Water leaking from the boiler: what is urgent and what can wait

Practical notes on a leaking boiler

• Turn the appliance off and place a container under the drip
• Photograph where the water emerges before wiping it up
• Relief valve leaks are usually an expansion vessel issue
• Heat exchanger corrosion is terminal on most older boilers
• Wet electrics inside the case make it an isolate-now job

Where a leaking boiler usually comes from

Leaks from pipework connections under the appliance are usually repairable in a single visit. Leaks from the pressure relief valve are a vessel conversation. Leaks from the condensate trap are messy but low risk. Water from inside the sealed casing, particularly from a corroded heat exchanger, is where replacement economics start to matter on older appliances.

Where we deal with this

• Lullington (BA11) · 7 mi
• Publow (BS39) · 6 mi
• Winford (BS40) · 10 mi

Questions we get asked

Should I turn the water off?

Isolate the boiler electrically and, if it is a combi, close the cold mains inlet if the leak is on the water side.

Will my warranty cover it?

If the appliance is in warranty and has been serviced annually, usually yes — keep your service records.