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Are you worried that your boiler needs to be replaced? Maybe it’s making strange noises or taking a long time to heat. Perhaps you’re seeing unusually high heating bills even though you haven’t changed the thermostat. You might wondering whether it’s better to replace just the boiler, the whole central heating system at once or if you can replace the pipes in stages over time.

Every home is different, but in many cases homeowners don’t need to embark on massive repiping projects just to replace a boiler. The most expensive and intrusive solution isn’t always the right one, and there are things you can look for yourself to help you make an informed decision.   

If You’re Replacing the Boiler Due to Kettling, You Should Consider Replacing the Pipes

Boilers use hot water that’s circulated throughout your home. In a properly functioning system, the water doesn’t actually boil. The water in the pipes gets circulated quickly and steadily enough that the water gets very hot but not boiling.

Kettling occurs when the water in the boiler actually reaches 212 degrees Fahrenheit (100 degrees Celsius), and the steam from the boiling water creates pressure, damaging the cylinder.

Replace Leaking or Corroded Pipes

Boilers draw water from your local water source or well, and sometimes that water can have minerals that corrode the pipes in your system. This corrosion eventually progresses to leaks as soft spots in the pipes wear away. If you notice rust anywhere on your radiator, you probably have a leak.

If you’re not sure whether you have a leak, dry the pipe or radiator surface and check to see if you can locate a leak. If you find a rust patch, don’t disturb it as you can make the damage worse.

If Heat Isn’t Flowing to Your Whole House, Your Pipes May Be Obstructed

If the pipes near the boiler are hot, but the heat isn’t getting through the system and warming the rest of your home, you may have an obstruction. Limescale or magnetite sludge can build up in your system over time and restrict the flow around the house.

If you’re experiencing low flow through your system, you may not need to replace the pipes. There are chemical treatments that can help restore the flow across your system.

Are There Benefits to Replacing Your Pipes?

Yes, there are, but the question is whether those benefits outweigh the cost. You should talk with your technician about the option when they visit your home for a boiler installation estimate.

The potential advantages to going through with total or partial pipe replacement include:

• Improved efficiency: Replacing your boiler and pipes at the same time can improve the efficiency of your heating system. Newer boilers and pipes are designed to work together and may be more efficient than older systems, which can save you money on your energy bills over time.
• Cost savings: Replacing your pipes and boiler at the same time can be more cost-effective than doing them separately. When the work is done together, you may be able to save on labor costs and may only need to take one interruption to your home for the installation.
• Better performance: New pipes and a new boiler can work together to provide better heating performance.
• Increased safety: Older pipes and boilers can pose safety risks. Replacing both at the same time can reduce the risk of these hazards and provide peace of mind.
• Longer lifespan: Replacing your pipes and boiler at the same time can extend the lifespan of your heating system. The new components are likely to be more durable and reliable than older ones, which can reduce the need for repairs and replacements in the future.

Don’t Replace Your Pipes If You Don’t Need To

When you’re replacing a boiler or radiator, you may feel like it’s necessary to get a fresh start with an entirely new system, including pipes. Replacing pipework is often much more expensive and can be a huge disruption to your household. It usually means lifting floors and carpets to access the pipework.

Having an expert technician visit your home can save you thousands of dollars and the headache of a full system installation. Find out more by calling us at (301) 585-8100.