Why Is the Boiler Leaking Water? The Causes & Easy Fixes

If your boiler is leaking water, it means a part inside is damaged or broken. This can be a small problem or a big one, but it must be important to fix quickly. A leaking boiler can harm your home and cause problems with wires and lights. It can also cost a lot of money to fix later. There are many reasons why a boiler may leak. Some parts inside may be broken, loose, or old. In this guide, we will tell you why the boiler is leaking water, the causes, and some easy fixes you can try or know about before calling an expert.

Why is the Boiler Leaking Water?

A boiler can leak water for many reasons. One reason is that a part inside may be broken, loose, or old. When this happens, water can start leaking out. Sometimes, pipes or joints are not tight, so water leaks from there. If the boiler pressure is too high, the water also leaks out because it cannot stay inside. Also, if the part inside the boiler gets old and dirty, it can make small holes, and water can leak from those holes. 

A heating system that should keep the water hot may stop working. Even a very small leak can turn into a big problem if not fixed quickly. This is why you should find the leak as soon as possible. You should call a boiler expert to check it. Do not try to fix it yourself. This will help keep your home safe and warm.

Boiler leaking water

Common Causes of Boiler Leaking Water

There are many causes why a boiler is leaking water. Here are the most common causes that explain why a boiler is leaking.

1) Boiler Pressure Is Too High

Sometimes the pressure inside the boiler goes too high. When this happens, water may start to leak out. The boiler does this to stay safe. It pushes out extra water so it doesn’t get damaged. This is why water can leak. There is a small round meter on the boiler. This meter shows the pressure using numbers. If the meter shows two numbers, the pressure is too high. It should show a number between 1 and 2. This shows the boiler pressure is normal.

2) Corroded Parts Inside the Boiler

Sometimes, parts inside the boiler or the pipes under it get old and damaged. When this happens, small holes can appear, and water starts to come out. If only one part is damaged, you can just change that one part. But if many parts are damaged, the whole boiler might need to be replaced. If your boiler is new, the leak may be because of a poor fitting by the engineer. 

3) The Heat Part Inside the Boiler Is Broken

Inside the boiler, there is a heater exchange part.  It helps to warm the water. If this part cracks or breaks, the boiler may start leaking. It is hard to check this yourself. Only a plumber and trained boiler expert can tell. If this part is broken, it costs a lot to replace.

4) Loose Pipes or Joints

The pipes and joints in the heating system can become loose over time. This happens because the water inside gets hot and cold again and again. When water becomes hot, it makes the pipe hot and bigger. When water becomes cold, it may shrink the pipe and make it smaller. This can make the joints loose.

5) Water Pump Is Not Sealed Properly

The pump in your boiler helps move the water around your home. If this pump is not sealed the right way, water can leak out. If you see water near the pump, it may need to be sealed again or replaced.

6) Overflow Pipe Leaking

The overflow pipe takes extra water outside the house. If water is leaking out of this pipe, something may be wrong. The float value inside the pipe may be damaged. This part controls the water level in the tank. If the valve is broken, too much water goes in, and the pipe starts leaking.

Is a leaking boiler dangerous?

Yes, a leaking boiler can be dangerous. When water leaks from the boiler, it can touch wires and cause electrical problems. This can be risky and may even cause a fire. The leaking water can also make your floor, wall, or carpet wet and damaged. If the leak is not fixed, it may be harmful over time.  

This can make the boiler stop working or be damaged completely. That is why it is very important to check the leak quickly. If many parts inside the boiler are broken, it may be better to buy a new boiler instead of fixing the old one.

Top Suggested New Boiler Brands

Here are some of the best boiler brands, with a working explanation of why they are good:

How to fix a leaking boiler: Step-by-Step guide

Here is a step-by-step guide to explain how to fix a leaking boiler.

Step 1: Check the Boiler Pressure

Your boiler has a small around meter. Look at the small round meter on your boiler. This shows the pressure level in numbers. If the needle is above number 2, the pressure is too high. You can lower it by taking out some water from your radiators. This step helps you to release the extra pressure.

Step 2: Look for Leaks Around Pipes

Check pipes and joints near the boiler. These are the parts that join the boiler. Dry the area with a cloth near these joints and pipes. Then wait to see if the water comes back. If water comes again, it means there is a leak. Now, check the pipe connector. This is the part where the two pipes are joined. If the parts are loose, then tighten them with spanner tools.

Step 3: Check for Broken or Loose Seals

If water is still leaking, the seals inside the boiler may be old or broken. Seals are parts that stop water from leaking out. Sometimes they damage or become loose. You should call a trained central heating expert to check the seals and change them if they are damaged.

Step 4: Don’t Try to Fix Big Problems Yourself

If you still can’t find or fix the leak, do not try to open the boiler or fix anything inside by yourself. Boilers can be dangerous. They have hot water, gas, and electric wires inside. Touching the wrong part can hurt you or make the problem worse.

Step 5: Call a trained Boiler Expert

Suppose the leak is still not fixed. You should call a trained boiler expert. A trained expert knows how to check and repair it safely. You can call S6Energy. They have good, trained boiler workers who can help you. They will come, find the problem, and boiler repair it the right way.

Tips to Prevent Future Boiler Leaks at Home

Here are the tips you must follow to prevent your boiler from leaking:

• Look at your boiler every month to check for water.
• Keep the boiler water pressure between numbers 1 and 2.
• Let out extra water from the radiators if the pressure is high.
• Keep the area around the boiler clean and dry.
• Make sure air can move around the boiler easily.
• If you see a small leak, again and again, replace the older boiler with a new one.
• Only call trained workers to fix your boiler.

Read More: Banging Noises in Pipework

Conclusion: Boiler Leaking Water

Now you know the reasons why a boiler is leaking water. It can happen due to high pressure, loose joints, or a broken seal. You also know the easy steps by reading this guide on how to fix boiler leaking problems at home. By checking the pressure, looking for pipe leaks, and calling a trained expert when needed, you can stop the leak. If the radiator is not heating up properly, replace the boiler with a new one. Fixing these small issues early helps you avoid bigger problems later. It also keeps your home safe and warm.

Note:

If you want the best expert to repair or replace the boiler, S6Energy is a great choice. Contact us. They have trained workers who know how to do boiler replacement safely and quickly. 

Read More: Boiler Plus

FAQs: Boiler Leaking Water

Can a boiler leaking water be repaired without replacing it?

Yes, a leaking boiler can be fixed without replacing the whole boiler. If only one small part is broken or loose, a plumber can repair or change that part.

How to check the boiler water level?

To check the boiler water level, look at the small round meter on the front of the boiler. This meter shows numbers. 

What is the correct water pressure for the boiler?

The correct boiler pressure should be between 1.0 and 2.0 bar.

How to decrease water pressure in a boiler?

To decrease the boiler pressure, slowly let out water from a radiator valve.

How much does it cost to fix a boiler leak?

If the problem is small, for example, a loose pipe or joint, it usually costs less to fix. But if the problem is big, for example, a broken part inside the boiler, then it may cost more.