How to Repair a Hot Water Boiler
Hot water boilers heat the water in your home. They are typically located in insulated jackets close to your restrooms and allow you to take hot showers and wash your clothes. If there is a problem with your hot water boiler there are a few simple checks you can undertake to avoid calling a technician. The repair techniques vary between boilers, so consult your instruction manual if you are unsure how to proceed. Does this Spark an idea?
Instructions
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Find your circuit breaker. Typically, this is located in a plastic box, high up in a dry location. Check the switches. If one of them is out of line it is likely the circuit breaker has been tripped. Simply flick the switch the other way to correct the problem. If all the switches are aligned, check the fuse. If this has blown, unscrew and remove the old one and replace it. Make sure the replacement fuse allows for the same power voltage.
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Examine the hot water boiler mechanisms. Check that the thermostat is set to "heat" and the temperature dial point to 30 degrees Celsius or more. Look at the needle on the hot water gauge. If it points below 12 psi, add water to your boiler. Watch the needle until it rises above 12 psi. Locate your boiler's pilot point. If you do not see a flame, relight the pilot using a long match or piece of rolled up newspaper.
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Call a professional technician if you cannot solve the problem yourself. Technicians typically come out less than three days after your call and sometimes in a matter of hours. Explain what you have already done to try and fix the problem.
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Tips & Warnings
Some boilers have electric ignition systems. Read the instruction manual for details.
Ask a friend to help you troubleshoot the problem if you do not feel confident.
Flush out your hot water system once every three years to avoid a build-up of deposits.
References
Resources
- Photo Credit Shower image by Semfamily from Fotolia.com
