Boiler Repair

Ensuring the burners and heat exchangers are in good working order is essential for the safe and efficient operation of your boilers. Over time, products of combustion can build up, obstructing burner ports, the exchanger, and venting. Something else to keep in mind is the quality of the water/glycol in your heating system. If left unchecked, the water may become acidic or turn into sludge which can lead to catastrophic circumstances for your entire heating system.

A certified technician should perform routine boiler maintenance once a year. It can be easy to forget about routine maintenance, but missing your regular inspections can lead to problems. 180 Plumbing & Heating has a solution to help you maintain your appliances with no extra effort on your part. Learn more about our Annual Care Plan.

In Calgary, the optimal time for homeowners and business owners to get their boilers inspected and repaired is before, or at the beginning of the heating season. In Alberta, this is typically from August to October, before the weather turns cold. If you wait until a breakdown to get your boiler serviced, you risk having heating problems at the coldest time of the year.

There are many signs that indicate your boiler may require servicing. It’s a good idea to check on your appliances as part of a regular routine and monitor for any of these issues that are indicators that it’s time to schedule a repair:

1. Cold home or business: If your home or business takes a long time to heat up, or stops warming up entirely, it’s time for an inspection right away to get the boiler back in operation.
2. Leaks: Any water or other chemicals leaking from your boiler is a sure sign that the appliance needs to be tuned up. Improper installations or excessive wear can cause leaks over time, a thorough inspection to determine the cause is recommended. 
3. Loud Noises: Boilers typically operate relatively quietly. Frequent banging or whirring noises can be a sign that a pump or fan needs to be replaced. Whistling or gurgling noises could indicate that the water pressure is too low, or it might be a sign of kettling. This is when particles become trapped in the boiler and can lead to malfunctions.
4. Unusual smells: A faint unpleasant scent is a common indicator of a carbon monoxide leak. A carbon monoxide leak compromises your boiler and poses a serious health risk. Anyone inside the building should be evacuated if your boiler is emitting carbon monoxide.
5. Higher heating bills: Your heating costs may creep up over time with an inefficient boiler. Scheduling a visit with the 180 Plumbing & Heating team is a good place to start. If your boiler is older than 15 years, replacing it with a newer, more energy-efficient boiler will help you reduce your heating expenses.

The price will range on the complexity of your heating system, and the severity of the repairs. Typically it costs less to maintain a boiler with annual inspections and tune-ups than it will cost to repair your boiler after it has broken down. Contact us for a quote today, and we’ll give you an estimate of the cost to repair your boiler.

Many do-it-yourself guides exist online for inspecting and repairing boilers, but it is unwise to attempt any repairs without the expertise of a certified plumber and gasfitter. It’s possible that you could misdiagnose the problems, damage your appliance, cause dangerous leaks, injure yourself or others, and possibly generate a larger issue than what had originally gone wrong.

There are many plumbing and heating companies available in the Calgary area, so it can be an overwhelming decision. Firstly, look for a company that has certified technicians and has demonstrated expertise working in your local area. Secondly, hire a technician that is willing to educate you about your heating appliances and help you understand all the options you have available to you. 180 Plumbing & Heating are your trusted experts in the Calgary area for all your boiler repair needs. We look forward to helping you quickly resolve your boiler issues, give us a call today.