A good number of homeowners in Glastonbury, Connecticut, rely on a boiler to keep their homes warm during the coldest months of the year here. Some depend on those same units to be a reliable source of hot water for the home, so boiler problems can become incredibly frustrating.
As Glastonbury’s best boiler repair company, SM Mechanical Services LLC regularly receives calls from locals who are facing one boiler problem or another. One question we hear often is, “Why is my boiler leaking water from the relief valve?” We’ll cover the possible causes of this leak below, as well as a few other scenarios.
What Is the Pressure Relief Valve in My Boiler?
The pressure relief valve is a safety component that prevents your boiler from blowing up due to excessive pressure or high temperatures. It’s an essential piece of a safe boiler system, so the water coming out of the relief valve is concerning.
Apart from the possible risk of water damage around the boiler, you want to make sure the entire unit is not compromised. But why is your pressure relief valve leaking water in the first place? Let’s take a look.
Common Reasons Your Boiler Relief Valve Leaks Water in Glastonbury, Connecticut
What are the top factors that cause your boiler’s pressure relief valve to leak water? Consider the following:
Excessive Pressure Buildup
Manufacturers design boiler systems to only handle a certain pressure level – hence, the pressure gauge. When pressure builds up to untenable levels within your boiler, the relief valve will open automatically to safely release this excess water and steam. If not, the boiler would likely explode.
If you’ve just stumbled upon the relief valve leaking water, examine the pressure gauge to ensure it’s within the limits. If it’s in the red, wait for the automatic release and see if the water leak stops. Sometimes, you can hasten this relief process by intervening manually, but this depends on the system’s design.
If the pressure gauge doesn’t indicate excessive pressure, the leak problem needs further investigation by a professional.
High Water Pressure
Why is my boiler leaking water from the relief valve? You may find yourself asking this if your home’s main water supply’s water pressure is excessive. Water pressure that’s too high can put undue strain on the boiler, causing the relief valve to leak.
The question is, “Why is the water pressure coming from your supply mains too high?” One solution would be installing a pressure regulator. The addition could help you avoid damage to your boiler and other plumbing fixtures over time.
Corrosion
Any metal surface in contact with water and air will corrode after some time because the water and oxygen react to cause rust, an iron oxide. Unfortunately, the relief valve in most boiler systems is not immune to corrosion. A corroded valve will fail to close, leading to a problematic leak.
Have you noticed a leak? Look at the relief valve and see if you can spot some corrosion. You’ll have to talk to a technician about the replacement as repairs are impractical.
Damaged or Faulty Seals
The pressure relief valve in a boiler has seals around it to keep it watertight. While these are simple pieces, they do wear out and need replacement. Ailing seals allow water to seep out from the relief valve, even when it is closed.
Leaks due to faulty seals are most common in older, well-used boilers. Thankfully, it’s an easy and affordable fix to replace worn-out seals and keep your boiler working smoothly.
Expansion Tank Problems
“Why is my boiler leaking water from the relief valve?” It might be an expansion tank issue.
Boiler systems feature an expansion tank to help absorb extra pressure while the unit is working. If the expansion tank is damaged or overfilled (say, as sediment accumulates at the bottom), it will struggle to manage pressure changes. The excess pressure will force the pressure relief valve to open, leading to leakage.
Your technician will check the connection to the expansion tank and the tank itself to ensure the right balance of water and air.
Sediment Buildup
Sediment buildup is a common cause of boiler problems that’s more pronounced in areas with hard water. Some homeowners in Glastonbury, Connecticut, are dependent on private wells, which can mean having hard water going to the boiler tank. Extreme sediment buildup alters the boiler’s heating efficiency and causes uneven water pressure, neither of which is good for the system.
The extra pressure can cause your relief valve to release water frequently. If you suspect sediment buildup as the reason for the leaky relief valve, scheduling a boiler cleaning is the simplest solution.
What Can You Do To Prevent Your Relief Valve From Leaking Water?
There’s only one answer here – regular maintenance.
Homeowners in Glastonbury, Connecticut, who do not miss their annual boiler maintenance can catch issues early, including sediment buildup, faulty seals, and corrosion. Maintenance professionals will also inspect your boiler’s water pressure, expansion tank, and seals to ensure they’re intact.
From your side, keep an eye on the pressure gauge to see when your boiler is struggling to maintain a balance. Spotting the problem early and calling in a technician can help preserve your boiler system and protect your property. Otherwise, that seemingly minor leak can open you up to a world of trouble.
Get Premium Quality Service From Your Local Pros in Glastonbury, Connecticut
Are you still wondering, “Why is my boiler leaking water from the relief valve?” Are you looking for a team you can count on to fix your boiler’s leaky relief valve? SM Mechanical Services LLC’s experienced crew can get to the bottom of your boiler problems in no time.
We’ll thoroughly evaluate your boiler and tell you the exact reason your relief valve is leaking. We’ll also complete any other necessary repairs to ensure you have the perfect boiler temperature in winter. Book an appointment – call the SM Mechanical Services LLC team in Glastonbury, Connecticut, now!