Can I Take A Shower When My Boiler Is Leaking?

We here at iHeat understand the importance of boilers, and the stress and inconvenience of a problem occurring with these home heating devices, such as a leak.

It can be a confusing situation on how to proceed if you either suspect or discover a boiler leak, in this article we will provide you with information that neither compromises safety or convenience.

Signs Of A Leaking Boiler?

A leaking boiler can be a serious problem for you and your home and should be actioned as quickly as possible. Here are some signs to look out for when trying to identify if your boiler has a leak.

Leaking Boiler Error Codes

These specific warning messages will be displayed on the boilers central panel and indicate the system has detected a leak, each brand has a different code for a range of boiler faults.

• Alpha error codes

• Worcester Bosch error codes

• Viessmann error codes

• Ideal error codes

• Baxi error codes 

Drips Or Damp Patches Beneath The Boiler

Any pooling of water underneath a boiler unit is not a good sign, an appliance that is dripping or leaking no matter the rate must always be cause for concern.

Corrosion Or Surface Damage To The Boiler Or Pipework

Any superficial wear and tear that appears on the boiler casing or its extremities (piping) can be an indicator of a leak.

A Boiler Pressure Gauge Reading Higher Than 2 Bars

Optimum boiler pressure is between 1 and 2 (1.5) bars and if the pressure increases above 2, bleeding the radiators could release some of the pressure.

Can I Shower With A Leaky Boiler?

As mentioned, any expelling of water from a boiler unit or its surrounding pipework, needs to be treated with caution and ideally should be rectified as soon as possible. Some leaks are obviously more severe than others, and it’s best not to take a shower until the issue is resolved due to potential risk of hazard. If the leak after initial inspection is not particularly serious and you must take a shower, you could possibly do so but should proceed with caution and be aware that the longer the issue is left untreated, the more likely it is going to compound.

Reasons For A Boiler leak

A boiler could be leaking due to a number of reasons-

Temperature Too High

If you notice water leaking from your boiler, this could be a sign the water temperature usually regulated by a temperature control valve (TVC), is too high.

Pump Seal

If a boiler’s pump seal (designed to push water around the system) isn’t sealed correctly this can be the reason for water escaping.

Overflow Pipe Leaking

A faulty float valve within this boiler component can lead to the pipe running to the storage tank dripping.

Loose Joints

The repeated expanding and condensing of water during the home heating process can cause integral joints to become loose over time, leading to leaks.

Faulty Heat Exchanger

Often in less premium boiler models the heat exchanger isn’t constructed from the most durable materials and possibly may be damaged or cracked.

Gas Safe Registered Engineers

It’s important to let any repair work on a leaky boiler be carried out by a trained and qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, gas safety and water/electricity maintenance can be a potentially lethal undertaking, and so must be taken very seriously and only carried out by professionals.

Avoid Leaks With An Efficient New Boiler

Modern sleek boilers are quality assured and manufactured with reliable components, therefore are less likely to succumb to wear and tear damage or general product default including potential leaks.

How iHeat Can Help

iHeat wants our customers to receive the highest quality products, that's why we stock a wide range of gas boilers. With next day installation available, up to 10 year warranty, and a price match guarantee, get a free instant quote on our website today!

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