A hot shower or soak is a great way to warm up from the chill of Winchester winters, but when the water comes out cold, your bath time becomes a chore, not an indulgence. At 128 Plumbing, we can quickly diagnose the problem and get your pipes running hot again.
With winter weather already rolling into Winchester, the last thing you want to deal with is a failing boiler and an emergency install. Not only does the lack of hot water make showers an endurance test, but it can also lead to frozen pipes and a failed heating system. Here are some signs to watch for, so you can schedule boiler service or a new installation to replace your Winchester boiler before it starts to malfunction.
1. An Aging Boiler
If your boiler is legal to drive, it has already outlived the average lifespan of a gas unit. Most boilers start to lose efficiency at around 10 years and can break down entirely with little to no warning. The average lifespan of a Winchester boiler installation is around 15 years. Some units may last 20 years or more, but it might be more cost-effective to swap them out earlier. Scheduling a boiler installation can save you from hassles like sudden leaks and pumping out gallons of water from your home.
2. Slow Warming Radiators
Many Winchester homes have radiant heat. When sludge or sediment builds up in your Winchester radiator pipes, it can make it harder for the radiators to get warm, even when the boiler is working properly.
Tepid radiators can also be a sign that there’s something wrong with your Winchester installation or existing boiler. Our 128 Plumbing technicians can diagnose the source of the problem and make recommendations about whether to install a new boiler or fix the existing system in your Winchester home.
3. Odd Odors
A Winchester boiler in good condition should never emit any odors. An unusual smell coming from your boiler means there’s a problem, and you should contact us at 128 Plumbing immediately. Odors can indicate a carbon monoxide buildup. While carbon monoxide is normally odorless, a leak due to improper burner function can produce a faint odor along with toxic levels of the lethal gas, forcing you to evacuate your Winchester property.
Other signs that you may have a problem with carbon monoxide in your Winchester home include:
- The boiler flame is yellow, not blue
- Soot staining around the base of the unit
- The pilot light won’t stay lit
- More condensation on the windows than usual
4. Visual Leaks
Any water leaking from your Winchester boiler is a bad sign. Water puddles around your boiler can mean that internal parts are breaking down and lead to rust or corrosion — not to mention the damage to your Winchester home from the leaking water. Water can affect the current installation and mean you need a new boiler.
5. Hot or Cold Spots in Your Winchester House
If you notice some rooms get too warm while others stay cold, it can indicate a problem with your Winchester boiler installation and its controls. Sometimes, these issues can be repaired, but in other Winchester homes, it may require a new boiler installation.
6. Increasing Repair Bills
You should always have a boiler serviced annually in Winchester, but a new boiler installation may be a better choice if maintenance issues start cropping up more often. As boilers age, they tend to need more frequent repairs, upping the cost of operating your home in Winchester.
7. Banging and Gurgling Noises
If you start hearing knocking noises or it sounds like your boiler is trying to gargle, it may indicate a problem with a recent installation or a major malfunction in an older unit. Kettling due the buildup of limescale and sludge in your pipes is often accompanied by odd noises. Describing the sounds you hear in your Winchester home to a 128 Plumbing technician can give you an idea of what the problem may be.
8. Frequent Shutoffs
If you hear the boiler start to run and then shut off in your Winchester home, that could indicate a serious problem. Boiler installations that start and stop may have an issue maintaining pressure or a problem with the pump.
9. Rising Utility Bills
Newer units tend to be more energy-efficient, while older boilers tend to lose effectiveness over time. If you see your gas bill creeping up, it may be time to replace your boiler and schedule a new installation. Boilers come in a variety of efficiency ratings, and if your boiler isn’t “A” rated, you may want to get a new boiler for your Winchester property.
10. No Heat or Hot Water
When you turn the thermostat down repeatedly, and your Winchester house never heats up, it might be time to schedule a new installation. Boilers do have limited lifespans. Older boilers often need replacement, and even newer boilers may need to be replaced if they haven’t been well maintained.
Make sure your Winchester boiler installation is in good working order this year so you can stay warm throughout the winter. The professionals at 128 Plumbing can help diagnose and repair a boiler or schedule an installation for a new system in Winchester. Give us a call at 781-670-3261 for a free consultation, advice about boiler installation, or request an appointment online.
