Why is my boiler leaking water?

Diagnosing Boiler Leaks

⚠️ Water and electricity don't mix. If water is dripping onto electrical components, turn off the boiler at the isolation switch immediately.

Common Leak Locations

1. Pressure Relief Valve (PRV)

A copper pipe that exits outside - if water is coming from this:

• Pressure may be too high (check gauge - should be under 3 bar)
• Expansion vessel may have failed
• The PRV itself may be faulty

This is the most common source of boiler leaks

2. Internal Pipes and Fittings

• Corrosion of copper pipes inside the boiler
• Loose connections from vibration over time
• Damaged washers or O-rings

3. Pump Seals

• Water around the pump indicates worn seals
• Pump may need replacing (common on 10+ year old boilers)

4. Heat Exchanger

• Internal corrosion can cause cracks
• Expensive to replace - sometimes not economical on older boilers
• Limescale damage is common in hard water areas like Wolverhampton

Immediate Actions

1. Turn off boiler at the isolation switch or fused spur
2. Place container under the leak to catch water
3. Check pressure - if very high (over 3 bar), you can carefully release via a radiator bleed valve
4. Don't attempt repairs - internal boiler work requires Gas Safe qualification
5. Call an engineer

What to Tell the Engineer

• Where exactly the water is coming from
• How fast the leak is
• When you first noticed it
• Whether pressure is normal or high
• Boiler make, model, and approximate age

Repair vs Replace

Consider replacement if:

• Boiler is over 15 years old
• Heat exchanger is damaged
• Multiple components failing
• Repairs cost more than 50% of new boiler

NK Gas Services offers same-day emergency repairs for boiler leaks. Call 07404 922458.