How to Fix a Broken Natural Gas Boiler
- Diagnose the Problem. If you have turned your heat on and getting no heat at all, you don’t have much to diagnose. ...
- Check the Electrical Service Panel. If you don’t see the flame from the pilot light you can be pretty sure that the problem with your heat lies ...
- Relight the Pilot Light. ...
Full Answer
How often should a gas boiler be serviced?
How Often should a Boiler Be Serviced? If you have a gas or oil boiler, it is recommended that you have it serviced at least once a year to keep it in optimal operating condition. Arranging for your boiler to undergo annual servicing will also help identify minor issues and resolve them before they develop into significant problems.
How to maintain the gas boiler?
- Clean and inspect the heat exchanger for wear and tear
- Check and clean burner assembly
- Test low-water cutoff
- Ensure all electrical wiring is intact and joint/pipe connections are secure
- Test water pH levels to make sure they are in a safe range
- Clean, flush and inspect condensate systems
Do you need boiler repair or a new boiler?
If your boiler needs regular repairs, makes funny noises, struggles to heat your home or is generally temperamental and prone to breaking down, then you probably need a new one. It’s funny to think that you only have to go back a generation to find a time when central heating and hot water on demand were not commonplace features in homes.
Does my boiler need servicing?
To keep your boiler healthy, efficient & reliable you should service your boiler once a year. Think of servicing your boiler the same way you would service a car - it will help improve performance and highlight any potential issues before they become bigger & more costly.
Can you repair a boiler yourself?
It's not technically illegal to carry out DIY gas work in your own home* as long as you are 'competent' to do so, but the consequences of doing so without the necessary skills are hugely dangerous. Working with gas is a complex and dangerous task that requires extensive training, knowledge and experience.
Can you repair a gas boiler?
In Summary. In many cases, simply repairing your boiler is the most cost effective and efficient way of getting your heating back up and running. If you have a newer boiler that's usually reliable then it's unlikely that your boiler will need replacing.
Can a boiler be fixed?
It's not always necessary to call out an engineer to fix your boiler problems. Sometimes a boiler scare can be solved with a quick DIY fix.
What causes gas boiler not to fire up?
A boiler might not ignite due to various possible reasons – insufficient pressure, blockage in the burner, faulty valves, frozen pipes etc. Sometimes, you can fix the problem on your own. In other cases, you don't have any choice but to call an engineer.
How do you fix a boiler that is not heating?
Sometimes a simple reset is all that's needed - the boiler reset button should be somewhere on the front control panel. If you can't find it, check your boiler manual and follow the instructions on how to reset the system. If this doesn't work you could try switching the boiler off and then on again.
Is it worth repairing old boiler?
If you have a newer boiler that has previously been reliable, a simple repair is the most cost-effective and efficient way of getting your heating back up and running. However, if your boiler is old, out of warranty, or there's even the possibility of it being dangerous, you should consider replacing it pronto.
Can a plumber fix a boiler?
A lot of Plumbers are well trained on heating systems and install them on a regular basis. The majority of these plumbers that know a boiler system like the back of their hand are Gas Safe Registered, to find out if they are or their business is a a gas safe business visit the Gas Safe Register.
What causes a boiler to trip out?
Leaking boilers can occur due to corrosion, faulty pump seals or high pressures and should be assessed by a professional heating engineer. These can lead to serious faults within your system and are mostly caused by general wear and tear or limescale.
Why would a gas boiler stop working?
There are a lot of reasons why your boiler may not be working. Some Common fixes include a frozen condenser pipe, no gas to the boiler, pressure being too low, a leak on your existing system, faulty controller and more.
Why is my boiler on but no heating?
Things to check on your boiler If your boiler works but the radiators are not heating up, then likely cause could be a faulty boiler pump or your central heating controls. If your boiler works but the radiators are cold, check that the thermostat or timer is working correctly.
What do you do when your boiler won't turn on?
An interruption to the power supply can reset the boiler's timer settings. This will mean that your boiler won't turn on and off at the right times. Check the time on the boiler controls to see if it is correct. You may simply need to reprogramme your boiler controls with the correct date and time.
Can a crack in boiler be fixed?
Depending on the source of a boiler crack, replacing specific components may be a possible solution. Faulty valves and cracked tubes are relatively simple to replace. Cracks in a boiler's tank are more complicated, however. They require welding so that the tank can withstand the pressure of normal operation.
What happens when the boiler fails?
Signs of a broken boiler The pilot light or flames are orange/yellow in colour, which should normally be blue. It will show a high system water pressure instead of continuing at a steady pressure. A leak has developed around your system's pipes. Your boiler won't turn on.
Why has my boiler stopped working?
There are a variety of reasons why your boiler may not be working; common examples include the boiler pressure being too low or too high, a power cut, gas supply issues, a faulty pilot light, a frozen condensate pipe, faulty internal components or a more complex issue.
How to avoid boiler repairs?
First, you have to verify the reading on the water gauge against the water that is actually in the boiler. Next, test the relief valve. While the boiler is running, raise the valve.
What to do if your boiler leaks?
If signs of leaking are obvious, the best way to proceed with this particular boiler repair is to call in a plumber to replace the pipe. If there’s no obvious signs of a leak, it will probably still be advisable to call in a professional.
What to do if boiler is not producing heat?
If the boiler is producing no heat, check the circuit breaker or fuse box for any signs of problems. If the breaker is off, switch it back into an active position. If the fuse has blown, you will need to replace it. You will also need to check the water level of the boiler.
How to check if boiler is leaking?
To check if this is the problem, look for water around the return line or in the boiler. If signs of leaking are obvious, the best way to proceed with this particular boiler repair is to call in a plumber to replace the pipe. If there’s no obvious signs of a leak, it will probably still be advisable to call in a professional.
Why do we need a boiler?
Boilers are used to provide heat and hot water in a home but from time to time, boiler repair becomes necessary. Like everything else, a boiler can develop problems but a number of boiler repairs can be conducted without calling in a plumber.
Why does my boiler make a loud noise?
Over time, it’s possible that you’ll find that your pipes make more noises than before. This is often due to water retention in the return pipe. The pipe should be pitched at an angle to allow water back into the boiler and if the angle isn’t right, water will simply remain in the pipe.
Why isn't my boiler producing heat?
If your boiler isn't producing any heat at all, check for these common causes: The boiler doesn't have power: The circuit breaker or fuse controlling the furnace may have tripped or blown. Reset the tripped circuit breaker or replace a blown fuse.
What causes water to leak in boiler?
Water Leaks Around the Boiler. If you find a leak around your boiler, then you may have one of the following: Faulty circulator (pump): Most repairs to the circulator require a service technician. Leaking circulator: It may be possible to replace the pump seal.
What is a hydronic boiler?
Back to Top. Modern boiler systems for home heating are hydronic systems, meaning the boiler heats water to circulate through the house. Although they are closely related to older steam boiler systems, hydronic systems are made of pipes that carry hot water that radiates heat through either steel radiators or baseboard connectors, ...
How to fix a thermostat that is not working?
The thermostat is malfunctioning : Check that thermostat is in heat mode and is set to the appropriate temperature. Try moving the thermostat setting for the temperature up or down a few degrees. If this does not work, troubleshoot the thermostat.
How much pressure should a boiler water level be?
The boiler's automatic filling system, controlled by the pressure-reducing valve, should maintain the proper water level at 12 to 15 psi of pressure.
Why is my radiator not heating?
Some Radiators Don't Heat. Common reasons for your radiator not heating include: Air is trapped in lines or in the radiator: Bleed air from a cool radiator by opening the radiator bleed valve at top of the radiator. When water squirts from the radiator, close the valve.
How to fix water trapped in return lines?
Water is trapped in return lines: Check to make sure the pitch of the return lines slopes back toward the boiler. Adjust pitch with new pipe hangers, if necessary. You may also need to adjust the pitch of the radiator with a shim so that it slopes back toward the return pipe.
Why does my boiler not have power?
If your boiler doesn’t have any power at all, then this is likely due to the PCB unit rather than the pump.
How do I know if my boiler pump is not working?
Common indicators of a non-functional boiler pump are poor heating, leaks, strange noises coming from your boiler and cold pipes, which you may have already noticed.
Where is my boiler pump located?
Before you can do any sort of troubleshooting you need to find your boiler pump.
How to tell if a boiler pump is blocked?
The first sign of a blocked pump is that the radiators are not heating sufficiently or at all, or there is a lack of hot water, despite your boiler and pump both having power.
What is the pump in a boiler called?
Inside your boiler, there is a pump that is sometimes referred to as either a central heating pump, circulator pump or boiler pump.
Why does my boiler pump kick in?
Boiler pumps typically kick in when you demand heat or hot water and continue to run for some time after, but you may have noticed that yours always seems to be on. To determine whether there is an issue, check when your boiler is not being used to see if the pump is running when it shouldn’t be.
How to free a boiler shaft?
Try tapping the pump gently – this may be enough to free the shaft/propeller. If this does not resolve the problem, you will need to call an engineer to assist you. To prevent this problem from reoccurring, ensure you are having your boiler serviced annually.
How to troubleshoot a boiler?
No Heat or Poor Heat 1 Thermostat – The first thing to check when boiler troubleshooting is the thermostat setting. Make sure the thermostat is in "heat" mode and that the setting is above room temperature. If you use an older manual thermostat, it must be level or the settings will be off. 2 Fuse box or circuit panel – Check the fuse box or circuit panel for a blown fuse or tripped breaker. 3 Standing pilot – If the boiler uses a standing pilot light, check to make sure it's on. If it's not, you may try to light it manually, but a malfunction with the thermocouple — the component that automatically shuts off gas — is a common cause. Also, air from a defective seal may be extinguishing the pilot. 4 Hot-surface ignitor – Hot-surface ignitors typically last up to five years. The device should actually be replaced every three years during professional preventive maintenance to avoid these situations. It’s not an expensive part, but you’ll need to call your HVAC pro to fix it. 5 Circulator pump – Check the circulator pump to see if it's working. If the pump is cool and you can't feel it operating, there may be a blown fuse. If the pump is hot, the malfunction may be with the motor, pump or the run capacitor.
Why isn't my boiler heating?
No Heat or Poor Heat. There are many reasons why a boiler isn’t providing heat. Begin with the common causes and fixes first, such as the thermostat and pilot light, and continue boiler troubleshooting tips as follows. Thermostat – The first thing to check when boiler troubleshooting is the thermostat setting.
What happens when a boiler shuts down?
The condensate pipe channels condensate from the boiler system to a drain located outside the home. Sometimes ice forms and gradually builds an ice dam inside the pipe. When this happens, condensate backs up into the boiler, and the boiler automatically shuts down. The boiler won't restart until the pipe is cleared. Try these thawing tips:
How to check boiler thermostat?
Thermostat – The first thing to check when boiler troubleshooting is the thermostat setting. Make sure the thermostat is in "heat" mode and that the setting is above room temperature. If you use an older manual thermostat, it must be level or the settings will be off.
Why does my boiler make a noise?
If your boiler is rumbling (kettling), there's lime scale buildup on the heat exchanger, which will need to be cleaned. It will also operate more efficiently once cleaned. If your pipes are making a racket, there could be excess water trapped in the return lines or a faulty circulator pump.
Why does my boiler have a standing pilot light?
Standing pilot – If the boiler uses a standing pilot light, check to make sure it's on. If it's not, you may try to light it manually, but a malfunction with the thermocouple — the component that automatically shuts off gas — is a common cause. Also, air from a defective seal may be extinguishing the pilot.
What does it mean when a circulator pump is hot?
If the pump is cool and you can't feel it operating, there may be a blown fuse. If the pump is hot, the malfunction may be with the motor, pump or the run capacitor.
What to do if your gas boiler doesn't fire up?
If your gas boiler doesn’t fire up, it could to do with the gas appliances. The homeowner regularly fixes gas appliances; however, if you are unsure to the reason your boiler is not working and you are not confident in fixing yourself, you should contact a company to help.
What about a commercial boiler that is not working?
Commercial boilers are complex systems that have a wider range of issues that can go wrong. Commercial boilers can have more problems than your consumer boiler system for a standard home.
How long does boiler finance last?
You can pay by card securely or opt for boiler finance with no deposit and up to 10 years in duration.
What does pressure mean in boiler?
Pressure basically means the balance of air and water in your boiler, there is more to it, but we are trying to keep things simple.
Can you fix low pressure?
While low pressure can be fixed by repressuring your boiler which thanks to our handy instructions earlier, you should be able to do for free, that isn’t the only potential issue that can cause low-pressure problems.
Is a boiler thermostat a misunderstood device?
Your boiler’s thermostat is a very misunderstood device in many ways.
Does Boiler Central offer finance?
Don’t panic! Here at Boiler Central, we offer various boiler finance options for all new boiler options.
What are the problems with natural gas furnaces?
Most natural gas furnaces have few operational difficulties. Problems typically. involve the pilot light, the thermocouple, or some part of the electrical system. On some gas furnaces and heaters, a plug-type door covers the pilot light assembly. To gain access to the pilot burner, pull the door out of the furnace housing.
How to access pilot burner on a furnace?
To gain access to the pilot burner, pull the door out of the furnace housing. On other units, remove the panel that covers the pilot and gas burners. The pilot light controls, reset buttons, gas valves, and thermocouple are usually contained in an assembly at the front of the furnace.
How high should the pilot flame be on a gas stove?
To adjust the height of the pilot flame, turn the flame adjustment screw until the flame is from 11/2 to 2 inches high.
How far apart should you set the pointer for gas leaks?
The pointers should be set about 25 degrees apart. Set the upper pointer at about 115 degrees Fahrenheit and the lower one at about 90 degrees Fahrenheit. If you smell gas while performing these repairs, you'll want to get that leak taken care of right away. Learn how to find gas leaks on the next page.
How to replace a thermocouple?
Step 1: Unscrew copper lead and connection nut inside threaded connection to gas line. Under mounting bracket at thermocouple tube, unscrew bracket nut that holds tube in place. Step 2: Insert new thermocouple into hole in bracket.
Why won't my furnace stay lit?
If it won't stay lit after several attempts, you may have faulty thermocouple. If pilot flame still won't stay lit, call professional service person. Some furnaces have an electrical system to ignite the gas; in these systems there is no pilot light. Instead, an electric element heats up and ignites the burners.
Why does my pilot light go out on my furnace?
The pilot light on a gas furnace can go out because of drafts. To relight the pilot, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly; they are usually fastened to the furnace. If instructions for relighting the pilot are not provided, follow this general procedure: Step 1: Find pilot light assembly.
How long does it take to repair a boiler?
The time required to repair a boiler varies from an hour to two days, depending on the repair complexity. This influences the project cost. Many HVAC specialists offer a consultation to find the problem and cost so that you can weigh your options for repair and replacement.
How much does it cost to fix a boiler?
This means that there is a wide range of costs associated with repairing a boiler. The national average is $300 - $1,700, with most people paying around $900 to repair or replace a circulator pump and related parts and valves.
Why do HVAC companies charge service call fees?
Boilers are like many appliances, and when they break , the issue could be caused by many things , some of them serious and others easily fixed by the homeowner. This is why many HVAC companies that fix them have a service call fee. With this pricing structure, if they arrive and discover that the problem is a minor fix done in minutes, they still charge the service call fee. If the problem is more extensive and you agree to the work or a replacement, they generally waive the fee.
What does it mean when your boiler is low pressure?
Low Boiler Pressure or No Pressure. Your boiler has a pressure gauge on it showing the tank pressure. It needs pressure to push the water or steam through the system. If you have no or low pressure, your boiler gives you a warning and may not work.
How much does it cost to repair an oil burner?
An oil-burning system is priced between $250 and $600 to repair, depending on exactly what’s wrong. If some valves or lines are leaking, rusted, or have buildup and need to be cleaned, this is usually a simple and less expensive repair. However, if there are major system problems or if the pump needs to be replaced, for example, you may end up spending much more on this job.
Why is my boiler leaking water?
Leaking Water. If you see water around your boiler, it also has several causes, ranging from a broken expansion tank to a frozen condensate line. You may also have faulty valves, pipes, seals or a valve stuck in the on position. For this reason, there is a wide range of costs from $300 to $635 to fix the issue.
What to do if you can't make a lump sum payment for HVAC?
Insurance. Insurance is a good idea if you are unable to make lump sum payments for needed repairs. Check with your HVAC technician for more information.
