Boilers are efficient heating and hot water systems that operate by sending hot water or steam throughout your home by means of copper baseboard or radiators. They are versatile systems that heat your home effectively during the coldest temperatures. Like any home heating and cooling system, however, boilers can develop leaks for a variety of reasons, from general wear and tear to the seals and piping to pressure issues. No matter what the problem is, it should be handled immediately and professionally by a boiler technician. Call Basnett Plumbing & Heating for any heating repairs you need in Acton, MA.
While determining that you have a leak is not always straightforward, determining its cause is even less so. There are a few common causes for boiler leaks:
- Cracks. While your boiler may appear indestructible, anything made out of metal can begin to show stress and strain during cycles of repeated heating and cooling. Metal is not inert: it expands and contracts according to its temperature, and over time, this fluctuation may lead to a crack. While this can often require repair, if it happens to an older boiler, it may be an indication that it’s time for replacement.
- Loose connections. This expansion and contraction of the mechanical structure of your boiler can also cause connections surrounding the boiler to loosen over time. It might be a pipe, fitting, tube, or valve that’s damaged.
- Damaged seals. As with any highly pressurized system, your boiler has seals that ensure your connections are tight, and that the water passing through them doesn’t leak. The pump of your boiler may be pushing water out through the seals, for example. Deteriorating seals should be replaced.
- Pressure problem. There is a pressure outlet pipe attached to your boiler, which allows excess water to drip outside of the boiler. This isn’t a leak, and it has the critical function of allowing pressure to escape from the boiler. If too much is coming out, you may have too much pressure in the tank itself.
Don’t wait to have your boiler leak checked. For heating repair in Acton, MA, call Basnett Plumbing today!
