Why Is My Boiler Leaking?
A boiler leaking water is a serious issue requiring immediate attention from a qualified heating engineer.
Boiler leakage is one of those situations where you cannot repair it yourself as it requires an expert and qualified technician to solve the problem safely. Although the situation is not an emergency, failing to attend to a boiler leak can lead to corrosion, mould and damage to electrical components.
A leak can be a sign that your boiler needs replacing, or it may be able to be repaired by a qualified heating engineer.
This post will explore the reasons for a boiler leak, how to fix it and prevention in the future.
What to do if your boiler is leaking
You may have a water leak in your boiler if you spot water leaking from your central heating pipes or other problems. If you notice signs that your boiler is leaking, there are some simple steps you can take immediately to ensure you minimise the damage.
- Isolate the water at the stop cock
- Turn off the boiler
- Clear up any spillages
- Call out a qualified heating engineer
A small leak may be able to be repaired by a Gas Safe engineer who will get your system up and running again. A large leak may mean it will be uneconomical to fix the appliance, but it is always best to seek expert advice.
Causes of a Leaking Boiler
There are a few causes of water leakage from your boiler, and you may be able to diagnose the issue by the water damage position.
Corrosion
On older boilers, pipes may become corroded over time and cause leaks where the materials become damaged. You may also see water leaking from the bottom of the boiler, suggesting that the damage is to the pipes inside.
Isolated pipes can be replaced easily, but if your whole system has an issue, you may need to replace the boiler.
While waiting for an engineer, you should place a bowl below leaks to collect excess water or tie a cloth around joins to reduce the leak and turn off the boiler.
Boiler Pressure
Sometimes your boiler pressure will become too high, risking an implosion. The system will leak water to release some pressure.
You should be able to see a pressure gauge with numbers. Anything above two is too high. You should try reducing the pressure to between one and two to see if that resolves the leak.
Temperature Control Valve
If the temperature setting becomes too high, it can cause dangerously hot water to flow from the taps. This will cause a leak in the temperature valve that regulates the temperature.
Pump Problems
The pump that circulates water around your central heating system must be adequately sealed. If it fails, it will leak water, and you will need an engineer to replace the pump or redo the seals properly.
Overflow pipe leaks
A common boiler leak is the overflow pipe that you see on the outside of your home. If it regularly leaks, you probably have a faulty float valve in your loft water tank.
If you check out the tank, you may notice a plastic ball on a metal arm which controls the water levels. If it fails, you will have a constant overflow into the overflow pipe.
Although this is a job that some people may manage, getting a heating engineer to carry out the work and ensure it is done correctly is always preferable.
Older Boilers
Like many appliances, boilers suffer from wear and tear over time, which can lead to the loosening of joints in the pipework as they expand and contract with the changes in water temperature. A qualified Gas Safe technician can tighten the joints and prevent leakages.
Once a boiler is over ten years old, it may be more economical to replace rather than deal with continual leaks. As well as avoiding future leaks, it can be far more energy efficient.
Newer Boilers
You may see some water dripping from the pipes near the boiler. If your boiler is new, it is more likely to be a problem with the installation that your installer should be able to rectify.
Always use a recommended Gas Safe engineer to fit a new boiler to avoid problems.
How much damage can a leaking boiler do?
A leak that occurs anywhere in your central heating system could lead to a drop in your boiler’s pressure. You may notice that the boiler pressure drops significantly.
Low pressure will prevent your boiler from operating efficiently, meaning your home will not be as warm as usual, and you may use up more energy than normal.
More significantly, a leaking boiler may cause damage to the boiler or your home. Electrical parts may be damaged and cut out.
Water damage may damage your soft furnishings, ceilings or carpets.
In the event of a leak, it is always best to turn off the water and central heating until you can arrange a visit from an engineer.
How can I prevent boiler leaks?
Prevention is always better and cheaper than cure! The easiest way to ensure your boiler stays leak free is to arrange an annual service with a reputable heating engineer.
They can spot potential issues and carry out repairs before they lead to more significant issues.
In addition, you could also have your heating system flushed. This procedure aims to remove surplus limescale and debris to reduce buildup and the risk of corrosion.
Other solutions for corrosion include fitting a magnetic filter that removes rubbish collected in your system and prevents any buildup.
How can I fix a leaking boiler?
Do not try and fix a leak yourself. It is far better to call out a qualified heating engineer.
Get in touch with us at Roma Heating to arrange a repair, carry out an annual service or give you advice on installing a new central heating system or boiler.
We have over 30 years of experience in both domestic and commercial settings, and our Gas Safe engineers hold recognised industry qualifications.
