Is a Boiler Leaking Water Dangerous?
Is a boiler leaking water dangerous?
If your home is heated using a boiler system and you’ve discovered a leak, you have a serious problem and need to repair it quickly. Several potentially dangerous problems can arise when you discover your boiler leaking:
Electrical components short circuit
Pipes rust and corrode
Building structures weaken from water damage
Mold and fungus growth leads to health problems
If you’ve discovered a boiler leak, and need immediate help with boiler repair and replacement in Lanham, MD, reach out to the professionals at RiteTemp A/C & Heating, LLC and schedule a technician by calling (240) 640-6578.
How do you know if your boiler is leaking?
Boilers often break down in the winter, usually when you need it most. Leaks are a common problem, often caused by changes in pressure or by a failure in the expansion tank.
If the pressure is too high, this can lead to a problem with the pressure release valve which rids the boiler of excess water. If the valve malfunctions, internal parts fail and leaks occur. To prevent leaks, check the pressure gauge on your device. If the pressure is too high, the gauge needle will be in the red, and you have trouble brewing. When the problem is with the expansion tank, you usually won’t be able to tell that the boiler is leaking until you see the water leaking from it.
Why is my boiler leaking from underneath?
More often than not, if water is leaking underneath your boiler, it’s because the pipes are old and corroded. If the boiler is relatively new, the pipes were probably just fitted incorrectly. This occurs fairly frequently with a new installation and can usually be easily corrected. You might also have a pressure issue causing excess water to drain out or the high pressure has caused internal parts to fail, which in turn, results in a leak.
What to do if boiler starts leaking?
Should you discover your boiler leaking, take the following steps to contain the leak until a repair technician arrives:
How to stop boiler leaking water
Once the leak is discovered, switch off the boiler’s water supply.
After the water is off, turn off your heat.
Drain excess water in the pipes by running your taps until no more water is coming out.
Clean the water under the boiler with a mop and then wait for your repair service to arrive to repair the boiler.
Boiler repair isn’t a DIY job. Once the leak is contained and the water is off and dried up, leave the repairs to the professionals.
Can a leaking boiler be repaired?
In most cases, a leaking boiler can be repaired. This often depends on how long it’s been leaking, and what components are damaged. If you have serious damage like rusted internal components or shorted electrical wiring, the unit might have to be replaced. A boiler that’s more than 10 years old should probably be replaced. Have a RiteTemp A/C & Heating, LLC technician evaluate the leak to determine what repairs are needed.
Can a leaking boiler explode?
Leaks, in and of themselves, will not cause a boiler to explode. The damage done by leaks could, however, lead to the boiler exploding. If the wiring has been damaged or too much pressure builds up in the tank, explosions could result. Excessive pressure can cause the boiler to overheat and explode. Anytime you have leaks or problems with pressure—which often causes leaks—get help immediately to prevent serious damage.
Can a leaking boiler cause a fire?
What makes a boiler leaking so problematic are all the potential hazards surrounding the leak. While the leak itself may not be serious, it can indicate issues like excessive pressure that could lead to the tank overheating and exploding. Other hazards include fire, especially if wiring short circuits because of the leak. Because boilers are typically fueled by natural gas, fire is always a risk if there is a gas leak. Other issues that could lead to potential disasters include design defects such as fault safety features, broken seals, malfunctioning heating mechanisms, or even broken thermostats.
Boiler leaking who to call
Once you discover a boiler leak, you never want to hesitate to get in touch with qualified professionals to repair or replace the boiler. Plumbing professionals, as well as HVAC professionals, will have the right skills and tools to make repairs. Outside of shutting off the water and heat and cleaning up around the unit, repairs should be saved for the repair technician. The potential for serious damage including explosions is too great to make the repair yourself. When it comes to finding your boiler leaking in Lanham, MD, leave the repairs to the trusted local professionals at RiteTemp A/C & Heating, LLC. We will respond promptly to your service requests. For fast, effective repairs, give us a call at (240) 640-6578.
