What are the main safety risks with a faulty boiler?
Boilers that develop faults not only pose a risk of inefficient heating, but they can also develop into significant safety risks. While the former can cause increased heating costs, the worst case scenario for a faulty boiler is that it results in harm to you and others in the property. It’s therefore important that any fault is identified and addressed quickly. This post is designed to give you an understanding of the safety risks associated with certain boiler faults and what can be done about them.
Common boiler faults to look out for
If your boiler starts making unusual sounds or starts to become unresponsive, the likelihood is it’s developed a fault. Some boiler faults are easier to spot than others, so it’s important to know which faults can develop in boiler systems and lead to safety risks. The main ones to be aware of include:
- Leaks – possibly the most noticeable boiler fault, leaking water can occur in various boiler parts such as the pressure relief valve, piping, or the boiler casing.
- Loss of pressure – low boiler pressure can cause hot water to be delivered slower around the central heating system. High pressure can also cause a fault and possibly damage other components within the system.
- Pilot light issues – if the pilot light frequently goes out or it isn’t burning hot enough, this can result in a loss of heating efficiency.
- Kettling – this is a symptom of pressure build up within the system. Boiler kettling can be identified by a whistling noise emitted by the boiler due to steam escaping the unit casing.
- Blocked or frozen pipes – pipes can be blocked by the build up of limescale and other debris as it collects in the system over time. Freezing typically only affects the condensate pipe.
- Corrosion – key boiler parts can suffer from corrosion over time, which damages their functionality. Many environmental factors can contribute to corrosion in boilers.
If you suspect your boiler has developed a fault, it’s important you disconnect it from the gas supply and switch it off before investigating further. Read ‘What are some of the most common boiler problems?’ for more information.
Safety risks due to boiler faults
A faulty boiler is not to be taken lightly. If left unattended, certain faults can develop into problems that can cause harm to the occupants of the building.
A faulty boiler can result in the production of carbon monoxide when fuel isn’t being completely burned. This gas will typically be released outside the home via the flue pipe, although there can be a risk that some of it leaks into the property. In these cases, there is a significant health risk to the occupants of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Gas valves that don’t close properly can cause excess fuel to be fed to the burner, potentially causing the fuel supply to ignite. Fire within the system can pose a serious risk even if it’s contained.
Faults that cause blockages or dramatic increases in temperature can lead to an uncontrollable rise in pressure. If this doesn’t have a way to be released, it can cause the boiler to explode.
Boiler maintenance and repair
When you notice a fault with your boiler, you need quality parts and spares with a responsive service. National Boiler Spares stock a range of parts to facilitate the repair of many different systems regardless of the fault. Whether you need a simple boiler fan or a full Printed Circuit Board(PCB), our boiler spares are quality certified and warranty protected. Contact us if you have any questions.