Good afternoon folks!
Since the winter season is fast approaching, I thought it would be appropriate to talk about some issues related to keeping your home toasty warm this Christmas. Today I wanted to talk about some troubleshooting issues you may be experiencing with your hot water boiler heating system at home.
There are two main types of heating systems your home may have, and if you’re unsure as to which one yours is, here’s a short description of both:
A forced air heating system is one where there is one central thermostat which controls the temperature for the entire house. The forced air system is hooked up to a furnace which heats air and then disperses it throughout the house through a series of vents in the celling or floor.
A hot water boiler heating system, on the other hand, is connected to a boiler which heats up water and then distributes that water through pipes in the walls or floor. Unlike a forced air system, a boiler heating system is arranged into different zones which heat up different areas of your home, so it’s common to see each room or zone have their own individual thermostat. Another key difference between the forced air and boiler heating system is that a forced air system heats up the whole house while a boiler system can heat up individual zones at a time.
Now, let’s go over some basic troubleshooting issues you may be experiencing if you have a boiler heating system. It’s best to fix these common issues now rather than wait until you need your house warmed and realize that’s not going to happen. If you’re looking to replace your boiler system altogether, take a look at the following URL for information about Lochinvar boilers, a leader in the boiler industry: http://missplumbingguides.blogspot.com/2013/10/the-tale-of-knight-and-boiler.html
PROBLEM 1: BOILER WON’T HEAT
Possible Causes: boiler has no power, water level is low, the pilot is malfunctioning, the thermostat is malfunctioning.
Possible Repairs:
- The circuit breaker or fuse has tripped or blown. Reset the breaker or replace the blown fuse.
- Double check the water level is half full. The boiler’s automatic filling system should maintain proper water level at 12-15psi using the pressure relief valve.
- Check that the gas or propane control valve to the burner is closed.
- The pilot light might be out. If it is, relight it.
- Check that the thermostat is on HEAT. If nothing happens, try moving the temperature up or down a few degrees.
PROBLEM 2: HEATING PERFORMANCE IS LOW
Possible Causes: If sudden, the water level is off. If gradual, there may be mineral deposits in boiler.
Possible Repairs:
- Check combination pressure/temperature gauge. If water pressure is below 12psi, add water.
- Flush boiler to remove mineral deposits.
PROBLEM 3: WATER LEAK AROUND BOILER
Possible Causes: Faulty circulator, faulty pressure relief valve.
Possible Repairs:
- If circulator is faulty, you’ll need to call a professional.
- If circulator is leaking, replace the pump seal.
- If pressure relief valve is leaking, the expansion tank may be overfilled.
- If pressure relief valve is leaking, the valve may have deposits preventing it from closing. Turn off boiler and let it cool, then lift the pressure relief lever and release some water for a few seconds before letting the lever snap closed again. If the leak persists, repeat.
- If pressure relief valve will not close, close the water feed valve and replace the relief valve.
- If no water comes out of the pressure relief valve, the valve is plugged and needs to be replaced or the boiler is low on water.