Cost To Repair A Boiler
Last Updated on September 19, 2023 | Written by CPA Alec Pow
First Published on August 4, 2022 | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popivker
Boilers are a real necessity in any home. With their help, you will have hot water whenever you need it. If they are chosen properly, these devices have the ability to store domestic hot water to cover the needs of the entire home. They differ depending on many aspects, starting from the model, and manufacturer and up to the volume, installation and maintenance method. At the time of purchase, factors such as surface area, consumption level, and the fuel used for hot water preparation must be taken into account. The most chosen water heaters are the electric ones due to the advantages they provide.
Like any other device, they wear out over time, but this aspect can be avoided by ensuring proper maintenance at certain time intervals. Thus, it is necessary to know how to clean the boiler in order to extend its life and enjoy the hot water provided by it, otherwise, you will need to repair it.
How Much Does It Cost To Repair A Boiler?
Before calculating the costs of repairing a boiler, you need to have an understanding of the type of boiler you need to fix and the common problems that might be behind the damage. There are three types of boilers: electric, oil, and gas. So, the cost of repairs will be influenced by the type of boiler, where it is located, the exact nature of the issue, and whether there is pressure from any seasonal demands.
You should expect to pay around $320 for repairing an electric boiler, close to $270 for a gas boiler, and only $110 for an oil boiler. These price estimates include labor costs as well.
In the table below you will find the average costs of fixing various issues that may appear when repairing a boiler.
| Item | Cost |
| Faulty pipes or valves | $375-$1,200 |
| Faulty expansion tank | $150-$430 |
| Faulty ductwork | $250-$510 |
| Mineral deposits | $95-$375 |
| Faulty circulator | $275-$550 |
| Ignitor switch problem | $275-$450 |
Cost considerations
You can avoid boiler repairs by cleaning and maintaining it periodically. Be prepared to spend around $100 for the average maintenance, while the average cleaning costs around $300.
You might also like our articles on the cost of HVAC duct replacement, air conditioner coil cleaning, or central air compressor replacement.
In some situations, it is better to replace a broken part instead of trying to repair it. The costs may be the same or even less, regardless of whether we are talking about a switch, pump, or valve.
Common boiler problems
The problems that can arise in the operation of a water heater refer primarily to malfunctioning parameters, the most frequent cause being related to the poor operation or even failure of its equipment:
Abnormally high or low water pressure can be caused by a faulty pressure gauge or a crack in the hot water path, both of which cause the flow rate to change. A quick check of the pressure gauge can rule out a hot water flood.
Failure of the thermostat means that the set temperature is not registered correctly, not heating the water. It should be emphasized that the thermostat triggers the heating element to turn on and off depending on the set differential temperature, when the resistance starts to operate and when it stops. A malfunction of the thermostat can also be manifested by rendering water that is much too hot, but this situation should be signaled by the overheating protection, which in turn must not be missing.
Limescale deposition on the heating element in layers and its petrification over time is the most common boiler problem. Depending on the hardness of the water in the area, frequent heating of the resistance leads to limescale deposits that prevent the optimal heating of the water and drastically reduce the efficiency. If you hear abnormal noises inside the boiler or if the water no longer heats up as it was set, there is a good chance that the heating element is covered with limescale deposits. It is recommended that a water softener be installed on the water supply.
The failure of the water taps or the gaskets is manifested by water dripping, the pressure dropping in the boiler and at the same time the comfort of the person using the water. Moreover, failure of faucets means higher maintenance costs, therefore, once a malfunction of this type is noticed, a specialist must be called quickly for remediation. To avoid this problem, it is recommended to periodically check the water taps, but also the seals.
Too fast cooling of the water is another inconvenience that can occur in the operation of an electric boiler and can be caused by the failure of the temperature sensor, which does not record the level of water heating correctly. Also, the volume of water may not be sufficient for existing needs.
Failure of the heating element occurs over time due to the water heater usage system, which suddenly switches from heating cycles to high temperatures followed by cooling several times a day. Because of this alternative process, it is very possible for the water heater to fail faster and the water temperature to be much lower than expected.
DIY considerations
For sure boiler repairs are not Do It Yourself projects. If not addressed properly, they can create serious problems. The only person to trust with this type of work is a boiler professional or a licensed HVAC technician.
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