9 signs it’s time for a new boiler

How do you know when it’s time to replace your residential boiler? It’s not always easy to tell, and most of the problems which affect boilers happen in winter, when a faulty boiler could cause you untold problems. We’ll explore the 9 tell-tale signs that might mean it’s time for you to invest in a new model.

No Heat or Hot Water

A lack of heat or hot water from your boiler may be due to a number of factors, from broken diaphragms and faulty thermostats to the failure of motorised valves. In addition, your boiler could be suffering from low flow rates or frozen pipes. Whatever the reason, it’s probably best to call out a qualified engineer to take a look.

Leaking and Dripping

If you’re experiencing boiler leaking or a dripping boiler, your pump or pressure valve may be broken from your boiler pressure being flush the system or too high. In addition, corrosion over time could cause leaks around the tank and pipes. If just a single valve of your boiler is corroded, you’ll be able to replace it, however, if the corrosion is more widespread, you may need to invest in a new unit.

Strange Noises

If your system is making strange noises, it could have underlying structural problems, from loss of pressure over boiler kettling to excess air in the system. Often, a boiler banging noise is due to pump failure, while humming sounds are often triggered by a faulty thermostat or central heating pump.

Pilot Lights Gone Out

A pilot light can go out for a variety of reasons. The thermocouple could be broken and be stopping the supply of gas to your boiler, or a deposit may have built up within the pilot light itself. It is possible to reignite the pilot light on your own, however, a faulty pilot light might indicate that there are more comprehensive problems with your boiler and that it’s time for a replacement.

Loss of Pressure

If your boiler constantly loses pressure, your central heating system could be totally compromised. This could be due to a water leak, an underlying fault, or standard wear and tear – it’s a fault that’s relatively easy to diagnose. Without good pressure, your boiler won’t be able to function properly, which is why it’s absolutely vital to have an expert replace any low water pressure boiler your home may be suffering from.

Over 10 Years Old

How long does a boiler last? The answer varies depending on what type of boiler you have, but generally, there’s a greater risk of your unit needing to be replaced when it is over 10 years old. The average boiler life expectancy is somewhere between 10 and 15 years, although there’s no reason why your system can’t last significantly longer.

Kettling

Boiler kettling is a serious issue. It makes your system more costly to run and shortens its lifespan. Boiler kettling sounds, which resemble rumbling or gurgling noises, indicate that sludge or limescale has built up in the heat exchanger, restricting the flow of water. Remember, a noisy boiler tends to equal a broken one. It can strike in both hard and soft water areas and is best dealt with by a professional. Don’t try to fix this one by yourself!

Radiators Not Getting Hot

Unequal heat distribution or a sludge build-up in your boiler could prevent your radiators from heating up. When this happens, you should try to flush the system or bleed the radiator, however, if that doesn’t work, it’s certainly time to consider replacing your whole unit.

Boiler Keeps Switching Off

When your boiler switches itself off, it might be time to think about a replacement. Whether it’s down to low water pressure, a closed valve causing a lack of water flow, the pump failing to circulate water properly, or a faulty thermostat, it’s a serious issue, and could spell the end for your old boiler.