3 Reasons Why Your Boiler Could Need Repair

If your home's heating system is powered by hot water, you have a boiler that could potentially break. The heating system depends on water, and when the boiler breaks down, the whole system can fail to produce heat. Boilers have some parts that can become damaged over time, which is why you'll need a plumber to fix the following problems for you when they happen.

A Broken Valve on Your Water Feeder

A potential problem with boilers is that they can lose water. A boiler must operate with the entire system closed, trapping water inside. Occasionally, the water can start to leak outside the system. It can make it difficult for the boiler to heat your home, and create gargling noises in the pipes.

When the system doesn't have enough water, air fills the lines. Newer boilers have a water feeder that lets more water into the system automatically, but older boilers do not and require you to manually let water into the system. In either situation, when the valve breaks, more water can't get in. A plumber can replace this valve so that you can let more water back into your boiler.

A Broken Valve That Reduces Pressure

A boiler also contains a valve that helps reduce the water pressure inside the system when it is too high. Boilers need to operate around 30 PSI on average, but when new water enters the boiler it can have a higher PSI that needs to be regulated.

The valve will help reduce the pressure of the water, and adjust it so that it meets the requirements of your boiler. When the water pressure increases, water is released from the system using the valve. It's essential in keeping your boiler running properly, and if it is broken, it will need to be repaired.

A Broken Expansion Tank

Your boiler is built with an expansion tank, which will hold the extra water that expands when water is too hot. It is necessary due to the closed system of a boiler, as the water has nowhere else to go. An expansion tank that is broken will force water outside of the system in other places, and cause the water pressure to be low, making it difficult to heat your home. When this happens, the expansion tank will need repairs.

If you encounter any of these issues with your home's boiler, have a local plumber, like Pro-Trade Plumbing & Maintenance, inspect and fix the problem for you.

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