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Photograph of a burning-up and possibly dangerous oil-fired heating boilerHeating Boiler Troubleshooting
Complete List of Heating Boiler Operating Defects

Heating boiler defects & operating problem troubleshooting:

Here we explain how to recognize & diagnose problems with residential heating boilers, including loss of heat, heating boiler noises, leaks, odors, or smoke, and high heating costs.

We identify different types of building heating systems and outline how to diagnose and repair heating system problems.

This article series answers most questions about central hot water heating system troubleshooting, inspection, diagnosis, and repairs.

InspectAPedia tolerates no conflicts of interest. We have no relationship with advertisers, products, or services discussed at this website.

How To Recognize Heating System Defects: the Heating System Inspector Must Know the Equipment

Backpressure Burn at an oil burner (C) Daniel FriedmanIf you have no heat and need help diagnosing the cause,

see HEATING LOSS DIAGNOSIS-BOILERS - forced hot water heating baseboard, radiators, convectors, radiant heat

or HEATING LOSS DIAGNOSIS-FURNACES - forced warm air heat

The photograph at page top shows a heating boiler which is burning through it's steel outer jacket - this condition is a potential fire hazard and requires immediate inspection and repair.

There is probably a combustion gas leak at this heater. Contact us to suggest text changes and additions and, if you wish, to receive online listing and credit for that contribution.

If you don't know whether your heat is provided by a furnace (hot air) or boiler (hot water)

see HEATING SYSTEM TYPES

Article Series Contents:

Types of Defects and Problems with Hot Water Heating Boilers - Hydronic Heating Systems, Loss of Heat, Noises, Leaks

What sort of defects should you look for when inspecting a heating system?

How to Diagnose Loss of Heat With Oil-Fired Hot Water Heating Systems

How to Diagnose Noises during Heating System & Oil Burner Operation

Complete details about all types of heating system noises, causes, cures, are found

at HEATING SYSTEM NOISE DIAGNOSIS.

Noises specific to an oil burner used at heating boilers or water heaters are discussed

at OIL BURNER NOISE SMOKE ODORS. Excerpts below focus on some of the most common heating system noises.

Evaluate Heating Boiler Leaks & Corrosion

When observing evidence of leaks on a heating boiler, keep these points in mind:

A Catalog of Common Heating System Leak Points - Where to Watch for Heating System Leaks

How to Recognize & Diagnose Inadequate Combustion Air, Sooting, or Burn Marks at Oil-Fired Heating Systems

Backpressure sooting at an oil fired furnace (C) Daniel Friedman

Lack of adequate combustion aircan be indicated by or can result in these heating system operating and heating system safety worries: 

See COMBUSTION AIR REQUIREMENTS

Backpressure Burn at an oil burner (C) Daniel Friedman

Also see UNSAFE DUCT OPENINGS which describes the risks of reduced combustion air on hot air heating systems when certain return air duct defects are present,

and also see CARBON MONOXIDE - CO

and CHIMNEY INSPECTION DIAGNOSIS REPAIR

A Guide to Heating Equipment Malfunctions & Their Implications

Examples of Heating System Defects with Important Implications

 




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Reader Comments, Questions & Answers About The Article Above

Below you will find questions and answers previously posted on this page at its page bottom reader comment box.

Reader Q&A - also see RECOMMENDED ARTICLES & FAQs

Question: Boiler failure - cause & cure, replacement done without a permit: what do I do now?

Hello I have a question regarding a recent replacement boiler installation in my sons house just across the Delaware river in PA.

Being a person that is big on my insistence on getting quality installation both with the code compliance and overall professional workmanship of an install, there are a few concerns I have on this one that perhaps you can give me your opinion on.

1) Boiler failed: - cracked heat exchanger

The fact that the boiler failed due to crack in the heat exchanger in the middle of January it had to be replaced immediately.

The the plumber was one that I used a few times which I was happy with the results. The install required a few modification in the electrical, gas piping and to the exhaust piping to the unit (SlantFin Victory II cast iron HE boiler).

2) Boiler replacement work done without proper plumbing permits:

However after inquiring about the permits for the job the plumber initially response was him asking my son will be living in the house for the next 10-20 years. To me, that sounded like he was looking to get around the permitting procurement which he was successful since he filed no permits. Your opinion and suggestion to remedy. Anonymous by private email 2022/09/07

Moderator reply:

A new boiler failed from heat exchanger crack? Unusual; I'd want to understand why that failure occurred and exactly where the crack was found, and whether the heat exchanger was covered by warranty.

E.g. improper venting, or adjustment can cause overheating?

If work was done without permits, and provided that your local authorities (we don't know your country and city) require a pemit for a boiler replacement, and you want that base covered, I think you'll find - as I usually do - that if you call the building department and ask for an inspection and are willing to pay any now-late permit fees, the building inspector will be so thrilled that you want to do what's right that s/he is likely to be helpful and cooperative - keep me posted.


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Continue reading at DIAGNOSE & FIX HEATING PROBLEMS-BOILER or select a topic from the closely-related articles below, or see the complete ARTICLE INDEX.

Or see BOILER OPERATING PROBLEM FAQs questions & answers about our list of boiler operating problems that help troubleshoot hot water or steam heat

Or see these

Recommended Articles

Suggested citation for this web page

BOILER OPERATING PROBLEMS at InspectApedia.com - online encyclopedia of building & environmental inspection, testing, diagnosis, repair, & problem prevention advice.


Or see this

INDEX to RELATED ARTICLES: ARTICLE INDEX to HEATING BOILERS

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