A leaking boiler usually means that an internal component like a seal or valve may be broken. If your boiler is leaking, you should not attempt to repair it yourself, but contact a Gas Safety Registered engineer to diagnose and repair the problem for you.
Why are boiler leaks so dangerous?
A boiler leak should be considered a serious problem, which could be potentially dangerous if not rectified quickly. The leak could cause the electric components within the boiler to short circuit. You may find the leak trips the electricity as a safety precaution.
Additionally, if left untreated, the leak could cause rust and corrosion to the pipes inside or outside of the unit.
Extensive water damage from a boiler leak can cause severe damage to your home, and also to the health of anyone who lives there. Left untreated, even a small water leak can gradually weaken structures and leave lingering effects on the air quality in your home.
Water leaks can be a health hazard
Although drastic, extensive water damage from a leaking boiler could cause the growth of mould and fungi, which can cause hazardous effects on your health. Mould can quickly spread in damp conditions, creating nasty symptoms including blocked noses, coughing, sneezing and even difficulty in breathing and asthma.
Structural damage can be dangerous
Aside from the health risks, water leaks can cause expensive and dangerous damage to the structure of your home. From purely aesthetic problems such as staining and discolouration or warped and swollen walls through to damaged support beams and other structures that are vital to the integrity of your home.
Boiler leaks should be addressed as soon as they are discovered. Leaving floors or walls wet can lead to your floors, walls and other areas of your home become completely rotten, making them dangerous to be near and very expensive to repair or re-build.
Common causes of boiler leaks
If your boiler is leaking, it could be caused by any of the following:
- The pressure could be too high
- A problem with the boiler pump
- The temperature is too high
- The heat exchanger is damaged
- The pipes or joint have become damaged
It’s best to leave the assessment of the boiler leak cause to a professional heating engineer.
What to do if you find a leak in your boiler
If you find that your boiler is leaking, do not attempt to diagnose or fix the problem yourself. You should switch the boiler off at the mains and turn off the water, using the stopcock.
Contact a Gas Safe engineer who will be able to isolate the leak, drain down the system where necessary, and diagnose the best way to fix the problem and reduce the risk of further damage to the system.
If your boiler is leaking and you need a Gas Safe boiler repair company in Bristol, speak to the heating engineers at DHS.
