Dealing with a Leaking Boiler

Water or Gas – Steps to Resolve the Issue

Regardless of whether your boiler is leaking water or gas, prompt action is essential.

Discover the potential causes behind your boiler leak and learn how you can potentially address the issue.

What Causes Water Leakage in My Boiler?

Boilers are not designed to leak water, but if you observe water leakage, consider the following potential reasons:

Minor water leaks may indicate a need to replenish boiler pressure.
The pressure relief valve might be discharging excess pressure.
Damage to the heat exchanger, a crucial component responsible for heating water, may be the issue.
Poorly sealed joints connecting heating system pipes to the boiler could be a source of leakage.
With aging, certain components within the boiler may have ceased functioning.

Addressing a Boiler Leak: Tips for Repair

While it’s generally advisable to entrust boiler repairs to professionals, if you possess DIY skills, you might attempt a basic fix.

Dry the area around the joint

If you notice water dripping from a pipe joint, start by thoroughly drying the area around the joint. Confirm that the leakage is indeed originating from it. If so, cautiously tighten the fitting and keep an eye on it that the leakage has in fact stopped.

Treat the heating system

In the case of a very minor boiler leak, you may look at treating your central heating system with additives that automatically create a seal. However, that this can be tricky and offers only a temporary solution. It’s highly recommended to engage a heating engineer for a proper fix.

Call an expert

If you don’t feel like grabbing your tools and seeing to the problem yourself then call an engineer to take a look and fix the issue. They will be able to not only stop the leak but investigate the source and take preventative measures to stop it happening again.

Preventing Boiler Leaks

To steer clear of boiler leaks, prioritising regular servicing is crucial. This allows a qualified engineer to detect and address potential issues before they arise, while ensuring your boiler remains in optimal shape. It’s recommended to schedule annual servicing.

In addition to this, exploring boiler coverage options is wise. Many insurance providers often include boiler inspections and servicing in their packages so it is worth looking for an insurance policy that includes this.

Detecting a Gas Leak in Your Boiler

If your boiler is leaking gas, there are several indicators to watch out for. You might notice a distinct smell of gas. Additionally, be mindful of any black stains appearing above or in close proximity to the boiler. Excessive condensation on windows can also be a sign. Another key signal is the pilot light, which should typically burn blue to indicate proper functioning. If it appears orange or yellow, this could be indicative of a gas leak.

It’s important to note that boilers should never release gas or oil. For safety reasons, modern boilers operate by burning gas or oil within a sealed combustion chamber. This system ensures that the necessary oxygen is drawn in to facilitate fuel combustion, with exhaust fumes safely expelled outside. This sealed setup effectively prevents any harmful gases from entering your home. While such occurrences are extremely rare, it’s still possible for things to go awry.

What do I do if my boiler is leaking gas?

If you suspect your boiler is leaking gas, immediately open all windows and doors and extinguish any naked flames – including cigarettes – then call the Gas Emergency Services free on 0800 111 999.

A boiler gas leak is very dangerous, especially as fumes from gases like carbon monoxide can be odourless. It’s why you should install a carbon monoxide detector in your home. Here are some symptoms to be aware of:

Headache
Dizziness
Feeling sick
Tiredness
Confusion

If you suspect a leak and you’re feeling unwell, get into fresh air and seek immediate medical advice.

Dealing with an Oil-Leaking Boiler

If you’re using heating oil and notice the presence of oil stains or pooling around your boiler, it’s a clear indication of a potential leak. Additionally, you may detect a stronger-than-usual odor of oil.

In this situation, take the following steps:

Close the tap or valve on the oil tank promptly.
Open windows to ventilate the area and prevent the accumulation of fumes.
If it’s safe to do so, attempt to collect the leaking oil in a container or contain it using sand or earth. Avoid washing it away.

Next, seek professional assistance by either contacting a heating engineer or reaching out to your home insurer’s emergency hotline. If anyone experiences feelings of sickness or dizziness, evacuate the premises immediately. Your safety is paramount.