Boilers are dangerous pieces of equipment because they deal with gas, electricity, and boiling water. You certainly don’t want them leaking on you, as it puts you at risk of flooding or carbon monoxide poisoning. You should always call a plumber when troubles arise, but knowing how to repair a boiler leak temporarily can save you from several problems.
Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair offers certified boiler repair in Greenwood, IN. Our technicians are certified to handle water and gas leaks. But while you wait for us to arrive, here are some quick fixes to hold you over.
Turn Off the Boiler in your Greenwood, IN, Home
Whether you know how to repair a boiler leak or not, the first step is to turn everything off. Most modern hot water systems use electricity even if they use gas, so ensure you turn off access to water, gas, and electricity. This will prevent water from dripping onto electrical components, which could cause a fire, and prevent gas leaks from getting worse.
How To Handle a Gas Leak
A gas leak is a major concern that should be treated as the serious situation it is. Turn off the gas supply and open all your windows and doors to ventilate the home. Leave your home immediately and call 911.
Carbon monoxide doesn’t have a smell, so you won’t know if it’s leaking into your home without a detector. Breathing it in can cause flu-like symptoms and may be fatal. The gas can cause fires, so avoid turning on burners or plugging in appliances.
Clean Up the Water
Water damage will lead to mold or rotten wood, followed by costly home repairs to fix the damage. Look under the tank, expansion tank, and underneath the pipes for puddles. Place a bucket or bowl underneath to catch the water, and clean up the puddles the best you can.
Turning off the water, gas, and electricity supplies before you do this is important to stop the water from flowing and to avoid coming into contact with electricity and gas.
Identify the Source of the Leak
Before you can figure out how to repair a boiler leak, you have to find the source of it. Understanding the causes of boiler leaks will help you know where to look. You may have a leak due to:
- Corrosion: Corrosion inside the tanks or along the pipes and pressure valves can cause small holes, leading to leaks. You will often spot corrosion around tank edges, pipe fittings, or where the pipes meet the wall.
- High pressure: Check the pressure relief valve and ensure the needle is in the green zone. Radiators need to cool and release excess water before turning the system on again.
- High temperature: High temperatures cause the water to boil too much and spill over. Modern tanks have sensors to prevent this from happening.
- Heat exchanger issues: Heat exchangers can crack and leak, causing carbon monoxide poisoning risks. Leaks are often due to high pressure or corrosion.
- Broken joints: The sealant on pipe fittings may deteriorate over time, or corrosion could cause holes. The corners or where two pipes connect are very common locations for leaks.
- End of lifespan: Boilers eventually have to be replaced due to old age. You’ll notice frequent leaks and other issues when they approach the end of their ropes.
Tighten Leaking Joints
If you’re wondering how to repair a boiler leak, tightening loose joints is really the only feasible DIY option. Leaks are best left to the professionals. However, you can try twisting the joint with your hand to see if that will at least temporarily stop the leak.
If that doesn’t work, plumber tape is a good way to stop the leak until a plumber can take a look at the situation. Both of these solutions aren’t intended for long-term usage, so only rely on them until the plumber gets to your house.
Call Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair in Greenwood, IN
Once you have the leak under control for the time being, call Complete Comfort Heating, A/C & Plumbing Repair in Greenwood, IN. We’ll come out to your home as soon as possible. Our highly trained plumbers know how to repair a boiler leak no matter how difficult the situation may appear.
If you need help with your boiler or want to understand other plumbing and HVAC issues like the difference between a high-efficiency furnace vs. a standard one, contact us on our website. We’re happy to help you with any questions you may have. Reach out to learn more.