Five Common Boiler Problems You May Face During Winter

With winter around the corner, now is the time to address any heating problems you may be facing. Having been inactive throughout the summer months, your boilers are prone to suffering from breakdowns when they are forced back to life during the colder weather. Commercial heating solutions can help businesses ensure their systems are prepared for the season. Here are some easily identifiable boiler problems that you are likely to encounter during the winter months.

Leaking and Dripping

Leaks can often originate from broken internal components, the pump seal, or the pressure valve. If your boiler has a leak, your best port of call is to contact a heating engineer as soon as possible. They’ll be able to identify the source of the problem and fix it. It’s worth noting that if your boiler is leaking from the pipes or the tank, this could indicate a corrosion issue and serious cases may mean your boiler needs to be replaced.

Loud Noises

A faulty boiler is likely to make strange noises, such as banging, whistling, and gurgling sounds. The issues that cause these sounds include a build-up of air in the system, low water pressure, and kettling. Again, a heating engineer will be able to diagnose and resolve these problems for you, ensuring your system runs smoothly throughout the winter months.

Frozen Pipes

When the temperature drops below freezing, it can cause blockage in your boiler’s condensation pipe. Water often freezes during cold weather, causing the entire boiler to stall. In fact, your boiler should have a fault code notifying you when its condensate pipe is frozen. You can defrost this yourself by pouring warm (not boiling) water over the pipe until it has thawed. If you do not feel confident doing this, it may be worth contacting a registered heating engineer.

Cold Radiators

If your radiators appear to be working but parts of them are not heating properly, there could be a build-up of sludge or air trapped in the system. When the top of the radiator is cold, you will be able to ‘bleed’ the radiator to release the trapped air. However, if your radiators are cold at the bottom, this could indicate a sludge build-up, which may require a power flush of the system. Heating and ventilation contractors can provide professional maintenance to keep your system running efficiently.

Boiler Does Not Respond to Thermostat

A faulty thermostat can sometimes cause problems in an otherwise healthy heating system. You should check that your thermostat settings are correct. Sometimes an accidental knock can switch off or alter the system. If your thermostat settings seem accurate but the temperature is not, it may be time for a replacement.

Heating Services at Mitchells

If you need assistance with your heating systems throughout the year, Mitchell’s is here for you. Our experienced heating engineers specialise in commercial heating solutions and can assist with heating system replacements, servicing and maintenance. Please visit our website or get in touch with us today to find out more about our reliable services.