5 Common Boiler Issues & Troubleshooting Tips

As boilers grow in popularity across the U.S., some tout them as the perfect way to control the temperature in your home. They utilize gas, oil, or electricity, which they burn to heat water, which then flows as steam through a series of pipes and radiators to warm the home.

Boilers can often also heat water for household use. These appliances boast a long average lifespan and are known for delivering heat evenly and consistently.

Regardless of how trustworthy your boiler is, you’re bound to run into an issue down the line, just like any other appliance. When this happens, it’s critical that you have a team of professionals ready to help when you need it.

The Top 5 Boiler Issues Users Face

A boiler can face many issues, but we’ve narrowed them down to the top five complaints we get the most, as well as some troubleshooting help.

Your Pilot Light Is Out

There’s an easy way to tell if a boiler is working: a pilot light. The pilot light is a small blue flame that runs to ensure the system is working as it should while receiving the proper gas supply for your boiler. If you see the light is out, there’s an issue.

When your pilot light goes out, it’s likely because the thermocouple on your system has broken, causing your gas supply to be cut off within the boiler. Luckily, you have a couple of options to try to fix this yourself. You can attempt to reignite the flame yourself or read the manual that came with your boiler if reigniting the light doesn’t work. If the light continuously goes out, it’s time to call BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning.

Lack of Heat or Hot Water

While a pilot light can be fixed easily by yourself, figuring out the cause of a lack of heating may be more challenging. If your boiler has ceased heating your home or your water, it’s time to call in a professional. Luckily, the techs from BVSM know exactly what parts do what and which ones to replace, making this (usually) and quick and easy fix.

Water Leaking Around Your Boiler

One of the trickier things on our list is figuring out what is causing a water leak around your boiler. There could be a damaged part, eroded pipes, or a slew of other causes when it comes to leaks.

If you notice that your boiler has started leaking or find large pools of water by your boiler, you need to contact a professional immediately. Trained professionals can inspect your boiler, identify the issue, and craft a high-quality solution to stop your boiler from leaking.

Unusual Noises Coming From Your Boiler

Another issue that calls for professional inspection is hearing unusual noises from your boiler. Like the other reasons, this issue requires a professional diagnosis because many sources could be causing it. Before diving into those, it’s important to note that a low hum is a normal sound for a boiler to make. Anything else, though, is a sign of trouble.

When your boiler makes noises, you could have a variety of problems. The common answer is air in the system; however, there are other low-level possibilities as well. For example, there could be an issue with the pump within your system, or it could be related to low water pressure. Since there are so many options, you’ll need a professional to step in.

Boiler Is Not Connecting to Your Thermostat

An often overlooked issue with boilers is that homeowners can’t connect their boiler system to their thermostat. After all, what’s the point in having a boiler if you can’t tell what temperature you’re setting your home to? The most common fix is just making sure all your settings are right. When setting up a boiler, it can be easy to end up with a wonky thermostat.

If you’ve double-checked everything and ensured it wasn’t an accident, the next step is to check your thermostat. You’ll need to make sure the settings are correct, it’s got batteries, and everything is paired properly. If that doesn’t do the trick, then it’s time to consult a professional or manual for your boiler and thermostat.

Choose BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning for Fast, Affordable Boiler Repair

The team at BVSM Heating & Air Conditioning doesn’t mess around when it comes to the quality of your home’s boilers. For over 65 years, we have provided outstanding services throughout Monaca, Beaver Valley, and surrounding communities. With a commitment to greatness, a 100% satisfaction guarantee, and NATE-certified technicians, you can trust us with your home. From boiler repairs to installations and maintenance, we’ve got you covered.

Don’t hesitate to schedule boiler repair services today. Just call 724-417-9550 or schedule an appointment with BVSM online!