today at 952-472-COOL (2665).