A leaking boiler relief valve is a sign that the pressure in the boiler has exceeded safe limits. This is typically caused by a faulty expansion tank or failing components inside the system. The relief valve is a safety feature designed to prevent a catastrophic boiler failure.

Learn what to do if your safety relief valve is leaking and get expert boiler repairs from an HVAC contractor near you in Suffolk County.

Common Causes of a Dripping Relief Valve

When a pressure relief valve leaks, it’s rarely the component itself that is broken. It’s often doing what it was designed to do: release water to lower the pressure in the boiler and protect components.

Here are the most common causes of a leaking boiler safety valve:

• Expansion Tank Problems: Most leaking boiler relief valves are caused by the expansion tank. A rubber diaphragm in the system separates air and water. If the diaphragm fails, there is no buffer for water to expand as it heats up. This leads to rapid pressure spikes, and the relief valve responds by purging the pressure.
• Faulty Pressure Reducing Valve: Your boiler has a pressure reducing valve inside it, also known as an auto-fill valve. This is what maintains steady water pressure for efficient heating. If it fails and gets stuck open, it will continuously feed water into the boiler. This can cause the relief valve to open as a safety measure.
• Sediment and Limescale Buildup: In areas of Suffolk County with hard water, mineral deposits can accumulate inside the relief valve. Even when the pressure normalizes, small mineral particles can stop the valve from sealing. This leads to a persistent drip.

While an experienced HVAC contractor can quickly determine the cause of a leaking relief valve, it’s not easy for a homeowner to troubleshoot. Boilers aren’t designed for DIY maintenance or repair. You should immediately shut your system down and call a professional when you notice that your boiler’s relief valve is leaking.

Soundview HVAC is an A+ BBB Accredited business offering 24/7 boiler service in Suffolk County. A detailed inspection and diagnosis will ensure you get the right repair to make your boiler safe and keep your heating running all winter.

Insider Tip: Avoid Opening a Boiler Relief Valve When There’s a Slow Leak

Don’t be tempted to open the boiler relief valve as part of a DIY troubleshooting process. If there’s sediment in the system, it will prevent the valve from closing again. Always call a trusted Suffolk County HVAC professional for your boiler service needs.

How Often Should I Book Boiler Maintenance?

You should book boiler maintenance at least once a year, in the fall. If you use a modern boiler system for both heating and domestic hot water, you might need an inspection every six months.

Boiler maintenance is particularly important if you have hard water in your area. Mineral deposits can cause problems in other components aside from the relief valve. Most crucially, limescale on heating surfaces can reduce efficiency and increase the cost to heat your home in winter. Regular inspections and occasional descaling can mitigate the damage that hard water causes.

Soundview HVAC is one of the top-rated Suffolk County HVAC specialists for boiler maintenance and repairs. We offer a Planned Maintenance Service to make seasonal tune-ups automatic and stress-free.

Contact the Best HVAC Contractor in Suffolk County Today

Talk to the team at Soundview HVAC if you have a leaking boiler relief valve or any other winter heating concerns. We provide boiler repairs, maintenance, and new boiler installations. Our solutions are designed for efficiency and comfort first, ensuring you can maximize your budget. We serve all areas of Suffolk County from the South Shore to the North Fork.

Call us now at 631-209-1744 and let us take care of all your home comfort needs.