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Boiler Troubleshooting Problems for Hydronic Heating Systems - Troubleshooting boiler problems will depend on what the problem is with the boiler. The scope of this article will cover the basic boiler problems that can occur with a boiler. Advice for troubleshooting the basic problems with the boiler. Many of these problems will require the attention of a professional boiler technician. Boiler technicians are available at either your local plumbing contractor or HVAC contractor.
Boiler systems from one boiler to another are usually unique. Various boilers systems can be very complicated from the boiler itself to the way the near boiler piping and the boiler water loops are arranged. We will break down the boiler problems and boiler troubleshooting into sections from the boiler itself to the loop, additionally, into groups from hot water boilers to steam boilers.
This article for troubleshooting boiler problems is not comprehensive but covers the basics. Other articles here in the boiler category of High Performance HVAC include other issues. Other issues that can occur with boilers. Please check our other items for boiler troubleshooting and information.
Boiler Troubleshooting Problems for Hydronic Heating Systems - Steam Boiler Problems
One of the biggest problems with steam boilers that are the cause of complaints is water hammer in the pipes. Water hammer with a steam boiler occurs when cool water meets hot steam. When water changes to steam, it expands 1600 times in volume. When the cool water hits the hot steam, there is an expansion. The cooler water expands as it becomes steam. The reason for the complaints is because of the loud noise it makes. When you have a water hammer in a steam boiler, it sounds like someone is taking a hammer and beating on the steam pipes.
Some people grow accustomed to “water hammer” and learn to ignore the noise the pipes make. Water hammer can occur because the boiler is oversized for the load. Or the condensation is not draining back to the Hartford loop (return) properly. The solution to fixing the problem is calling a professional. Water hammer needs the attention of a professional who specializes in steam boilers. That can be difficult in some areas as steam boilers are becoming a thing of the past. Steam boiler heating systems are not that efficient and are slowly being replaced.
Slowly the steam boiler is being replaced by hot water boilers and other sources of heating systems, heating systems such as gas furnaces, and heat pumps. If you have a problem with your steam boiler, call plumbing contractors and HVAC contractors. Ask specifically for a technician who is a specialist with troubleshooting steam boiler problems.
Troubleshooting Circulator Pumps | Boiler Troubleshooting Problems
Water circulation problems in a hot water loop can be because of the circulator pump. On older boiler systems that have circulator pumps that have couplings, the most common problem is the couplings breaking. That results in a loss of the hot water circulating through the water loop. The solution is to replace the coupling with a new coupling to restore water flow to the boiler loop.
It is important to make sure that the circulator pump bearing assembling and the pump motor have the proper lubrication. Make sure it is free and moving before replacing the coupling. If the bearing assembly doesn’t move up or difficult to turn, it is likely, if you replace the broken coupling with a new coupling, the new coupling will break also. Many of these types of circulator pumps have a specific way to lubricate the bearing assembly and the pump motor.
Modern Boiler Troubleshooting
Hot Water Heating Repair - Newer boiler systems use cartridge-type circulator pumps that are direct drive. Direct drive with the impeller of the circulator pump. The cartridge-type circulator pumps eliminate the coupling and have fewer moving parts. There are fewer problems with the cartridge-type circulator pumps. Cartridge-type circulator pumps typically do not require any maintenance, including lubrication. However, always check to make sure your particular circulator does not require periodic maintenance including lubrication.
Problems that can occur with any type of circulator pump including cartridge type or the circulator pump with bearing assemblies and couplings can be the motor run capacitor. Some run capacitors for some boiler circulator motors are proprietary and can only be purchased from the boiler circulator pump manufacturer or a manufacturer-distributor. If the circulator motor quits running or runs slower than normal, then the capacitor should be checked for proper rating, which is rated in microfarads. If the capacitor is replaced the microfarad rating should be the same as the one replaced with the proper functioning of the circulator motor.
Air Problems with Hot Water Boiler Loops | Boiler Troubleshooting Problems
Hot Water Heating Repair - Another big problem that can happen with hot water boiler systems is air getting into the water loop and causing a blockage of the water circulating through the boiler water loop. That’s what happens with poor piping designs, poor air-management control component functioning, or improperly flushing the system after a repair is made. With the piping design, the risers on the piping should have a way to bleed the air from the riser with either automatic air bleeders or manual air bleeders.
Additionally, the piping design should including proper valves and boiler drains on the near boiler piping to allow for proper flushing of the boiler loop especially after a repair is made. Proper isolation valves in the near boiler piping supply and return help with flushing the loop of all the air and refilling the loop. If the boiler loop utilizes radiators or convectors, then the radiators and convectors must have air bleeders. Air bleeders to get rid of air in the system. Otherwise, it will slowly build up over time as the boiler uses makeup water.
There are special air management controls that can be added to the system. These controls are added where the makeup water enters the boiler loop. They eliminate excess air in the system before it gets into the main loop. It is important to make sure all the components in the hot water boiler systems, including automatic air vents, function properly. It is necessary the air is removed automatically when it develops in a hot water boiler loop system.
Conclusion | Boiler Troubleshooting Problems
Please see the boiler expansion tank page for specifics about troubleshooting problems with expansion tanks.
Other Problems with Boilers and Troubleshooting:
Oil boilers can have problems with the oil burner system. Gas boilers can have a problem with the gas system. Troubleshooting these specific problems can be found on the furnaces pages. These problems are not in the scope of this article which is specific to troubleshooting boiler problems.
Boiler Troubleshooting Problems for Hydronic Heating Systems
Boiler Troubleshooting Problems
If you have a tankless boiler heating system you will want to watch this video for tips on how to descale your system. This is an important part of boiler maintenance.
I have an older hydronic system and had to recently replace the circulator pump (B&G series100) with a newer B&G NFR33. We bled the loops when the pump was replaced but continue to get a lot of pipe banging whenever the zone valves close. Each zone has a different noise level. I don’t think the noise is caused by air in the lines but rather due to the increase of flow volume with the new pump. I have ball valves installed in each return so I was able to throttle down the flow a bit and it seems to have significantly decreased the banging pipe noise. I am looking for some advice on what could be done to eliminate this annoying problem.
Buy a new series 100 and replace the NFR33. While the pumps are similar they have different characteristics for flow and feet of head. I don’t have the charts in front of me right now but I’m certain they are different from my recollection. The bearing assembly is available here. I’ve rarely seen the motors go bad.
Hi. I have a fairly old gas fired boiler. The house keeps getting too warm, even when the thermostat is set as low as it will go. We replaced the thermostat, still too warm. I then shut off the boiler all together for a while. When I turned it back on it seemed to maintain the temperature of the thermostat for several days, but then the house got much warmer than the thermostat is set for. Do you have any idea what the problem could be? Thank you
Not sure if you have steam or hot water and it could make a difference. With your basic explanation I can only assume. It sounds like you have a relay or zone valve that is getting stuck but I can’t be sure with knowing more information. Best to call a professional to rectify this situation. I would wait until it is doing it before making the call and also make sure you call someone who specializes in boilers and boiler controls. There are many companies that do not as they simply handle air conditioners and heat pumps. Likely a company with plumbing and heating in the name.
This could be your temperature probe. If it’s not working right, it will send a wrong signal to your thermostat.
When called to heat hot water tank. One of the zone gets hot, but the pump doesn’t, but hot water is flowing through it. What could be the problem
check the amps on the pump. If not working it’s likely the pump but could be air. Has a check been done for the zone valves? Are they open?
system will heat water for heating rooms but “on demand” water to faucets, etc. boiler will not kick on
make sure you have water flow to the domestic coil on the boiler. If that is not the problem then you will likely have to call in an HVAC technician to resolve this issue.
all of a sudden my pilot lights up okay but the main gas valve does not open. I have a Utica UBC4 4 zone boiler
You need to have a Gas/HVAC technician look at it. It is possible the valve is bad but it could be something else. A technician can identify the problem right away.