Water Leaks From Boilers, The Causes & Solutions

Is your Boiler leaking water? If so, you’re facing a common but potentially serious issue. 

Boilers provide us with essential heat and hot water. But, like any mechanical device, they can develop problems. Among the most common and troublesome is a leak. 

Understanding the causes of these leaks and knowing how to address them is helpful for every homeowner. 

This guide is here to help, delving into the causes of leaking boilers and offering practical solutions to get your heating system back up and running.

What Causes Boilers to Leak?

Boilers leak for various reasons, many of which are common across all Boiler types, whether Combination, System or Heat Only Boilers.

Corrosion

Corrosion is a frequent culprit with older Boilers, eating away at the Boiler’s metal body or pipes and causing leaks. 

Pressure

Excessive pressure is another issue which can cause components like the pressure relief valve to fail. 

Incorrect Installation

Incorrect installation may also contribute to leaks, with poorly fitted pipes or connections causing problems.

Ageing Components

Ageing components, such as the heat exchanger, may develop leaks over time due to wear and tear.

How Do I Know If My Boilers Leaking?

Detecting a leaking boiler ranges from straightforward to challenging, depending on the severity and location of the leak. Here are some common signs that your Boiler may be leaking:

• Water Pooling: The most obvious sign of a leaking boiler is water pooling beneath the unit. If you notice a puddle of water under your Boiler, there’s likely a leak somewhere.
• Drop in Pressure: Boilers operate within a specific pressure range. If you notice a sudden or consistent drop in boiler pressure (indicated on the Boiler’s pressure gauge), it may be due to a leak.
• Visible Dampness or Rust: You may see damp spots, rust, or signs of water damage around the Boiler or on nearby walls and flooring. These can indicate a slow or small leak that’s been happening over time.
• Unusual Boiler Noises: While boilers can make various noises in their regular operation, unusual noises like hissing or gurgling can sometimes indicate a leak.
• Boiler Keeps Shutting Off: If your Boiler frequently switches off by itself, it might be due to a leak causing a drop in pressure or a safety mechanism activating.
• Higher Energy Bills: Leaks can cause your Boiler to work harder, leading to higher energy usage. If you see an unexpected increase in your energy bills, a boiler leak could be the cause.

Understanding The Potential Consequences Of A Leaking Boiler

Once discovered, leaks should be dealt with promptly. Leaking water will damage your Boiler.

Leaks can also compromise your Boiler’s efficiency, increasing energy costs. 

Furthermore, continuous leakage can damage property and cause mould and dampness issues.

How To Fix A Leaking Boiler

If the leak comes from a pipe connection, it may be as simple as tightening a fitting.

If there’s a problem with the Boiler’s pressure release valve, it may release water to relieve excessive pressure in the system. In this case, the first solution would be to reduce the system’s pressure and monitor the valve. If the valve itself is faulty, it will need replacing.

If corrosion is causing the leak, the corroded part must be replaced. When more significant components, such as the Heat Exchanger, are leaking due to corrosion, it’s often more cost-effective to replace the Boiler.

Sometimes small pinhole leaks can be treated with a leak sealer which can stop the leak. However, this is usually a temporary solution, and the leak will likely reappear.

The Role Of Professional Boiler Engineers

Dealing with Boiler leaks is often best left to professionals. Gas Safe boiler engineers are trained to safely diagnose and repair boiler leaks, ensuring your Boiler runs efficiently and safely following the repair. 

Preventive Measures To Avoid Boiler Leaks

Annual Boiler Servicing is your best line of defence against Boiler leaks. 

Servicing will identify early signs of corrosion, high pressure, and faulty components, which can be rectified, preventing leaks before they happen. 

Ensuring your Boiler operates at the correct pressure is also essential, as high pressure is a common cause of leaks. Boilers should run between 1-2 bars of pressure. Consult your Boiler manual and ensure your Boiler is running at the optimal pressure.

Lastly, always have your Boiler installed and repaired by a Gas Safe registered engineer to avoid any mishaps resulting from improper installation or repair.

When to Consider A Boiler Replacement

Sometimes repairing the leak is not the most cost-effective solution, particularly with older boilers. 

If your Boiler is nearing the end of its lifespan and the cost of repairs is significant, it may be worth considering a replacement. 

Modern Boilers are typically more energy-efficient also, providing potential savings on your energy bills in the long run. They also have the advantage of modern features and technologies designed to improve functionality and user-friendliness.

When assessing whether to repair or replace your Boiler, it’s vital to consider the age and efficiency of your current unit. 

An ageing Boiler is more likely to develop problems and run inefficiently, making replacement a more practical option. 

However, if your Boiler is relatively new or the repair is minor, it’s often better to opt for the repair. 

Newer Boilers should be under warranty also, so the repairs won’t cost you anything (remember to have your Boiler serviced annually to ensure the warranty remains valid).

Always consider the cost of repairs versus the price of a new boiler. A qualified Boiler engineer can guide you through this process, taking into account the specifics of your situation to provide a comprehensive comparison.

Need Help With A Leaking Boiler?

By understanding the causes of Boiler leaks and adopting preventive measures, you can minimise the risk of facing such an issue. 

If your Boiler leaks, it’s essential to respond promptly and seek professional assistance to prevent safety risks and damage to your Boiler and home.

TM Hughes & Son operates in the Essex area; we have a team of Gas Safe Registered engineers on hand for Boiler emergencies. Our services are reasonably priced and include no call-out charges.

If you have a leaking Boiler and live in Essex, please get in touch with us today for assistance.