Last updated: 22nd August, 2024
AdviceTry a new boiler quote, finance available including 0% APR.
Any time a boiler or pipework is leaking, it’s a bad sign, and an overflow pipe is no different. The necessary precautions must be taken to avoid further and potentially serious damage.
In this blog we’re going to be exploring the issue of a leaking overflow pipe, including what are the potential causes, and how to fix them.
An overflow pipe’s general purpose is to transport excess water from a home's water storage tank (or cistern) to outside the home, avoiding flooding.
An overflow pipe can feed into the drain or in some cases an expansion tank (copper cylinder).
The common plumbing systems that feature an overflow pipe:
Combi boiler
Central heating water tank
Coldwater tank
Toilet cistern
Copper cylinder
Baths, sinks, and basins
There are several potential causes of an overflow pipe leak, these can include:
When water pressure is too high for an overflow pipe to handle it can cause leaks or the water valve can become loose.
Ballcocks or float valves control the filling of a cistern or tank, firstly you must assess if the float valve is flowing freely when the water is running, if stuck, attempt to carefully release. If the valve moves but does not rise with the water, it could have a hole in it.
The plumbing washers may be worn due to their constant contact with water, or some boilers have lower quality components than others which may not last as long.
A broken coil in the hot water cylinder can also cause an overflowing cistern, this can allow hot water from the feed and expansion tank to mix with the cold water in the storage cistern.
Apart from the obvious signs of a leak - the expelling of water from a source that should not do so, keep on the lookout for a boiler pressure gauge reading unusually low, i.e anything below 1.5 bars.
Fault (error) codes are another indicator of low pressure due to leaks or component failure. Cracks and corrosion in the boiler casing or pipework are also classic signs of a leak.
A leaking overflow pipe can be dangerous, as it might indicate underlying issues such as excessive pressure in your heating system, a malfunctioning valve, or a problem with your water heater.
If left unaddressed, these issues could lead to more severe problems, including water damage, system failure, or even potential safety hazards like boiler explosions. It’s crucial to identify and fix the cause of the leak promptly to avoid further complications and ensure your home remains safe and efficient.
While possible to remedy smaller issues, leaks can be serious especially if they’re left or not properly fixed, compounding the tissue.
It’s prudent in the event of a leaking overflow pipe to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to come and fully analyse the situation and carry out any repairs necessary.
Having your boiler annually serviced by an expert engineer can act as proactive preventive maintenance, detecting faults and allowing necessary repairs.
Modern, efficient boilers have been expertly designed for longevity and have been meticulously crafted to ensure the longest possible usage.
Advancement in modern technology means newer boilers are far more robust and durable than older generation boilers, not to mention far greater in their conversion of energy into heat, potentially saving you money.
Boilers can be a daunting purchase for many people as they’re an appliance with a lot of responsibility, providing heat for you and your family is something you want to get right. Boilers aren’t exactly a quickly disposable item either, potentially lasting you a decade.
Effectively, new boiler cost can be split into two segments: the first is the actual boiler itself (unit price), and the second is the cost of the boiler being installed (set up) in your property by an expert engineer.
Here at iHeat, we remove all of this undue stress and make the decision making process of upgrading to a new central heating system, as easy as possible.
New boiler costs can vary depending on a number of factors including their brand, model, fuel, output, warranty, labour and boiler installation type. Typically a new boiler will cost between £1,845 and £3,500, below is a list of average boiler installations offered by iHeat (guide only).
Installation Type | Price (inc VAT) | |
Combi to combi swap | £1,845 | |
System to combi conversion | £2,499 | |
New boiler install | £2,899 | |
Back boiler to a combi | £3,299 | |
System to system | £1,945 |
Your overflow pipe may be leaking due to a faulty float valve, excessive pressure, or an overfilled tank or cistern. Identifying the specific cause, such as a malfunctioning valve or high pressure in your system, is crucial to fixing the issue.
An overflow pipe leaking outside typically signals a problem with your plumbing, such as an overfilled water tank, faulty float valve, or excessive pressure in a heating system. Addressing the underlying issue, like adjusting the water level or repairing the valve, can stop the leak.
To stop an overflow pipe from dripping, identify the cause—often a faulty float valve in a toilet cistern or a boiler issue. Replace the faulty valve or adjust the water level to prevent overfilling. If it’s from a heating system, bleeding radiators or reducing system pressure may help.
A leaking overflow pipe isn’t usually an emergency but should be addressed promptly to avoid water damage or system issues. If left unchecked, it could lead to more significant problems.
Water coming out of a pipe on the side of your house usually indicates an overflow or discharge pipe. This could be from a boiler, toilet, or water tank due to overfilling or a pressure release.
Water dripping from your boiler overflow pipe typically indicates that the pressure relief valve has activated due to high pressure in the system. Check the boiler pressure and reduce it if necessary, or consult a professional.
Water comes from an overflow pipe as a safety measure to prevent overfilling or excess pressure in a system, such as a toilet cistern, water tank, or boiler.
Water coming out of a water heater overflow pipe usually means the temperature or pressure inside the heater is too high, triggering the relief valve. It’s crucial to address this to avoid damage or safety hazards.
Water dripping from your heating pipe could indicate a leak, condensation, or a pressure-related issue in the heating system. Inspect the system for visible leaks or check the pressure gauge on your boiler.
01st November, 2024
Finding the best combi boiler for your circumstances can prove difficult. Lets discuss the best 5 boilers on the market in 2024.
01st November, 2024
The Worcester Bosch 8000 boiler comes straight from one of the UK's best-selling boiler brands, offering many of the same features in a range of diffe...
01st November, 2024
As the landlord of a property, it is your responsibility to ensure the property is safe for the tenant, and that means making sure that the central he...