Boiler Leaking Water – What Should I Do?

Experiencing a leaking boiler may be a common problem, although, it certainly is not an ideal scenario to find yourself in. The leak has probably taken you by surprise, making you feel way out of your comfort zone. However, this guide will enlighten you with the necessary steps to help you solve this inconvenience.

In the case of your boiler leaking water, you should find all the leaks and use a bucket to stop the water from damaging your home. You can always try and tighten the fitting to see if that stops the leak. If not, then ensure that you turn off the water supply and the heating. Throughout the process of discovering a boiler leak, it is always advisory to call in a gas safe registered engineer to oversee the situation.

Even though you might have deemed yourself to have done a satisfactory job in stopping the initial water flow, when dealing with a boiler fault, it is always a good idea to contact a qualified engineer. Although, if getting access to an engineer instantly is out of the question, then there are some actions you can take to minimise the damage in the short run. There is the possibility that you can use a boiler leak sealant, an additive that forms a seal to block the leak. Of course, these temporary measures should only be taken on small leaks. Even if you are successful in stopping the leak, it is still important to seek the advice of an engineer, to find the cause of the problem.

To discover why your boiler is leaking water, you will need a qualified engineer to assess the situation. There are several explanations for why your boiler might be leaking water. Once the engineer has found the root cause of the problem, the boiler can be fixed, helping you to avoid long-lasting damage.

Your boiler’s leak could be a pressure-related issue. Generally, the boiler’s pressure gauge should be around one bar and within the green markings. Anything above the green bar will indicate that the boiler is over pressurised, prompting the cause of the leak. Bleeding your radiators is often the way to reduce the pressure of your boiler.

The corrosion of pipes and hot water cylinders could well be the reason for your leak. The extent of this corrosion will be indicated by the severity of your boiler’s leak. If just a small part is corroded, then an engineer might be able to resolve the problem, by replacing the component. However, if the corrosion is beyond fixing, then you may have to purchase a new boiler altogether.

If you are experiencing a leak in a newly installed boiler, then it is most likely because the joints in the pipework have not been fitted correctly. To resolve this issue, you simply contact your boiler installer to refit the pipework, which will in turn stop the leak.

Seals are placed on parts and joints within your boiler, although, if your boiler corrodes, it can result in the seals being damaged. When this happens, the water that travels through the system leaks through the seal. While applying sealant is a good short-term fix, you will also need an engineer to assess the damage.

Another reason for a leaking boiler is a faulty heat exchanger. This fault tends to occur with boilers that are old or of low quality. As a heat exchanger is the most expensive component, this is usually a sign that it is time to invest in a new boiler.

A boiler leaking water is not considered dangerous in a physical sense, as it will not threaten your health and wellbeing. However, a leaking boiler can certainly damage your bank account. Therefore, it is important to avoid using your leaking boiler, as this could result in water spreading around your property, damaging furniture, floors and other belongings. In any case of a leaking boiler, it is always best to consult an engineer first. Although, a leaking boiler generally means it is time for a replacement unless your boiler has recently been installed incorrectly.