Help! My boiler is leaking water

There is nothing more worrying for a homeowner than seeing water somewhere it shouldn’t be. Water leaking from your boiler is one situation that should never be ignored. Not least because the water could lead to damage elsewhere in your home, but also because it indicates that something is amiss with your boiler.

In this guide, we’re looking at some of the top reasons your boiler might be leaking water. We’ll also explain if this is a simple fix you can manage yourself, or if it indicates that you might need to call in a professional.

Top reasons your boiler might be leaking water

If you’ve spotted wet patches below your boiler, or if your boiler is located upstairs and you’ve noticed water marks on your ceiling, it’s time to investigate. A leaking boiler is not something you should ignore, as continued use could lead to further damage. Here are some of the top issues to look out for:

High pressure

When the pressure in your boiler is too high, it should trigger the pressure-reducing valve to allow some of this water to escape. This is essential, as the water in the system will expand as it heats, so the excess pressure needs somewhere to go. If this valve is faulty, this could mean that too much pressure is building up and forcing water out at the weakest point. You will need to call in a professional to replace this part.

Corrosion damage

Older boilers are more likely to suffer corrosion over time. This is simply when repeated use leads to parts of your boiler wearing down, usually the seals between the parts. When this happens, water may leak from your boiler and it could also cause your boiler to continually lose pressure and stop working. This will require a professional to identify the source of the issue. It could indicate that it’s time for a new boiler.

Installation faults

If your boiler has recently been installed or serviced, it could be that something needs to be tightened. Leaks after installation or servicing are common, as the boiler will undergo changes as the parts heat and contract. In this case, call the company that installed or serviced the boiler and let them know there is an issue.

Faulty heat exchanger

When the heat exchanger reaches the end of its life or suffers damage, this can lead to leaks below your boiler. This will need to be replaced, as it will prevent your boiler from functioning in the meantime.

Loose pressure valve

If the pressure valve in your boiler has recently been replaced or serviced, it may have been left a little looser than it needs to be. Simply tightening this connection could solve the problem. You’ll know if this is the source of the leak as you’ll see evidence of water dripping from the pipe. Never try to tighten anything while the boiler is still hot, as the water or steam escaping could cause burns.

Fixing the problem

A leaking boiler should be treated with a sense or urgency, as it could cause further damage if you continue to operate it with faulty parts. A Gas-Certified plumber will be able to diagnose the issue and either fix the problem or replace the faulty part.

In the best-case scenario, the issue will be nothing more than a loose connection that needs to be tightened. It could also mean that an inexpensive part needs to be replaced, like a gasket or valve.

More expensive repairs will include things like replacing the heat exchanger. If your boiler is still under warranty, then you should be able to get this part replaced for free.

With more extensive and widespread issues, like corrorison in an older boiler, it could be that the equipment has reached the point of being beyond economic repair. In this instance, we can offer recommendations on when it is time to replace the boiler.

A new boiler could end up being more cost-effective in the long-term, as the savings on your energy bills coupled with fewer callouts to fix the old boiler will quickly add up.

If you’re worried about a new leak from your boiler, don’t hesitate to get in touch! We can quickly send a Gas-Safe registered engineer to assess the problem and get your boiler working smoothly again.