5 Reasons You Might Have a Leaking Boiler

Is a Leaking Boiler Serious? 5 Reasons You Might Have a Leaking Boiler

A leaking boiler is a real cause for concern and one that requires your attention right away. It could be that you can stop the boiler leaking water by yourself, but in many circumstances you might need to call out our expert engineers to help repair the issue.

Take a look at these five common reasons that might cause water dripping from a boiler, how to check for them and what to do about them once you have diagnosed the issue with your leaking boiler.

If you need an expert repair, we run a 24/7 breakdown and boiler repair service that will get your heating back on as quickly as possible. Simply call 0330 055 2210 to talk to our friendly staff, who will dispatch a fully trained, qualified and Gas Safe registered engineer to take a look at your leaking boiler. It is a fast and efficient service because we understand how essential a working boiler is to you and your family.

In situations where the boiler leaking water is more than ten years old, it might be more cost effective to install a replacement boiler. New boiler models are much more efficient than older versions and could save you a significant amount of money on your heating bills.

Reason 1: Leaking Pipe Causing Water Dripping From Boiler

One of the main reasons behind water dripping from a boiler is that there is a leaking pipe. This could either be as a result of corrosion in the pipework or because there is a loose joint somewhere in the system.

Corrosion leading to a boiler leaking is something you are more likely to see in an older boiler model, whereas loose joints are often found in newly installed devices. With so many joints to install, it is not unusual for engineers to miss a leaking pipe, but a reputable boiler fitter such as Clever Energy Boilers will come and rectify any issues that only arise after the installer has left the property.

When checking for a leaking pipe, you might find a large pool of water underneath the unit. However, there may also be smaller leaks that are less obvious. In this case, you will need to feel around the pipework to discover examples of dampness.

If you find your boiler leaking due to the pipework, you need to call a professional engineer to deal with it. In the meantime, place a bowl or bucket beneath the leaking boiler to catch the water.

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Reason 2: Faulty Heat Exchanger Boiler Issue Causing a Leaking Boiler

A faulty heat exchanger combi boiler or system boiler issue is not a good sign. If this is the reason for your leaking boiler, it is likely to be a pricey repair or, depending on the age of your current unit, a boiler replacement.

The heat exchanger, as the name suggests, is the component that takes the heat from the gas inside your boiler and uses the energy to heat the water that flows round your radiators and out of your taps. Anyone finding their boiler leaking from the bottom should hope that it is not as a result of a corroded heat exchanger, as this is one of the most expensive parts to replace. If your boiler is under warranty, that should cover this repair. Otherwise you may need to think about having a new boiler.

It is difficult to diagnose a system boiler or combi boiler heat exchanger issue, so you will require an expert to have a look instead. Our 24/7 service is friendly and professional. Our engineers are experts in their field and know their way around boilers from all of the major manufacturers.

Reason 3: Boiler Pressure Too High and Leaking

When there is too much water in the system, this will make the boiler pressure too high and leaking occur. In this instance, the boiler pressure relief valve will attempt to get rid of the excess water, which causes leaking from the bottom. It can also cause internal parts to fail, which has the same effect.

To get an idea whether too much pressure is causing your system boiler or combi boiler pressure relief valve leaking issue, take a look at the pressure gauge. The pressure should be around 1 bar and you might find a ‘safe zone’ marked around that point. If the pressure is higher than that, it could be that is the reason behind the leaking boiler.

Thankfully, sorting a boiler pressure relief valve issue is relatively simple. Firstly, check that the boiler filling loop is completely shut off. It could be that you recently filled the boiler manually and left the loop slightly open. If not, the next step is to bleed the radiators. You need a bleed key for this, and a bucket or bowl to collect the excess water that comes out.

For more help with your system or combi boiler pressure relief valve issue, call our customer service team on 0330 055 2210.

Reason 4: Boiler Leaking Water Due to Corrosion and System Wear

Whether it is a corroded pipe repair or any other kind of system wear issues that causes your leaky boiler, the older your unit becomes, the more likely it is that parts will suffer damage. The more corrosion in the system, the more you will find your boiler dripping and the more urgently you need to book in a repair.

If the corrosion has spread to many different parts of the boiler, you may need to consider replacing the unit. Clever Energy Boilers can match you with the perfect boiler for your needs and even offer you smart ways to pay through our great value finance options.

You may be able to spot some signs of corrosion and system wear from the parts of the boiler visible to you. Otherwise, you will need an expert to explore the unit and tell you why you have a leaking boiler.

Reason 5: Water Dripping From Boiler Caused By Decayed Seals

If your boiler is leaking from the bottom, it could be that some of the seals in the system have decayed through general use, or perhaps because the pressure was too high. Either way, the breaking down of the seals means that water can escape through the joints. This means water dripping from the boiler and a call to the professionals.

Because these seals are usually tucked away inside the boiler case, it is not advisable to go hunting for the source of the leaking boiler issue. Simply ring our call centre and let a Gas Safe registered engineer diagnose the problem.

New Boiler Replacement

Whatever the reason for your leaking boiler, our team will be able to tell you exactly what is going on and either fix it or book in a home survey for a new boiler installation if a repair is not economical. It is always worth considering that, if your current boiler is old and out of warranty, installing a modern, efficient model instead will save you a significant sum on your heating bills from now on. Talk to us today on 0330 055 2210.