Boilers are famous for their incredibly sturdy construction, compared to other heating systems. A boiler that is well taken care of can last for decades, far longer than furnaces or heat pumps.
However, boilers are still susceptible to problems every once in a while. When one of these problems crops up, it pays to take care of it as soon as possible to mitigate the damage. Let’s take a look at a couple of the signs that you need boiler repair.
Kettling
Boilers that deal with hard water have to deal with a serious problem that other systems don’t. Hard water is called such because it has a much higher mineral content than normal. As hard water flows through the boiler, it deposits small amounts of minerals on the inner walls of the heat exchanger. Over time, this mineral buildup becomes so advanced that it restricts or blocks the flow of water through the heat exchanger. This causes the trapped water to boil in the pipe, creating steam and putting enormous pressure on the boiler. The result is a deep, ominous rumbling, as though the boiler were a giant kettle. Hence the name “kettling.” This problem should be addressed immediately, as it threatens one of the indispensable parts of the boiler.
Loss of Heat
While loss of heat could be the result of kettling, it is more often an issue with the circulating pump. The circulating pump is exactly what it sounds like, responsible for actually pumping the hot water through the house in order to heat it. One of the more common issues with the circulating pump is that leaks develop in one of the valves or seals. This prevents the pump from maintaining the pressure necessary to circulate the water. Air bubbles can also find their way into the pump, providing resistance and hindering water from circulating properly. If you experience a loss of heat, but the rest of the boiler seems to be running fine, it’s likely that you have a problem with your circulator pump.
If your boiler looks like it needs repair, call Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration. We provide boiler repair services throughout the Albuquerque area.
