Common boiler problems we fix
From strange noises to drips and leaks, these problems need a qualified, experienced professional:
- No heat or hot water
- Leaking and dripping
- Banging, whistling or gurgling noises
- Pilot light goes out
- Losing pressure
- Frozen condensate pipe
- Thermostat issues
- Kettling
- Radiators not getting hot
- Boiler keeps switching itself off
What these symptoms usually mean
Kettling
A rumbling, kettle-like sound usually means limescale or sludge has built up on the heat exchanger, causing water to overheat and boil in spots. Left alone, it strains the boiler and cuts efficiency, and on an older boiler it can be the point where replacement makes more sense.
Losing pressure
Often a leak somewhere in the system, a pressure relief valve that's letting by, or an expansion tank that has lost its charge. Topping up the pressure only treats the symptom.
Cold radiators
Cold at the top usually means trapped air that needs bleeding. Cold at the bottom points to sludge. A whole zone cold can be a stuck zone valve or a failed circulator pump.
Boiler shuts itself off
Boilers lock out to protect themselves when something's wrong: low pressure, overheating, a flame that won't prove, or a blocked condensate line. The fault code tells us where to start.
Frozen condensate pipes are rare in Vancouver's mild climate, but they do happen during cold snaps, especially where the pipe runs outdoors or through an unheated space. A properly insulated and routed condensate line prevents it.
How we repair boilers
- We listen to what you've noticed: noises, leaks, cold rooms, error codes
- We test the boiler, pumps, valves, expansion tank and controls to find the real cause
- We explain what's wrong and what the repair will cost before any work begins
- We repair it, then test combustion, pressure and safety controls before we leave
To reduce the chance of a complete breakdown and keep your boiler working for years to come, it should be serviced every year. An annual boiler service lets our technicians thoroughly inspect and test every part of the boiler.
