Boiler System Service & Repair: What You Need to Know
The modern home uses a boiler to heat water and distribute heat throughout the house. These boilers come in various types and need to be kept in good shape for them to function properly. Since the last thing you would want is your residential boiler system breaking down during peak cold weather, it pays to ensure it keeps running at optimal levels throughout the year. If there is a boiler system installed in your home, then here are some things that you need to know about boiler system repair and maintenance.
Common Boiler System Repairs
One of the great things about a boiler system is that while it is an incredibly complex piece of equipment, it is highly durable and can function on little maintenance. But, at times, issues may arise, which will require your immediate attention. The following is a breakdown of some of the most common boiler system repairs that are reported by residents of Mountainside.
Kettling
Don’t panic if you don’t recognize the term – you will recognize the noise if it happens to the boiler system in your home. This is a big problem that many Mountainside residents are faced with each year. It is an issue that arises mostly with hot water boilers. Kettling is a term that is used to describe boiler systems that starts to produce either a loud rumbling or banging sound that seems to come from within the heating unit itself.
If you hear any banging or rumbling sounds originating from the heater installed in your home, then wasting more time is not going to be an option; it’s time to call a boiler repair technician. One of the most common mistakes that many people make is ignoring these sounds until it’s too late. This can be a big mistake since that loud banging or rumbling sound could be a symptom of a more serious issue with your boiler system and can turn into a larger (more expensive) problem later on down the road if it is not taking seriously.
The main reason for kettling is that the heater has a surplus of minerals in the water supply, which causes a disruption in the way the heater functions normally. If your home gets hard water, which is not uncommon in these parts, after a while, the mineral deposits in that water end up altering the pressure level in the boiler system’s tank. It is not uncommon for a kettling boiler system to either spring a leak due to the immense amount of pressure or suffer more damage when the pressure reaches dangerous levels.
Leaking or Dripping Boiler
If you have noticed puddles of water around the boiler system of your home, then it is likely leaking. This is another extremely common problem that’s faced by residents with a boiler system installed. This is also one of those boiler system issues that is mostly reported to a boiler repair service when it’s too late. If you notice that the leak is originating directly from the tank of the boiler system, then you could be looking at some serious damage and a heavy repair cost. The good news is, when you start to notice dripping or leaking around the boiler system, it is best to contact a boiler repair technician who can visit your property and can thoroughly inspect your home’s boiler system.
Mostly, once a boiler system in your home springs a leak, it is due to corrosion. This may mean that you need to get the boiler system replaced before it’s too late. The last thing anybody would want is for winter to kick in and find that their boiler system that sprang a leak is no longer functioning. Getting a damaged boiler system repaired or replaced as quickly as possible is often recommended mainly because boiler repair and installation services at Mountainside are usually booked weeks or months in advance and are swamped once winter is about to arrive. This means you and your family could be stuck with a broken boiler system in your home during those cold winter months if you do not act quickly after detecting a problem with your home’s boiler system.
It is important to note that not all instances of leaking or dripping boiler systems are going to need a full boiler system replacement. In some instances, a leak could also be the result of the pump or pressure relief valve that is malfunctioning. In which case, calling a boiler system repair technician can easily carry out the repair work to ensure your boiler system is up and running in no time.
Malfunctioning Pilot Light
Back in the day, residential boiler systems required a person having to light the pilot light manually, then leave it on through the day or night. This was so heat would always be available when needed. Basically, it meant you wouldn’t have to wait a few hours before you could get hot water. While the boiler systems in some homes still have the same system, modern boiler systems use an electronic ignition mechanism that delivers hot water only when required.
The integration of an electric-powered ignition system in the modern boiler often means that residents have to deal with a malfunctioning pilot system. If you find that you are unable to light the pilot system manually, you are going to need the expertise of a boiler system repair technician who can diagnose the issue and repair it.
Ending Note
Whether you’re having pilot troubles or simply not getting any heat, the boiler system repair technician is trained and certified and able to detect any underlying issue with your home’s boiler system before providing you with the most viable solution that will not cost you an arm and a leg, and will ensure your home’s boiler system keeps the hot water flowing all year long, and especially during those ‘oh my heck’ cold winters.
To find out more about the residential plumbing services we offer please contact Mountainside Plumbing and Mechanical at (970) 987-7288, or email us through our contact form.