Every boiler requires a complete replacement sooner or later. The trick to averting disaster is noticing the warning signs. You don’t want your boiler to suddenly shut down in the middle of winter.

In this article, we’re going to show you some of the main signs of an impending boiler problem.

 

How Old is It?

It’s always important to know how old your boiler is. This will help to point any repairperson in the right direction.

There are no hard and fast rules as to how old your boiler needs to be before it’s replaced. The problem is it largely depends on how well you’ve maintained it. A well-maintained boiler, though, will usually require replacing after about twenty years.

This doesn’t mean you should wait this long. Technology moves fast and you could be losing money by holding on to an old, inefficient boiler. Always be aware of the new boiler options available to you.

Do You Smell Metal?

One sign you need a boiler service is a metallic odor. Approach your boiler and smell the air. If there’s something wrong with it you should be able to notice a metallic smell. It could indicate any number of problems.

It usually means the boiler has become defective and it’s starting to leak gas or oil. It’s not carbon monoxide, because it doesn’t have an odor.

A metallic smell can increase the chances of carbon monoxide leaking out. Switch off the boiler and call a repairperson immediately.

Malfunctions

A malfunctioning boiler causes a lack of heat or no heat at all. Overheating is the main threat, in this situation.

Most boilers have sludge deposits at the bottom of the boiler. This can cause the malfunction by clogging the machinery up. Again, this is a repair you need to make immediately.

Before you do call, check the thermostat and the fuse. Boiler contractors commonly visit homes where the owner has forgot to turn the thermostat up or it’s a problem with their circuit breaker.

Water Leakage

Water leakage is a sure sign you have a boiler problem. It’s not an immediate issue, but it can cause a lot of damage if left to stand for too long.

The obvious reason is the water pooling on the floor. It could soak through to the floorboards and rot them away. Water gathering at the stand of the unit will lead to additional fuel usage.

You’ll use more fuel than necessary, which is essentially about wasting money.

Strange Noises

Sometimes you may approach your boiler and hear lots of strange noises. They often sound like clunking noises. An explanation for this is the iron deposits. These iron deposits lead to an incorrect distribution of water.

An incorrect distribution of water may result in complete system shutdown or overheating. Turn the boiler off and call a repairperson straight away.

Always Call Immediately

Never wait until you have to call your boiler company. If you wait for problems to take hold, you’ll always pay more for repairs. Catch the problems early and you’ll have to pay to repair additional damage.

But what about if you happen to have a warranty?

You won’t have to take into account cost considerations. You do need to think about safety considerations. A malfunctioning boiler does have a small risk of exploding. One wrong move could cause serious damage to your home and people in the vicinity.

Even if you’re unsure as to whether there’s something wrong with your boiler, call a professional. Most companies offer free callout options if you suspect there’s something wrong.

It’s always better to be safe than sorry!