Why is my boiler leaking?

Boiler leaks can occur for a number of reasons, mainly due to corrosion in the boiler or a fault with your pump valve. Leaks can suggest a serious fault within your system, so attempting to repair the issue yourself could lead to further damage or harm. If your boiler has started leaking in your home, it’s essential that you call a professional heating engineer to assess the situation.

Here are some of the main reasons we find for boiler leaks.

Corrosion

Leaking around the pipes of the boiler often indicates corrosion. This can either be limited to an individual component in the boiler or the whole thing. In this case, the individual component will need to be replaced however if it has affected the whole thing, it’s often better to replace the boiler rather than repair.

Corrosion can occur over time, due to dissolved oxygen entering the system which can then eventually corrode away the interior. Alternatively, boiler corrosion could be caused by the pH level in the boiler from the carbon dioxide.

Pressure valve

If the boiler is leaking from the pressure valve, it typically means the pressure is too high. This is a safety mechanism within the valve, to prevent a build-up or rupture of the boiler which can lead to irreparable damage. The pressure should be between 18 and 21 PSI and can increase when there’s too much limescale or dirt within the boiler.

Repairing this will require removal of the limescale and then tightening of the pressure valves to prevent this happening again.

Pump seal

The pump seal may be broken or worn out within the boiler, if the leak seems to be coming from the boiler pump. This can happen if you’ve had your boiler for a long time and is an occurrence from general wear and tear. This will either need resealing or replacing depending on the severity of the issue.

The damage a boiler leak could cause

Boiler leaks can cause various problems with your central heating and home. Mainly, it can cause your boiler to trip the electricity as a safety precaution to stop the flow of electricity. It could also cause damage to your own property.

If your boiler is leaking, please get in touch with DHS. We specialise in boiler repairs in Bristol, and can assess the situation quickly to mitigate any damage and get your boiler back up and working safely in no time. Our team of heating engineers are Gas-Safe registered so you can rest assured that the repair or replacement service will be completed efficiently and to the highest standard.

Call DHS today on 0117 924 7200, email us, or request a call back.