Broken Boiler in Wyoming

Safety First - Diagnosing Heating Problems and Tackling Heat Repair

Most boilers involve three elements that could prove dangerous -- gas, steam and extremely hot water.

• Is your boiler making noise? If it's knocking or banging, the cause is probably caused by incorrect installation. Unfortunately, that sort of problem is difficult homeowners to diagnose and requires a professional fix.
• Is your boiler producing insufficient heat? Heat loss problems are generally caused by low water pressure or mineral deposits. Check the combination of temperature or the pressure gauge. If the pressure is below 12 psi, add water to the tank. Open the water feed valve until the pressure has reached 12 to 15 psi. If the water pressure is okay, the problem may be mineral deposits in either the boiler or heat exchanger. If that's the case, you'll need to have a professional flush the tank.
• If your boiler producing no heat at all? First, see if the pilot light is on. If it isn't, check to see if the gas has been turned off. If the gas is on, re-light the pilot light, following the manufacturer's instructions, which should be posted on the unit or nearby. If you have an electric boiler, check to see whether its circuit breaker is tripped or its fuse is blown. Replace the fuse or reset the circuit breaker if needed. Next, check if the thermostat is in "heat" mode and has been set to the appropriate temperature. Try to adjust the thermostat slightly and see if the problem corrects itself. If it doesn't, air build-up in your heating system may be the problem. You can release excess air yourself using either a radiator key or flat head screwdriver. At the top of each radiator, there should be a small valve. Turn the valve ¼ turn counterclockwise to vent excess air from the system. Put a towel or something underneath the valve to catch water as it escapes. As soon as the valve produces water, return it to its original position. Do this for for every radiator in your home.

Mike Bell, owner of Extreme Radiant in Carson City, Nevada, says that if that doesn't your boiler, the problem is usually the unit's igniter or controller. "A really good do-it-yourselfer can repair it," he says, "but most people need to call in a professional." This could prove to be excellent advice when dealing with boiler repair projects.