Fixing a Leaky Boiler: Hire a Pro to Make Repairs and Do Annual Boiler Checkup

Our Answer

Actually, no. I can't advise that you try and fix a leaking boiler yourself. What I can do is speculate about what is happening, though.  It sounds like the boiler's pressure-relief valve is opening (also known as a temperature pressure or TP valve). This valve is designed to open up if the pressure in the boiler exceeds 30 pounds. Typically, a boiler in a two-story home will operate at about 15 pounds. If your boiler is operating at 30, there is a problem and it could be dangerous. There are other causes, too, like a waterlogged expansion tank (if you have an older home, these are common). Bottom line, this is NOT a do-it-yourself project and you would be best off calling a service contractor to diagnose and fix the problem. You should be doing this anyway to get the system serviced for all. All gas-, oil- and propane-fueled heating systems should be professionally serviced about now to make sure that they are operating safely and efficiently.