How To Prevent Boiler Breakdown this Winter!

Cold weather has arrived and it’s not going away soon! Give yourself peace of mind that your home or business will remain warm and comfortable by making sure your boiler is in optimal working condition. Boiler preventive maintenance will ensure its reliability and allow you to avoid discomfort and costly repairs. The following are some tips for preventing boiler breakdown.

• Get your boiler serviced annually: Have a qualified technician service your boiler once a year. They will check the inner workings, examine the pipework integrity, undertake any cleaning required and identify minor issues for repair. This inspection will prolong the lifespan of your boiler and save you money.
• Prevent frozen pipes: Reduce the risk of frozen, cracked or burst pipes by investing in pipe insulation (available at hardware stores). It’s inexpensive and easy to install.
• Run your boiler occasionally during warm weather: Turning your boiler off for long periods of time can cause parts to seize leading to expensive repairs. Switch your boiler on a few times during the warm weather (maybe on a rainy day) for fifteen minutes, ensuring it stays in good condition for when you need it most
• Bleed the radiators: If your radiators are making gurgling, bubbling or popping noises or if only one part of a radiator is heating, it’s time to release the trapped air and pressure build-up by bleeding them. This ensures that they are heating efficiently and puts less strain on your boiler.
• Have your system power flushed: A power flush will clear sludge, debris and blockages that affect the efficiency and lifespan of your boiler. It involves using a mixture of high and low pressure to flush a solution through your system. Have a professional technician flush your system every 5 or 6 years.
• Occasionally check the boiler overflow pipe: A boiler system is usually connected to an outside drainage pipe. Water coming out of this overflow pipe can indicate a problem with the pressure release valve and signals the need for professional assistance.
• Periodically inspect the burner: Most boilers have a small opening through which you can see the flame. A blue flame means all is normal. A yellow or orange flame indicates a problem with the burner and may be evidence of ineffective displacement of carbon monoxide. If your flame is not blue, shut down the system and call a repair technician.

No matter when it happens, a boiler breakdown is inconvenient! Boiler preventive maintenance will save you time, money and discomfort.

Need help inspecting, servicing and/or repairing your boiler? Want a boiler installed in your home or business? Call Calgary-based Plumbing Paramedics. Our technicians are friendly, informative and accommodating. Plumbing Paramedics hires only those we would trust in our own homes! Our certified technicians can handle any boiler task or problem!