Why Is My Boiler Leaking?

Boilers use heated water or steam to keep your home cozy and warm during the winter. It's an efficient heating option, especially if you have a newer boiler. However, having all that heated water in use poses the risk of your boiler leaking, which can damage your home and boiler system.

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Understanding the potential causes of a boiler dripping or leaking can help you determine how to proceed if a leak occurs.

Is a Leaking Boiler an Emergency?

A leaking boiler could be considered an emergency, depending on the type of leak and its severity. If you own a gas-powered boiler, you could have a gas leak, which should be treated as an emergency and dealt with immediately. Gas leaks can cause you to feel ill and could lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which is potentially deadly. Since natural gas is flammable, a leak could also cause a fire or an explosion.

A water leak can also be considered an emergency repair situation. Water leaking from the boiler can cause significant damage to your home or mold and mildew growth. If the boiler loses too much water, it could damage other components, which increases repair costs. While you might be able to wait until the next business day for a relatively minor leak, it's a good idea to call for emergency repair services for severe leaks.

Can I Still Use My Boiler if It's Leaking?

You should shut off your boiler if it's leaking. Allowing it to continue running could cause additional damage to the system. Shutting it off until you can get an emergency boiler expert on-site to make the repairs can help prevent more severe damage. Keeping the problem as minimal as possible reduces the repair time and saves you money on your service bill.

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Why Is My Boiler Leaking?

Boilers can leak for a number of reasons, including corroded or loose parts. Common causes of a boiler leaking include:

• Corrosion: Over time, your boiler pipes and tank can become corroded because of the exposure to water and high temperatures. If the corrosion gets bad enough, it allows water to leak out of the tank.

• Age: An old boiler may eventually start leaking because of its age. Time often causes cracks or failing components that lead to water leaks. In this situation, you typically need to replace the entire boiler to correct the issue.

• Pressure issues: If the pressure in the system becomes too high, it could cause major water boiler leaking. The system's pressure release valve lets a small amount of water out if the pressure gets too high. However, if the high pressure continues, it could lead to a more severe leak.

• Pipe issues: Your boiler has pipes that run underneath it, which are often the source of leaking. This can happen if the pipes are damaged or corroded. In some cases, the pipes aren't installed correctly or the connections become loose and allow water to leak.

• Cracks: The exposure to heat and the equipment's tendency to expand and contract can lead to cracks in the tank. Rubber seals within the system may also become damaged or harden to the point of no longer working properly. These situations make it possible for water to leak outside the boiler system.

How Do I Stop My Boiler Leaking?

The only way to stop your boiler leaking permanently is to fix the root cause. You may be able to fix minor issues, such as loose connections, yourself. However, many boiler leaking repairs are more involved and potentially dangerous. Hiring a professional to handle the work is the safest option.

You may be able to stop the leak temporarily until you can get a professional on-site by shutting off the boiler. Clean up the water that's already on your floor to prevent slips or damage to your home. You can catch any additional dripping in a bucket.