Gas boiler repair: overview of typical faults and how to fix them

Gas equipment is the most common option in organizing autonomous heating. It is characterized by reasonable cost, economical fuel consumption and high efficiency. However, any equipment has its own service life and requires restoration over time.

The simplest repair of a gas boiler can be carried out yourself. And any owner simply must cope with the implementation of regular preventive measures on his own. We will tell you how to return the equipment to serviceability and how to extend its service life.

Signs of a gas boiler automation malfunction

Installing automation on a heating boiler protects equipment from breakdowns. The device regulates the operation of the equipment. In the absence of traction, a drop in electricity, water or gas, the equipment gives a signal, turning off the device. The converter also saves resources - when the heating is sufficient, it stops the device, and when the water drops by 10 - 15 degrees, it updates the process. But even such a useful part sometimes requires repair.

Clients often contact the service center with the following problems:

• Extraneous noise in the case.
• The burner does not light.
• Doesn't heat up, won't turn on.

The cause of an emergency situation may be a breakdown of the automation. Since the design regulates the entire operation of the boiler, its malfunctions lead to shutdown of the device. In this case, calling a specialist is necessary.

Boiler automation repairs are carried out in several stages:

• Diagnosis of failure.
• Cleaning parts and components.
• Replacement of spare parts.
• Assembly.

Having arrived on call, the specialist conducts an external inspection of the device. Researching the equipment allows the technician to determine the cause of the problem.

Having identified the problem, the gas expert begins troubleshooting. To do this, the equipment is cleaned, because clogging of pipes, burners, and filters leads to incorrect operation of the device, which causes it to shut down.

After cleaning the units, contacts and parts, the technician replaces the broken parts. This could be replacing a traction sensor, a temperature sensor, torn valves, or a burnt-out bimetallic plate, which plays the role of a sensitive element. After replacing the parts, the specialist installs the automation on the boiler.

Main types of solenoid valves

1. Electromagnetic shut-off valve for use on pipelines through which only liquid media or gases are transmitted. This equipment operates as part of air conditioning, ventilation, oil products, gas and water vapor systems.
2. Valves with pneumatic drive.
3. Explosion-proof and spark-proof valves.
4. Devices that allow you to control pneumatic actuators
5. Valves for special purposes (solenoid solenoid valve that work with cryogenic working media, gas stations, vacuum installations).
6. Electric pneumatic distributors.

Manufacturers presented today create solenoid valves of a normally closed design. If the shutter is manually cocked, automatic closing occurs, which is triggered when a signal is received on the coil (electromagnet). All fuel solenoid valves are a tool for increasing the safety of the facility, since in the event of malfunctions and operation of the equipment, it is necessary to assemble it.

Our company is actively working on the design and development of new modifications of solenoid valves. Call, contact, we are always ready to provide detailed advice on all questions that arise.

A shut-off device that is used in gas equipment and allows you to shut off the gas supply while parked or while the car is running on gasoline (or diesel).

LPG is a gas-cylinder equipment that is installed in a car and allows you to choose which fuel to drive on: gas or gasoline (diesel). Gasoline is becoming more expensive day by day, and the number of gas filling stations is growing, and new modified LPG systems are appearing, the improvements of which provide the opportunity to save money and be confident in the safety of yourself, passengers and the car.

The gas solenoid valve is also intended to purify gas from impurities using a filter; it is controlled both manually and automatically (switching from gas to gasoline and vice versa).

How to prevent breakdown of the boiler automation?

The main purpose of automation is to maintain the operation of heating equipment in a safe mode, therefore its uninterrupted operation is very important. To extend the service life of the installation, it is recommended to carry out regular maintenance and cleaning of the equipment.

The ignition group is the most vulnerable to malfunctions and requires attention from the user. Clogs and soot lead to malfunctions, so manufacturers advise cleaning the device at least once a year. In this case, it is necessary to control that the size of the gaps remains unchanged. Cleaning the electrodes and ignition group extends the service life of the equipment without major repairs.

It is not recommended to configure or repair the device yourself, as this can negatively affect the installation itself, the integrity of property and human health.

Solenoid valve

The solenoid valve is a shut-off valve that directly affects the safety of the unit. It is mainly installed so that in the event of a problem, it closes the fuel supply. Emergency situations in the operation of gas heating can occur due to various factors:

• drop in fuel pressure;
• lack of fluid in the system (you can check the joints, three-way valve and pipes);
• worsening traction;
• gas leak.

Each of the problems described above is dangerous to human life, and therefore further operation of the system is unacceptable. This is why the solenoid valve is activated. Its initial position is open. To close it, an electrical impulse is applied to it, coming from a thermocouple installed above the flame in the combustion chamber or on the chimney.

It must be said right away that this element rarely fails, since it has great potential for use. Despite this, moments still happen.

There are two ways to check the functionality of this valve:

1. Fire. The used thermocouple is replaced with a new one. The automatic button turns on. Next, the igniter is ignited and the fire is brought to the end of the thermocouple. In this case, the automation should work.
2. Instrumental. The sensor is removed from the housing and a repair contact is inserted. It is supplied with voltage from 3 to 6V. If the solenoid valve is in order, the automation will work. Otherwise, you need to replace this element.

Operational repair of gas boiler automation

The service is in a hurry to help its clients. With our technicians, equipment repairs will be carried out comfortably and quickly. A large staff of specialists allows us to send a technician who has experience in repairing a geyser of your particular model. And these are not all the advantages of cooperation with us.

By contacting us, clients receive:

• Prompt processing of applications.
• Quality guarantee.
• Adequate cost of the service.

Our website is open seven days a week. Do you need to urgently repair your gas equipment? We will find a master who will come to your home even on a day off!

We monitor the work of our employees so that clients are always satisfied with the result. We issue a warranty card for the services provided.

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If you need to order high-quality installation of engineering systems (heating, water supply), please contact DESIGN PRESTIGE by phone +7 , and we will install the system at a professional level in accordance with high quality standards.

The cost of repairing heating equipment depends on the complexity of the breakdown and the boiler model. The manager will tell you the full cost when clarifying the details of the breakdown, but it will definitely pleasantly surprise you.

If you have any questions, call or leave a request on the website. We will promptly send a technician to repair any equipment breakdowns, please contact us!

Heat exchanger

Experts rightfully consider the heat exchanger to be the component most in need of maintenance. The first problem is the settling of soot on the coil, which significantly reduces heat transfer. The second problem is more serious - scale, which (when using hard water) settles on the internal surfaces of the pipeline, reduces its flow area, and, consequently, the circulation of the coolant.

With a decrease in the cross-section of the coil, the following increases significantly:

• dynamic pressure in the boiler circuit (causes problems with seals and leaks at the junction of the pipeline and elements).
• load on the circulation pump (can lead to complete failure).

Self-repair of gas heating boilers must begin with cleaning the heat exchanger from soot. To carry out this operation, you should “arm yourself” with a paint brush and a metal sponge (kitchen type).

Cost of installing boiler equipment

Installation

Attention. This cost is a preliminary estimate; these prices should only be used as approximate prices. The exact cost of the work is calculated after an engineer visits the work site, its complexity, and quantity.

Commissioning works

Attention. This cost is a preliminary estimate; these prices should only be used as approximate prices. The exact cost of the work is calculated after an engineer visits the work site, its complexity, and quantity.

Electronics or mechanics

Modern boiler units, especially Western ones, are equipped with electronic boiler control systems, the cost of which reaches up to 30% of the total installation cost. The advantages of such a system are obvious; there is one drawback: it is afraid of unstable operation of Russian electrical networks. Therefore, it must be operated with reliable stabilizers and autonomous power supplies.

The range of regulation and control of the electronic system is practically unlimited: from pressure and temperature of the coolant to weather-dependent control of the heating unit.

In the safety system, the boiler will be turned off from the fuel supply at high/low gas pressure, torch separation, lack of vacuum in the furnace, low/high pressure and coolant temperature.

Mechanical actuators are also installed - a gas shut-off valve that is triggered by unacceptable gas pressure and a safety relief valve that protects the internal circuit of the boiler from high environmental pressure.

Mechanical systems operate only using mechanical valves and sensors that send a signal to the actuator or BURS ignition unit.

For example, the Buderus boiler unit is started by squeezing the gas valve washer, at the same time it opens and gas is supplied to the igniter. It heats up a thermocouple, which produces a current with enough voltage to drive an electromagnet to hold the valve open.

Next, the power of the boiler unit is set by the regulator, which allows gas to flow in the required volume with the operating pressure, and the heating process is controlled by a thermostat.

Boiler room maintenance cost

Technical (service) maintenance of the boiler room

Attention. This cost is a preliminary estimate; these prices should only be used as approximate prices. The exact cost of the work is calculated after an engineer visits the work site, its complexity, and quantity.

Boiler room repair, diagnostics and prevention

Attention. This cost is a preliminary estimate; these prices should only be used as approximate prices. The exact cost of the work is calculated after an engineer visits the work site, its complexity, and quantity.

Possible malfunctions and DIY repair methods

The house smells like gas

Do you smell gas? This shows it is leaking. Open the window and turn off the equipment. According to the instructions, you will need a household solution of soap and water, FUM tape, and a suitable adjustable wrench. Next, the solution must be distributed to all threaded connections. If bubbles appear, there is a leak in these places. After this, we turn off the gas, use a wrench to unscrew the connection and wind the FUM tape onto the external thread.

Then you need to put everything back together, reapply the solution, and connect the gas. If we managed to eliminate the leak (there is no smell of gas), we remove what is left of the solution. However, if a leak is not found, you need to turn off the valve and invite a specialist.

Fan doesn't work

You can repair the system without calling a technician if the power of the boost fan is lower than required, or there is a loud noise while it is running. First, remove the fan and disassemble its housing. If possible, you need to remove the bearings, lubricate them or replace them. It could also be a winding issue. A transformer will help correct low network voltage. If you need to repair electronics, or if your actions have not brought results, you need to call a technician.

We recommend: Why does a gas boiler go out?

The chimney of a floor-standing boiler is clogged

To resolve the issue, you will need a metal brush. Disassemble the chimney and remove dirt yourself. If the chimney is solid, it can be cleaned with prepared chemicals or devices. For the last option, call a specialist.

High temperatures

When the heat exchanger is dirty, it causes overheating of the equipment.

Turn off the boiler, gas, turn off the water. Next, remove the heat exchanger with an adjustable wrench and clean it with a brush. The hydrochloric acid solution is then poured through the pipe into the heat exchanger. Foam indicates accumulated scale. Pour the solution, repeat until the desired result. Next, after washing, you need to install the heat exchanger back, winding all threaded connections.

Self-shutdown

When it turns off, the gas boiler does not work; this may be caused by a defect in the combustion sensor or the need to clean the chimney. To solve the problem, we remove the obstacle that has arisen to the further functioning of the system.

Cleaning the boiler heat exchanger

Typically, heat exchangers are made of stainless steel (then we clean it with a wire brush) or copper (a metal sponge will do here). You need to turn off the equipment and wait until it cools down. Turn off the faucet and remove the face cap, then discard any remaining water. Next, remove the heat exchanger and clean it mechanically, then leave the heat exchanger in a solution of citric acid or vinegar (1 tablespoon per 1 liter of water), or in the prepared mixture for a couple of hours, until completely cleaned. Next, rinse and dry. Return to original position.

Electrical failures

You should have special stabilizers at home to prevent breakdowns due to power surges, especially if you have a wall-mounted unit.

We recommend: Do you need a stabilizer for a gas boiler?

Incorrect installation

In case of installation errors, it is recommended to immediately invite a specialist, since incorrect installation threatens to break all equipment.

Air turbine

Bearings are the most problematic part of any fan. Due to the increase in the coefficient of friction in the bearing, heating increases and the rotation speed of the rotor, and therefore the blades, significantly decreases. There is another reason for the heating of the housing associated with a decrease in the performance of the air turbine - interturn short circuit.

In the first case, you can carry out the repair yourself by unscrewing the device and lubricating the bearing with “graphite” or any other high-temperature-resistant lubricant. In case of problems with the motor winding, it is unlikely that it will be possible to solve this issue without the intervention of specialists.

Preventive recommendations

It’s not for nothing that they say: the best repair is prevention. Gas boilers require annual preventative maintenance, which must be carried out before the start of the heating season.

If possible, maintenance should be carried out twice a year: before the start of the heating season and after it ends.

Check all previously discussed boiler elements to ensure they are in good working order. Follow the prevention recommendations given by the manufacturer in the instructions specific to your boiler. Correct any problems that arise in a timely manner, if possible.

Remember! A gas boiler is a potentially dangerous piece of equipment. If it is used incorrectly and problems are not corrected in a timely manner, irreparable consequences may occur. Therefore, be careful and do not carry out any repair work if you doubt your abilities and the correctness of your actions. Otherwise, follow the instructions received.

Settings failed

Settings are a “trouble” that can affect the owners of almost all energy-dependent boiler systems, regardless of the manufacturer and brand of equipment. The problem may be a voltage drop that caused the settings to fail. But, more often than not, the boiler begins to work inadequately after the intervention of the owner or “would-be repairmen” from the nearest workshop.

Advice: Repairing the control board of a gas boiler yourself is a thankless task: any problem related to electronics can lead to failure of the boiler installation or, worse, to an emergency. Entrust the competent adjustment of the boiler to professionals.