Boilers have a well-earned reputation for being sturdy. They tend to have fewer moving parts than other heating systems, which means fewer ways for things to go wrong. That doesn’t mean that they’re immune to all problems, though. If you’re using a boiler to keep warm this winter, you should still keep an eye out for certain issues that may crop up. Read on to find out more about some common boiler problems, and when you should call for repairs.
Kettling
Kettling is caused by hard water, which creates lime scale buildup in the boiler’s heat exchanger. As the flow of water through the heat exchanger is restricted, it will start to evaporate into steam. This places enormous pressure on the heat exchanger, which makes a loud rumbling sound while the boiler is on. If you hear this sound, you should turn off the boiler and call for repairs.
Leaks
As with any system that deals with water, you’re going to need to keep an eye out for leaks in your boiler. Leaks are typically caused by loose valves or seals, although in older systems rust can also be a cause. You should never ignore a leak in your boiler, as it could be symptomatic of an even larger problem in the system. Call for repairs as soon as you notice a leak.
Ignition Failure
If you’re using a gas boiler, your system uses an ignition device of some kind to ignite the gas and start the burner assembly. If the ignition device fails, the boiler will be unable to start. If your boiler doesn’t seem to be able to start up, this might be why. Have a professional examine the ignition system to make sure it’s working properly.
If your boiler is having issues, call Roadrunner Air Conditioning, Heating & Refrigeration. We offer comprehensive boiler services throughout Los Alamos, NM.
