Boiler Leaking Water? Causes, Checklist & What To Do

Water leaking from your boiler can be a sign of a bigger problem or an indication of excessively high boiler pressure. Nevertheless, you need to take action if you notice your boiler leaking water.

When a boiler leaks water, it is often an easy fix and not necessarily an indication that you need to find a new boiler. What you should never do if your boiler is leaking is try to fix it yourself. Always call a certified engineer. They will make sure that the actual problem is fixed and not just offer a temporary solution.

If the water leaking from your boiler is so severe that you need a new boiler, we can help you out. The only thing for you to do is answer a few questions, and then we will put you in contact with up to 3 local installers who can provide you with the right new boiler.

By using our service, you can avoid the hassle and the hours of searching for qualified installers on your own; we do all the hard work for you.

If your boiler is leaking water, this can be caused by several different issues. To figure out the root cause you should identify the specific place where the water is leaking from.

The following are the most common places where water leaks from in a boiler:

Corroded boiler components: Over time, pipes and components inside the boiler can start to corrode. This can lead to small holes, resulting in a leak. This can usually be rectified by replacing the affected part. However, if multiple areas are corroded, you will likely need a boiler replacement.

Incorrect installation: If your boiler is new and leaking water, it is probably because it has been installed incorrectly. If this is the case, the installer should be able to solve the problem. Always use a boiler company with Gas Safe Registered engineers (for gas boilers), or OFTEC certified (for oil boilers) to avoid incorrect installation.

High boiler pressure: High boiler pressure can cause the pressure relief valve to leak water as it releases excess pressure. The gauge will let you know whether the boiler pressure is too high. If the needle point is higher than 2, the pressure is too high (it should be between 1 and 2). To release some of the pressure, you can try bleeding your radiators. If this does not work, refer to the boiler manufacturer guide.

Loose or worn-out joints: Like corrosion, parts in your boiler will experience some wear and tear over time. Joints and pipes can be loosened due to the repeated expansion and contracting of water when heating and cooling. If this is the cause of the leak, tightening the joints or pipe connections should solve the problem.

Damaged heat exchanger: In lower-quality boiler models, the heat exchanger can crack, fail or become damaged. These damages can cause the boiler to leak. If this is the root cause, the repair bill will be quite hefty. We advise you to choose quality boilers to avoid this kind of leak.

If your system boiler leaks water, it can cause dangerous issues. Water leaks are an indication of a system malfunction, and you should address this immediately.

There are potential risks to running a boiler which is leaking water, including electrical damage, further damage to the boiler and damage to your home. If you notice that your boiler is leaking water, contact a qualified professional immediately.

If your boiler is leaking water, what you need to do to stop it will depend on the root cause.

If corroded components cause your leak, the solution will depend on the severity of the corrosion. If multiple parts of your boiler are corroded, you most likely need a new boiler. If just a single component has corroded, replacing that part will usually stop the leak.

If your leak is caused by the boiler pressure being too high, you can adjust this yourself. Firstly, try bleeding your radiators. This will release some of the pressure. If this does not fix the leak, follow the instructions in the manufacturer’s guide or consult a qualified engineer.

A faulty heat exchanger is usually the cause of water leaking in lower-quality boilers. Replacing this part is expensive. To avoid this, you should invest in a quality boiler like the ones featured in our list of the best boilers in the UK.

No matter the issue, you should never repair the boiler yourself. Doing so risks inadequate repair, causing even more problems and safety concerns. In addition, you may void your warranty terms if you don’t use a qualified installer.

If your boiler issue is too severe, it might be cheaper to install a new one rather than make repairs. We can provide you with up to 3 quotes from certified installers who can give you a good deal on a new boiler.

Use our service and avoid spending hours finding your new boiler when we can do it in a fraction of the time.

You should never try to repair your boiler, this should only be done by qualified engineers. There are, however, a few things you can do to stop your leaking boiler.

If you can’t find the cause of the leak, and you’ve already turned off the boiler, the best thing to do is turn off your water supply. By turning off the water supply, you ensure that the boiler does not have access to water, which will slow down and eventually stop the leak.

When you have turned off the water, call a local heating engineer, who can help you identify the cause and recommend a fix or potentially a new boiler.

If your old boiler was of lower quality, it might be worth looking into a better option, to ensure that your new one will have fewer issues.

We recommend that you look among the best combi boilers on the market, if that is the type of boiler you already have.

If your boiler is more than 15 years old, it might be time to find a new one, whether there’s been a leak or not. After 15 years, the efficiency and reliability of the boiler typically decline. An inefficient and unreliable boiler can result in:

If you experience this with your current boiler, you should consider an upgrade.

Even though a leaking boiler will not necessarily result in the need for a new one, if the repair costs exceed the new boiler cost, a replacement is often the better option.

Replacing a boiler can be costly and not always something that you are prepared for. We can help you make the process of getting a new boiler smooth and easy.

After you answer a few short questions, we will provide you with up to 3 quotes from local heating engineers who can replace your boiler quickly and easily.

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