What Are the Signs That Your Boiler Needs Replacing?

Most boilers have a typical lifespan of about 15 years, but if they aren’t properly maintained and cared for during that time, you could encounter issues sooner than you expect.

As your boiler nears the end of its lifespan, you may start to notice some things that indicate a replacement is needed, though not every symptom is a sign of a greater problem. Read on to find out some of the common questions you may have about your boiler and whether you need a replacement!

Why Does my Boiler Keep Losing Pressure?

One sign that something isn’t right is if your boiler is constantly losing pressure. There could be several reasons for this, and it may not indicate a boiler emergency, but it would be good to diagnose the problem quickly.

This is because a low-pressure boiler will be operating inefficiently, costing you more money on your energy bills. The most common cause is a system leak, but they can be surprisingly difficult to locate.

Keep your eye out for green deposits on your pipework as this would indicate some corrosion taking place, which is usually the result of water damage. While a leak like this and the subsequent low boiler pressure is not dangerous, it is best to book an engineer visit quickly to help ensure you are always operating at maximum efficiency.

This may also be a sign of a larger issue, perhaps relating to a lack of maintenance which could reduce the lifespan of your boiler.

Why is my Boiler Leaking from the Bottom?

Sometimes, you may notice a small puddle of water beneath the boiler system itself. In this case, water is likely dripping from the relief valve or pipe on your boiler, which requires the help of a qualified engineer.

An engineer is required in this situation for two main reasons:

1. The relief valve is often located within the case of your boiler, and it is always highly recommended that only a Gas Safe registered engineer should remove your boiler case.
2. The cause of this leak could be as a result of many different things, and only a qualified engineer would be able to identify, and hopefully fix, this cause.

Just like with any other leak in the pipework, this could be a sign of larger issues and it is always safer to fix it quickly with the help of an engineer.

Why Does my Boiler Make a Loud Noise?

If your boiler is making loud noises, like a random banging sound or rhythmic vibration, then this could be a sign of an underlying issue in the system. This could be air in the system, a faulty pump, limescale build up, loose pipes, or poor installation, and it shouldn’t be a major cause for concern.

In this instance, there are a few steps you can take at home before needing the help of a registered Gas Safe engineer. For example, you may need to bleed your radiators to remove excess air from the system and you can try tightening any loose fittings on the pipes that outside the main unit.

However, if neither of these fix the issue, you will need an engineer to diagnose and fix the problem. This could mean you need a replacement pump, there is an issue with the internal pipework of your boiler, or you need to powerflush your central heating system.

Regular Servicing and Maintenance Prolongs Boiler Lifespan

The regular servicing of a boiler can help improve operational efficiency and lifespan, reducing the likelihood of a full breakdown. This guarantees that your boiler is always working as intended and that any issues are caught before they become major concerns.

This also helps save you money as it means your boiler will be operating at a higher efficiency for longer, preventing you from purchasing a new boiler too early and in buying more gas to heat it.

In more serious cases, a boiler that has not been serviced or checked for a long time may be at risk of a carbon monoxide leak, which can lead to death.

This is why we suggest that your boiler is seen by a registered engineer at least once a year.

Get in Touch for all Your Boiler Needs

We are on hand for all your boiler and heating requirements across the West Midlands. Whether you need a gas boiler service, boiler care plan, or even a brand-new boiler installation, we are here to help.

If the worst happens and you do suffer a breakdown with your boiler, an emergency service can be arranged through our 24-hour boiler repair phoneline. This will schedule an engineer visit at the soonest possible opportunity to ensure you are never left in the cold for long.

Visit our emergency boiler repair page or get in touch today on 0333 366 1121 for more information.