Most Elm Grove, LA residents don’t give much thought how their boiler functions, until it has a problem. Even then, as it’s nearing the end of winter you may be tempted to hold off on repairs until next winter. This could prove to be a detrimental mistake as small issues have a way of turning into expensive boiler repairs.
While you may be able to address some small boiler repairs, others require a qualified professional. Below, we’ve listed some of the most common boiler problems that can happen in late winter. If your system has been acting up, now may be the right time to schedule needed heating repairs before the problems escalate.
- There’s no heat or hot water: This may be caused by a broken airlock or motorized valve failure.
- The pilot light keeps going out: Deposit buildup in the pilot light could prevent it from staying on, or you could have a broken thermocouple.
- The boiler is experiencing pressure loss: Leaks could cause a loss of boiler pressure. Additionally, problems with the pressure relief valve or expansion vessel could cause this problem. If you’re dealing with ongoing pressure issues, it’s important to check for electronic components that fail, especially in older systems with more wear.
- You hear unusual noises: Have you noticed banging, whistling, or gurgling noises? Air in the system could be the cause, or this could be because the water pressure is too low. In older systems, pump failure could be the cause.
- Leaking and dripping is occurring: There are a variety of issues that could cause your boiler to leak water. To determine the cause, a professional will need to know where the water is leaking from.
- The thermostat is losing accuracy: If your thermostat is turning the heat on or off when it’s not supposed to, it could be time to invest in a newer, more energy-efficient thermostat. Inaccurate thermostats are often overlooked, but they can lead to larger issues that require common furnace repair services.
Routine maintenance will help fend off these problems and potentially even prevent new problems from occurring. Remember, the longer you put off any necessary boiler repairs, the worse off your system is likely to be.
Frequently Asked Questions
Question: What common boiler problems arise in late winter?
Answer: Problems like having no heat or hot water can occur due to broken motorized valves or airlocks. You might also see pressure loss from leaks, which affects performance and safety.
Question: Why does the pilot light keep going out?
Answer: Deposit buildup around the pilot assembly may prevent it from staying lit. A failing thermocouple— the safety device that senses the flame—can also cause it to shut off repeatedly.
Question: What do strange noises from my boiler mean?
Answer: Banging, whistling, or gurgling sounds often point to air trapped in the system or low water pressure. In older systems, pump failure is also a possible source.
Question: How can leaks and dripping indicate deeper issues?
Answer: Any visible leaking suggests that internal components like joints, pipes, or seals are failing. Locating the source (valve, connection, tank) is key before damage spreads.
Question: When is the thermostat likely the culprit?
Answer: If the boiler cycles on and off unexpectedly or fails to maintain temperature, your thermostat may be losing accuracy. Upgrading to a more reliable, energy‑efficient model can resolve this.
Contact Hall’s Heating, Air Conditioning & Refrigeration today to schedule boiler maintenance and repairs!
