Understanding how the basic boiler unit works ensures you are capable of spotting certain issues when they arise, and one of the most common boiler issues is losing pressure. In order for the boiler to continuously feed steam or water through the distribution lines, there must be a certain level of pressure inside of the main tank. If the pressure drops too low, it is impossible for the unit to function as it should.
If you have been noticing that the pressure levels are not right according to the pressure level indicators, it is definitely a sign of a problem. Check out this short list of potential reasons why your boiler system may not be holding pressure.
You have a leak in the main tank of the boiler system.
The boiler system's primary tank where water is held and heated or turned to steam should hold a consistent pressure, but if there are small leaks in this tank, it can prevent the boiler unit from reaching and maintaining the proper pressure. Make sure you look for signs of pinhole leaks around older boiler systems, which can easily contribute to or cause the problem. Small leaks like this allow out pressure a little at a time, so it is definitely possible for these leaks to cause the boiler to lose pressure.
Your pressure release valves are leaking.
All boilers have pressure-release valves as an integrated safety precaution. If the pressure inside of the boiler gets too high, the pressure-release valves will automatically open up to allow out a little steam so the unit does not combust from the inside out from the build-up of pressure. It is not uncommon for older pressure-release valves to open when they really should not, but this is a problem that is fairly easy to diagnose, as you will see some small amounts of pressurized steam leaking when the pressure inside of the boiler unit is fine.
You do not have a sufficient heat level inside of the boiler.
In order for the boiler unit to reach the proper pressure level inside, it must reach a certain temperature because the pressure inside is caused by vaporized water that has changed to steam. If the boiler is not heating up, it will definitely mean you will see problems with reaching the proper pressure. In most cases, low pressure caused by lacking heat will have a more serious root cause, such as a failing heating element or poor fuel delivery to the pilot light.
To learn more about boiler maintenance, contact boiler installation services.
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