Inside: 3 common boiler issues that are more common than you think. Collaborative post.
Most of us nowadays expect our appliances to just work, no matter how we look after them. The reality is that while technologies such as boilers have come a long way in recent decades, they’re not magic and they will go wrong.
It can help to know some of the common boiler issues that you might face in the future, so you know what to look out for. If you’re keen to learn more about this most important of appliances, then read on to learn about 3 common boiler issues you may not have come across yet.
- Pilot light issues
While newer boilers often use different, electronic ignition systems, there are still plenty of houses around that have boilers with pilot lights. The pilot light is a small flame that should always be lit, often visible through a small opening or window.
When the pilot light goes out, perhaps due to an issue with the gas nozzle or a particularly strong gust of wind, the whole boiler can stop working. If you can’t easily light the pilot light yourself, then it’s probably time to get a boiler technician around from somewhere like Able Plumbing Solutions.
They’ll be able to check the nozzle, gas pressure, and other potential issues, and hopefully fix it for you. If the boiler model is too old (which is possible if you still have a pilot light) then they might recommend buying a new one.
- Strange noises
While some boilers will unavoidably start to make noises as they get older, if you notice that your boiler has suddenly developed a clanking or banging noise, it could be a sign that something is up with it. A couple of common causes include air in the system or an old, ineffective pump.
If the noise persists, or if it’s linked to other issues such as a drop in water pressure or a change in water temperature, then it could be a sign of a more serious issue. To protect your boiler and avoid any further issues, it’s advisable to get a technician around to look at it as soon as possible.
- Low pressure
Another surprisingly common issue that can occur with boilers is low pressure. Lots of boilers will have little pressure gauges on them, which, in relation to the user manual, you can use to assess whether the boiler is working as it should.
In terms of practical impacts, low pressure will likely mean that your heating doesn’t work properly and the hot water isn’t flowing as well. It’s important to get to the bottom of the issue – you could have a leaking pipe or something more serious, which could result in serious damage to your house.
It’s important that you don’t try to diagnose serious issues with your boiler without further assistance. If left unattended, small problems can quickly snowball into more dangerous and expensive issues. Through regular servicing and preemptive boiler technician callouts, you can ensure that you get these common issues dealt with as and when necessary.