Why Is My Boiler Not Heating Water in Castle Rock, CO?

You turn on the shower and expect to step into warm, steamy water, only to be greeted by a frigid spray instead. Shivering, you quickly hop out and wonder, “Why is my boiler not heating water?”

Below, learn the top reasons why your boiler won’t do its job. You may also call us for heating services in Castle Rock, CO.

Why Is My Boiler Not Heating Water in My Castle Rock Home? The Six Top Reasons

There are quite a few reasons why your boiler may not be heating water. Some are easy fixes, while others need the help of a plumber.

There’s a Pilot Light Issue

Why is my boiler not heating water? Is it a gas boiler? Gas boilers have a pilot light that’s responsible for starting the system, and if something’s wrong with the pilot light, you’ll get cold water. 

The same thing can happen if you have an electric boiler, which features an ignition instead of a pilot light. Check the pilot light and determine whether it’s on or off. If it’s off, relight it. 

If the pilot light turns off again shortly afterward, you’ll need a plumber to look at the unit. You’ll also need an expert’s help if the pilot light is yellow instead of blue (this could mean that there’s gas leaking from the unit).

You’re Having a Thermostat Malfunction

Like your home’s air conditioning system, the boiler relies on the thermostat to tell it when to heat water. If the thermostat isn’t providing accurate readings, you’ll end up with water that’s either too cold or too hot. The water temperature may also fluctuate randomly.

To fix the issue, try adjusting the thermostat. Change its batteries, too. If that doesn’t work, call a plumber to calibrate the device.

Your Circulator Pump Is Failing

Why is my boiler not heating water? Its circulator pump may be failing. 

Your boiler’s circulator pump is responsible for pushing hot water through the pipes of your Castle Rock home. Without a working circulator pump, you’d have to run the water for a long time to heat it up.

Over time, valves and other components in the circulator pump can wear down. The pump may begin to leak, or you might hear odd noises coming from the boiler. You’ll need to hire a plumber if you suspect circulator pump failure.

Water Pressure Problems

A boiler relies on a pressure-regulating valve to know when to fill the tank. If the valve stops working, there won’t be enough water for the boiler to circulate heat throughout your home.

Not all boilers have a pressure-regulating valve. If yours doesn’t, you may be able to fix the issue by opening the water feed valve until the pressure reaches 12 to 15 psi. Be sure to only fill the tank up to the maximum water level line, as overfilling causes issues, too.

An Airlock in Pipes

An airlock is common if you’re asking, “Why is my boiler not heating water?” These boiler airlocks happen when the system traps air, preventing water from flowing smoothly through it. Poor water pressure or sediment buildup in the tank is often to blame.

The main symptom of an airlock is a lack of hot water. You might hear bubbling or gurgling sounds, too. Airlocks can also cause boilers to leak water from the tank.

To fix the problem, a plumber will either bleed the radiators to allow air to escape or run water through the unit to force out the air. If you frequently have airlocks, a plumber might suggest installing a magnetic filter or using a scale inhibitor to reduce limescale buildup.

You Have a Faulty Heat Exchanger

Your boiler’s heat exchanger is responsible for converting gas or electricity into heat. Cracks are one of the most common problems affecting heat exchangers and can cause the part to leak. Sludge can also build up in the heat exchanger if you forgo regular boiler maintenance.

The heat exchanger is one of the most expensive parts to repair in a boiler. If your unit is very old, you might consider replacing it with a new model instead.