Posted by: Team GSC
Updated: Jul 01, 2022
A gas Boiler is a must-have item, whether for a home, a commercial, or an industrial entity. Boilers are required to work continuously without any breaks, especially in extreme winters. Regular maintenance and inspection are key factors for such equipment's continuous and flawless functioning.
Any gas-operated equipment carries a potential risk. Likewise, the appliances that deal with water are also prone to risks. The third factor that makes boilers vulnerable is the heat. Gas may cause fire and explosions.
Water can result in rusting and erosion, while hot water is even more risky. Collectively, all these factors make a gas boiler prone to risks. However, it is not as risky as it seems if you ensure timely and regular boiler inspection and instantly remove the faults. Read this article if you are looking for a workable guide to boiler inspection.
The main purpose of a gas boiler is to keep the building warm and simultaneously provide hot
water for use in the kitchens and washrooms. Once the winter starts, a boiler needs to operate
24/7. So, it has to be super-fit, for which a high standard of maintenance is essential, which is
only possible with regular boiler inspection.
Using gas for various purposes in a home is usually a safe activity. But it carries some potential
risks, as well:
Before we move on, it is important to understand the working and types of boilers.
A boiler is an equipment that produces hot water. This is the primary function of a boiler. A gas
boiler uses Gas to produce hot water. However, the production of hot water is not the only
function of a boiler. Pumping this hot water to different parts of the building is the next step, for
which the boiler is connected to a network of piping and radiators that runs throughout the
building.
The hot water is utilized in the building for two purposes. Firstly, it is used in the central heating
system of the building to maintain a cozy environment during winter. In some parts of the
world, heating may also be required during spring. The hot water produced by the boiler is also
used to supply warm water in kitchens and washrooms.
The primary function of a boiler is to heat the water. This is done by burning the gas. Hence, the
boiler needs to be connected to a continuous supply of gas. It may be through an LPC cylinder
or a direct natural gas supply. Interestingly, gas boilers also need electricity. Gas is used to heat
the water whereas electricity is required for various parts of the boiler system.
Water is heated in the main body of the boiler. This heated water is pumped through the
pipelines and radiators to reach all parts of the building. These radiators and pipelines are
connected to the main heating part of the boiler. This is a continuous process.
The hot water produced by the boiler runs through the entire pipeline and returns to the main body of the boiler. The water runs through the entire building cyclically. The same water is used repeatedly, facilitating consistent hot water production.
The main function of a gas boiler is to produce hot water by using gas combustion. This can be achieved by exposing water to the heat produced by burning gas. There may be different methods of doing so. The types of gas boilers are based on how they heat the water.
There are two main types of gas boilers for producing hot water:
The boilers are also classified on various other parameters, such as the number of tubes. These are:
Another classification of boilers is based on the furnace position:
It is important to monitor the performance of your gas boiler closely. It is even more crucial during the peak working days of a boiler, like extreme winters. That s important to identify when and where your boiler needs inspection.
But the question is how you would know your boiler is in trouble. Here are some important signs which indicate that the boiler needs immediate attention
Once started, the gas boiler is supposed to keep running without any break unless you shut it
down yourself. But if it suddenly shuts down without any apparent reason, it indicates that the
boiler needs inspection and servicing.
There may be several reasons for this unexpected breakdown, such as choked air filters,
thermostat disorder, loose or broken electric wire connections, and fuel supply disconnection. A
complete inspection of the boiler can identify what the actual problem is.
Often, you may face a situation where the boiler keeps on running, but the production of hot
water doesn't remain consistent or even stops producing hot water. There's no secret in it; the
boiler needs your attention.
It may result from excessive scale depositing that badly impacts hot water production.
Immediate descaling is the solution but before that, the engineers would like to find the root
cause of this unexpected level of scale deposit. It may be due to the inferior quality of water but
the actual culprit might be some internal water leakage in the boiler.
You must be familiar with the sounds and noise produced by the boiler. It is a usual matter; all
such equipment produces a certain level of noise. So, you need not worry about it. But when
the sounds and noise produced by the boiler become louder than normal or when some
unusual noise is heard, this is a sign of some serious issue with the boiler.
It indicates that the boiler tank has reached a higher level of sedimentation. It may also be a
sign of faulty motors and pumps. Another unexpected loud sound may occur when burners are
ignited. This indicates leakage of gas somewhere, which may result in fire.
There may be several reasons behind the increased energy consumption by the boiler, which may reflect an unexpected increase in energy bills. It might be the result of gas leakage. It may also be due to leakage of hot water. It may be anything gone wrong. Increased energy consumption is, therefore, an alarming sign. You need to get the boiler immediately examined by a professional engineer.
It is one of the main signs of disorders in a boiler. Water leakage can happen either on the
external parts of the boiler or in the internal parts. While leakage of water in external parts is
visible, it remains hidden if it happens inside the boiler. Both can badly damage the boiler. It
may cause rust. It can affect the heating capacity of the boiler.
It also results in an unnecessary increase in fuel consumption. Rust can also damage the
working of safety valves. An immediate complete examination of the boiler can find the real
cause, which should be immediately fixed; otherwise, it may result in an accident.
At times, you may notice a considerable decrease in water pressure. It can be noticed in malfunctioning radiators, affecting their heating capacity. There may be some blockage in the boiler due to scale deposits or sedimentation in the boiler tank. Apart from reduced water pressure, it may also result in an accident if not taken care of promptly.
Sometimes, a boiler starts generating an unusual smell. It may be like a metallic smell or like
rotten eggs or sulfur. Normally, the pungent smell might be due to the development of bacteria
that accumulate on metallic parts of a boiler.
The most dangerous odor that needs immediate attention is the leaking fuel, which may be gas
or oil. If left unattended, it may cause an explosion or fire. In short, any abnormal odor
generated from the boiler may immediately be inspected and fixed before it creates a major
breakdown or an accident.
Carbon monoxide, also referred to as a silent killer, is quite a dangerous and harmful gas. Every
device, appliance, or equipment that works with the burning of gas is potentially prone to the
generation of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide is generated due to incomplete burning of
gas. It is an odorless and colorless gas; hence, it cannot be detected without a proper sensor.
It causes dizziness, headache, and nervous breakdown. It can even result in death if it crosses a
certain level. That's why we often see a carbon monoxide detector installed with the boilers. If
the sensor starts buzzing or gives an indication light, it means the boiler is generating CO
beyond the tolerable limits. It is a very alarming sign that the boiler needs servicing and
maintenance.
These are a few common signs that indicate your boiler is not functioning properly and that something must be wrong. Immediate action is therefore required to get things right before they result in a major breakdown or an unfortunate incident.
Now that you know how to identify whether your boiler needs an inspection. Apart from these indicative signs, a boiler also needs a regular
periodic examination at least once a year. The important thing now is how to prepare for a boiler inspection.
Now that you know how to identify whether your boiler needs an inspection. Apart from these indicative signs, a boiler also needs a regular
periodic examination at least once a year. The important thing now is how to prepare for a boiler inspection.
Annual inspection of all gas appliances, including the gas boiler, is a legal requirement. Only a gas safety engineer, listed on the official website of a gas safe register, is authorized to inspect a gas boiler. So, you need to find a registered and licensed gas engineer for boiler inspection, whether an urgent or periodical annual inspection.
The first step for preparing a boiler for inspection is shutting it down. You need to know the proper procedure to shut down the boiler safely. Here are some important points to follow for the correct boiler shutdown.
All these steps must be performed in the correct sequence. Otherwise, the boiler may develop some serious faults. Most importantly, don't touch or change any control settings you are unfamiliar with. Let the engineer do it. He can handle these things, so you need not do it yourself.
Boiler inspection is an important event. The future performance and safety of a boiler depend
on it. Hence, it is important that you are aware of the process of boiler inspection. Although a
professional engineer will do it, you must be aware of at least the basics of this process.
Let s explore what is the process of a boiler inspection:
The first step in a boiler inspection is to examine its parts, which are mostly external and can be accessed visually. It may include the following:
Following are the steps involved in it
Control and safety devices are attached to the boilers to ensure flawless and safe operation. They are meant to control the performance of the boilers. Inspection of these devices is a crucial step in boiler inspection. Test the performance of these devices. The most important function of safety devices is to shut down the boiler in case of any defect. If these devices are not working properly, the required action may not be initiated, resulting in major damage or accidents.
Conduct a thorough examination of the external and internal components of the boiler for any leaks or apparent damage. Water leakage causes rust and erosions, whereas gas leakage may cause an explosion or fire. Check all the vital components, especially the internal parts for their firmness. There should be no erosion or cracks on any of them. Also, check that they should be in optimum working condition.
Despite all precautionary measures, a boiler can break down at any time. However, the frequency of breakdowns can be reduced with regular
inspection and maintenance. Many common problems are detected during the periodic inspection of most boilers.
Here are some of these common issues with boilers:
Control and safety devices are attached to the boilers to ensure flawless and safe operation. They are meant to control the performance of the boilers. Inspection of these devices is a crucial step in boiler inspection. Test the performance of these devices. The most important function of safety devices is to shut down the boiler in case of any defect. If these devices are not working properly, the required action may not be initiated, resulting in major damage or accidents
Every boiler produce some noise and specific sounds associated with the heating process. That's normal and doesn't require any action to be taken. But sometimes, you will notice abnormal sounds. Noise may also be increased due to some faults in the boilers. One of the possible causes is the increased level of scale deposit in the heat exchange compartment of the boiler. This results in overheating and the production of excessive steam, which causes abnormal noise.
Boiler pressure plays a key role in the consistent flow of hot water throughout the heating system of the building. Boilers often face the problem of low pressure. It may be due to leakage, commonly from the pipe work. It may also happen due to leaks within the boiler itself. In any such event, the hot water circulation is badly affected. You need to keep a watch on the pressure gauge of the boiler. If it drops below the prescribed level, you must fix it immediately. Sometimes, pressure may drop without any visible leakage. In such an event, you may need to increase the pressure manually. But to be safe, properly examine the boiler to avoid any mishap.
Yet another common problem detected in the boilers. The boiler suddenly stops producing hot water. That means the boiler is not giving the desired output for which it was installed. It may result from a faulty burner assembly, especially the pilot. Low boiler pressure may also disrupt the supply of hot water. In any case, the non-availability of hot water is a serious issue that needs the immediate assistance of a professional gas engineer.
Often, the boilers stop reacting to the thermostat settings. Non-response to thermostat settings looks like a fault with the boilers, but interestingly, that's not the case. It is a fault in the thermostats. It either needs replacement of batteries or may have developed a major fault. You need to resolve the issue by calling the manufacturer of the thermostat. Mostly, you will be required to replace the faulty thermostat.
A radiator may malfunction due to excessive air intake. In this case, you will experience inconsistent hot water and heat supply. You can simply remove the excessive air by bleeding out the process. If the problem is still there, it may be due to sludge accumulation. You may try flushing out the sludge with high pressure or with chemicals.
Another common problem with boilers is a scenario where hot water is available in your washrooms and kitchens. Still, the heating system is not working, resulting in your bedroom not heating. It may be a boiler setting issue, or it may also be associated with the wrong radiator settings. The first thing to check is the thermostatic valves. Make sure they are not closed. Secondly, check the boiler setting to see whether the central heating is turned on. But if the problem is still unresolved, it may be an internal fault of the boiler, for which you need to contact the boiler engineer.
It may be the faulty diverter valve when you experience the most common issue of nonavailability of hot water while the central heating system is still working fine. The diverter valve controls the flow and distribution of the boiler's hot water. So, in any such event, you need to contact the boiler engineer to check the working of the diverter valve, which may need replacement.
In most older boilers, you will find a pilot light that keeps burning to ignite the burner when required. It's a common issue that sometimes the boiler doesn't turn on due to the nonavailability of the pilot light. It means the pilot light gets off, which may be an issue with the boiler.
You may have experienced that often your boiler doesn t heat the water to desired level. It is yet another common issue with the boilers. It may be due to a faulty diverter valve or a faulty thermostat. The heat exchanger may also be a culprit here. You need to consult your boiler engineer to check and resolve this issue.
A boiler's annual, periodic, and spot maintenance is vital to its flawless performance. In addition to on-the-spot troubleshooting, your boiler
needs annual maintenance that is ideally done just before the onset of the winter season. Whatever the frequency of maintenance work, it is
important for the overall boiler performance.
Let s see the benefits and importance of boiler maintenance:
Control and safety devices are attached to the boilers to ensure flawless and safe operation. They are meant to control the performance of the boilers. Inspection of these devices is a crucial step in boiler inspection. Test the performance of these devices. The most important function of safety devices is to shut down the boiler in case of any defect. If these devices are not working properly, the required action may not be initiated, resulting in major damage or accidents.
Conduct a thorough examination of the external and internal components of the boiler for any leaks or apparent damage. Water leakage causes rust and erosions, whereas gas leakage may cause an explosion or fire. Check all the vital components, especially the internal parts for their firmness. There should be no erosion or cracks on any of them. Also, check that they should be in optimum working condition.
Regular maintenance of the boilers can increase their efficiency level. When every important part of the boiler system is working at its optimum level, the overall performance of the boiler is also enhanced. It results in low energy consumption and maximum output. It has a dual impact. The performance of the boiler system remains at its peak, whereas the cost is reduced in the form of energy bills.
Besides reduced energy bills, regular boiler maintenance also has another cost-saving role, in the shape of fewer expenses for replacing boiler components. You may not need to incur expenses for frequently repairing various boiler components. If not attended timely, minor faults may result in major faults that may involve huge costs. So, regular and timely boiler maintenance can save you money.
Every piece of equipment has a useful life span. The same applies to gas boilers. Ideally, it should complete its prescribed useful life span. But if they are not serviced regularly, they may not complete it successfully, and you may need a replacement much before the expected time. On the other hand, a well-maintained boiler may last longer, even beyond its expected life period.
A well-maintained boiler ensures a higher level of air quality. A malfunctioning boiler can generate harmful particles and gases that will hurt the air quality in your building. Poor air quality may result in many medical issues. So, a regularly maintained boiler has a positive impact on your health.
Regular or annual boiler inspection and maintenance is also a legal requirement. It is necessary to get a gas safety certificate. Failing to do so may land you in a complex legal situation that may result in huge penalties. So, whether you are a homeowner or a tenant, your legal obligation is to get the boiler serviced and maintained annually and obtain a gas safety certificate.
In addition to all these important factors, a well-maintained boiler gives you reasonable peace of mind and a sense of safety. So, you can peacefully and safely enjoy the winter.
Although boiler maintenance is quite a technical matter yet for DIY lovers, we may suggest some useful tips that every homeowner can try to keep the boiler in good working condition:
Although DIY is useful in many ways but remember that boilers are prone to risks. So, if you encounter a situation where you cannot resolve an issue yourself, immediately contact a professional gas engineer. Never risk with your boiler.
Hiring the services of a professional gas safety engineer for boiler maintenance is quite a sensitive matter. You need to hire a person who is competent enough to work on your boiler. He must be registered with a gas safe register and his credentials must appear on their official website.
Gas boilers are one of the necessities of a home or business. It is even more important in the predominantly cold areas for the maximum part of the year. There are so many areas where you might need the boiler, even in the spring season. That shows how important they are.
Boilers are meant to produce hot water that can be used for the central heating system of your home or business. This hot water is also used in washrooms and kitchens. Hence, a boiler has to perform continuously without a break during the extreme winters. This consistent usage needs a high level of maintenance of the boilers. So, the boilers must be regularly serviced and inspected. You need to ensure periodic boiler maintenance at least once a year.
Additionally, the boilers also need a permanent examination during the peak season. If an abnormality is observed in their performance, the boiler must be inspected immediately. That helps you to avoid any major breakdown during the extremely cold weather. It also helps you save money in the form of energy bills and repair work.
