All Heating One

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Office 3, 21 Underwood Road
Paisley PA3 1TH

Why Is My Boiler Leaking And What Should I Do

Whether your boiler is leaking water or gas, you must act quickly to stop the leak.

Here’s how to figure out what’s causing your boiler to leak and how to fix it.

Why is water leaking from my boiler?

Boilers are not supposed to leak water, but if yours does, here’s what may be causing it:

  • Small water leaks may indicate that your boiler pressure must be increased.
  • It’s possible that the pressure release valve is releasing additional pressure.
  • The heat exchanger, which is the portion of your boiler that warms cold water with hot gas, might be broken.
  • It’s possible that the connections where the heating system pipes contact the boiler were not properly sealed.
  • Some sections of your boiler may have ceased operating as it becomes older.
  • All these issues are usually fixable. However, you may require a new boiler in some cases.

How can I determine if my boiler is leaking?

The first indicator of a leaky boiler is when it shuts down owing to a lack of pressure. Even when you top it up, it soon loses pressure. There are a few things you can do if this happens:

Check out our boiler pressure instructions to see if you can solve the issue.

Look for any leaks in the area surrounding the boiler. Water may be running down the wall against which the boiler is mounted, or from a short pipe that runs through the exterior wall near the boiler. Mould, dampness, or stains around the boiler can sometimes indicate a tiny boiler leak. Even warped skirting boards or countertops might be the source of the problem.

What should I do if my boiler is leaking water?

When your boiler leaks, there are a few things you can do:

  • It’s a good idea to cut off the boiler’s power. This eliminates the risk of electric shock and minimizes the possibility of harm to your heating system.
  • Check the pressure gauge on the boiler. This is a circular dial on the front of your boiler that controls the temperature.
  • It’s possible that water is leaking from the pressure relief valve if the arrow is pointing in the higher red zone.
  • First, make sure the filling loop, key, or lever isn’t jammed open, enabling water to enter the system.
  • If it’s not jammed open, wait for the system to calm down before bleeding the radiators to relieve boiler pressure.
  • It’s time to schedule an emergency boiler repair if water continues to leak – if the gauge goes straight to the red once you turn the boiler back on.

What to Do If Your Boiler Is Leaking

It’s better to leave boiler repairs to the professionals.  

If one of the pipe joints is pouring water, dry the area around it and double-check that it is the source of the leak. If this is the case, try tightening the fitting a bit to see if it stops.

You may be able to treat your central heating system with chemicals that automatically build a seal for a minor boiler leak repair. However, they are difficult to implement and only serve as a temporary remedy. It’s better to contact an emergency heating engineer who can fully repair the problem.

Is there a gas leak in my boiler?

You may be able to smell gas seeping from your boiler. Black stains above or near the boiler are also symptoms of a leak. It’s possible that your windows have too much condensation. Alternatively, the pilot light — the flame that shows whether your boiler is operating – might be blazing orange or yellow (rather than blue).

Gas or oil should never spill from a boiler. Modern boilers burn gas or oil in a sealed combustion chamber for safety. They bring in the oxygen required to burn the fuel and then safely expel the exhaust gases outdoors. Poisonous gases are kept out of your house with this sealed system. However, things can go wrong on rare occasions.

What should I do if my boiler starts to leak gas?

If you believe your boiler is leaking gas, open all windows and doors as soon as possible and put out all bare flames, including cigarettes, before calling the Gas Emergency     boiler Services

A gas leak in a boiler is extremely dangerous, especially when gases like carbon monoxide can be odourless. It’s for this reason that you should have a carbon monoxide detector installed in your house. Here are some warning signs to look out for:

  • Migraine
  • Lightheadedness
  • illness
  • Exhaustion
  • Confusion

  If you suspect a leak and are experiencing symptoms, get some fresh air and get medical help right away.   

What should I do if my heater is leaking oil?

If you use heating oil and notice oil streaks or pooling around your boiler, it might be an indication that it is leaking. Oil may also have a greater odour than usual.

To prevent fumes from piling up, close the tap or valve on the oil tank and open the windows. If it’s safe to do so, consider collecting any leaking oil in a tub or containing it with sand or dirt. Make sure it doesn’t get washed away!

Call a heating engineer on your home insurer’s emergency phone for assistance. Also, if someone feels nauseous or dizzy, get out of the house right away. Overall, there might be a variety of reasons for your leaky boiler, and it is critical that you solve the issue as soon as possible to avoid the situation deteriorating. We have a team of Gas Safe professionals here at All Heating One who should be able to fix your leaky boiler regardless of the cause. Furthermore, if your boiler is beyond reasonable repair, our specialists may replace it with a new, A-rated boiler system from one of the many respected companies with whom we deal. 

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