An overheating boiler is potentially a big risk. Thankfully all modern boilers are equipped with safety features to shut the boiler down, as soon as any boiler overheating begins to take place. It is essential to recognise any signs of your boiler overheating, before further issues occur, taking prompt action to fix the issue and to prevent breakdowns. If your boiler installation starts to play up or make strange noises, contact us and our expert Gas Safe registered heating engineers. We will attend your property and inspect any boiler.
Why Do Boilers Overheat?
There can be several issues as to the cause of boiler overheating, but the most common is a build up of sludge, debris and magnetite in your central heating system. This then gets into your heat exchanger causing it to partially block, or getting into parts in the boiler installation such as the pump, causing poor circulation throughout the heating circuit. Faulty Heat Exchanger On A Boiler.
Risks of a Boiler Overheating
A boiler overheating can lead to bigger issues with the parts within the boiler. Modern energy efficient boilers are designed to lock out at any signs of overheating. This is why an annual boiler service is hugely important to make sure all safety devices on the boiler are working correctly.
Signs of a Boiler Overheating
If the boiler overheats it will typically lock out then display an error code which will identify what is failing on the boiler. If you ignore these issues it can lead to safety issues.
Common Causes of Boiler Overheating
If left unaddressed, an overheating boiler poses a risk to your property and its occupants. Common causes include:
Limescale Build Up: Accumulation of sludge and debris on the heat exchanger will restrict water flow through the heating circuit, often known as kettling, it may produce a sound similar to a kettle. If you hear these sounds it is important to call a Gas Safe registered heating engineer to attend your boiler.
System Blockages: Any strange noises from your central heating system, or the radiators, could indicate you have a blockage in the system. Power flushing is a good option if you find this issue to allow for proper circulation in your heating system.
Pump Failure: The pump circulates the hot water throughout the central heating system. If the pump is struggling, or failing, this can lead to your boiler overheating. Replacing your pump is the best option if you have this issue.
Thermistor Issues: The thermistor monitors water temperature which signals the PCB in the boiler to adjust where necessary. If the thermistor fails, this can also lead to the boiler overheating. If you have this issue, contact a fully Gas Safe registered heating engineer to rectify the issue.
A lime scale reducer on the cold supply can also help, especially if you live in a hard water area. Installing a new boiler with a magnetic filter is a great way to prevent boiler overheating issues from a Worcester Bosch accredited installer.