Frequently Asked Questions About Boiler Repair
What are common signs of a boiler in need of repair?
Common signs include radiators or baseboards that stay cold, banging, gurgling or kettling noises, water pooling around the boiler, and a pressure gauge outside its normal range. A pilot or burner that will not stay lit, a relief valve that keeps opening, or rising fuel bills also mean it is time to schedule boiler repair.
Why is my boiler making hot water but not heating my home?
If your faucets get hot water but the radiators stay cold, the heating loop is the problem, not the burner. Typical causes are air trapped in the radiators, a failed circulator pump, a stuck zone valve, low system pressure, or a thermostat fault. If bleeding the radiators does not help, call Santos Mechanical.
What pressure should my boiler be?
Most residential hot-water boilers run about 12 to 15 psi when cold and up to roughly 20 to 25 psi when hot. Steam boilers run far lower, usually under 2 psi. Pressure that keeps climbing toward the 30 psi relief valve setting, or keeps dropping, points to an expansion tank, fill valve or leak problem.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Have your boiler serviced once a year, ideally before heating season starts. Oil-fired boilers build up soot faster and benefit most from an annual cleaning. Regular service keeps efficiency up, catches small leaks and worn parts early, and checks the safety controls that protect your home from carbon monoxide.
What's included in an annual boiler service?
A Santos Mechanical boiler service starts with an inspection of every major component. We clean essential parts such as the burners and heat exchanger, make adjustments to optimize performance, and test the system to verify safe, efficient operation. We also check for problems like gas leaks or carbon monoxide production before the heating season.
