Common Steam Boiler Problems And How To Repair Them

by William Joe Jack Author

Many homes use water and steam boilers for heating purposes, as they can be incredibly efficient to operate. When they begin experiencing problems, however, it can be quite difficult to pinpoint the issue and rectify it so that your home can continue to stay warm. These boiler systems operate according to a network of pipes that are laid beneath the floor; water is heated to the point where it turns to steam and is passed through these pipes, allowing the heat to pass through to the room above.

These days, it is possible to invest in steam boilers that are powered by LPG, electricity or natural gas. Unfortunately, your home must have access to natural gas in order for this option to be possible. No matter which option you choose for your home, however, you will be granted with efficient warmth that is highly effective in keeping your family cozy. When your boiler begins experiencing a problem, however, it is important that you get onto the problem as quickly as possible to prevent it from becoming worse.

Identify the Problem

The first thing that you will need to do is identify the cause of the problem, which can actually be achieved with a few simple steps. You could try raising the temperature of the thermostat to see whether this stops the problem. You could also try checking the various parts of the system (such as switches, fuses, circuit breakers, water levels and burner safety controls) to make sure that they are all in the correct position. If you are unable to rectify the problem this way you should call for professional assistance.

A professional will thoroughly inspect your boiler and will be able to check for the presence of problems. They will look for water pressure issues, for example, by checking the water pressure within the system and by inspecting associated valves. They will also look for other issues by checking the on/off switch, the thermostat, switching relays, zone valves, low pressure cutout, high pressure cutout, condensate return, condensate pump, air separator, draft inducer motor, ignition module, gas valve and so on.

Perform Routine Maintenance

One way to prevent some of the more common problems (such as clanging noises in the pipes, air locks, leaks and poor heat production in some radiators) from occurring is to regularly perform routine maintenance on your boiler. As the system ages, however, it will simply fail as a result of wear and tear, not because of something that you have done wrong. You will be able to replace some components when this occurs, but you might be better off replacing the entire steam boiler if it is old.

If you are not very familiar with your water or steam boiler, however, you should make sure that you seek maintenance assistance from a professional, as they will ensure that the system is not damaged. Unfortunately, repairing your boiler is not a task that everyday homeowners can complete, as there are many things that can go wrong. If you have tried the suggestions that we provided above and have seen no results make sure that you contact a professional as quickly as possible to get the system back on track.

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