Water heaters are one of the most important parts of any home's water system. These large units store and heat water coming from the city's water supply before supplying it to the rest of your home. Boilers are one type of water heater. They can last for decades without needing to be replaced, but boilers without regular maintenance can fall into disrepair sooner. If your boiler is beginning to leak, here are three possible reasons why.
Corrosion Due To An Old Anode Rod
Boilers that don't get their anode rod replaced can have their interior corroded by the water and any water additives such as softeners. These rods are temporary and are meant to sacrifice themselves by providing a source of materials for the water to corrode rather than the more important boiler interior. As they decay, there is less and less material available for the water molecules to latch on to, and the boiler will start to corrode.
Sediment Buildup
Additionally, boilers can leak because of a build-up of sediment in the boiler itself. The water that comes from the city will almost certainly have some sediment inside, and this sediment will collect at the bottom of the boiler and could possibly clog your pipes as well. This sediment can build up to extreme amounts over time, affecting the ability of the boiler to heat the water inside. This is especially true for natural gas boilers, as the sediment could lead to an uneven distribution of heat that eventually eats through the tank itself. If you don't flush your boiler regularly, then this buildup is inevitable.
There Is A Problem With The Plumbing
One final way that a leak could form in your boiler is if there is a problem with the plumbing. This could mean that the pipes have decayed past the point of repair or that there is a clog. If the pipes need to be replaced, then you may be able to handle it yourself, depending on the age of the pipes and how much you know about pipes in general. If there is a clog and it's not because of sediment, then you may want to call a plumber, as these clogs could be very difficult to handle and you will want to identify the source of the clog as well.
Overall, there are three main ways that your boiler could start to leak, beyond inherent manufacturing issues that homeowners can't help. If you don't properly maintain your boiler with regular anode rod replacements and flushing the sediment out, it is very easy for these units to start to decay. Clog pipes can cause leaks as well. If your boiler is leaking, contact a company that offers boiler repair services for assistance.