The Burnham boiler is a reliable heating system, but it can still have problems like other heating systems. One common issue is that the boiler keeps shutting off unexpectedly. This can be frustrating and concerning for you and your family, who rely on it to keep home warm during the cold months.
So, why does your Burnham boiler keeps shutting off?
Your Burnham boiler keep shutting off due to lack of adequate fuel supply, thermostat issue, lack of water pressure, water pressure, ignition system, condensate pipes, filters, and bleed the radiators to troubleshoot. Get a Gas Safe engineer to diagnose and fix the problem if it persists.
In this article, we will discuss every possible cause of why your Burnham boiler keeps turning off and what you can do to fix the problem.
Burnham Boiler Keeps Shutting Off: A Quick Overview
Here is a chart to help troubleshoot why your boiler keeps turning off based on different reasons. Take a look!
[Note: Before attempting any troubleshooting, turn off the power to the boiler to avoid any electrical hazards.]
Possible causes of a Burnham boiler turning off repeatedly and solution.
Cause | Solution |
Lack of adequate fuel supply |
|
Low water pressure | Check the water pressure gauge and refill the boiler as necessary. |
Thermostat issues | Check the thermostat settings and replace the batteries if
necessary. |
Air in the heating system | Bleed the radiators and pipes to remove any trapped air. |
Blocked or dirty filters | Clean or replace the filters as necessary. |
Frozen vondensate pipe |
|
Faulty ignition system |
|
Faulty safety controls |
|
8 Common Causes for A Burnham Boiler to Turn Off Repeatedly And Their Fixes
Boilers turning off repeatedly can be difficult to solve as there are many potential causes for this problem. Some issues can be resolved through DIY fixes, but others require the expertise of a Gas Safe engineer. Let’s explore eight common reasons for this problem and provide solutions to help you get your boiler running smoothly again. We’ll explain the reasons of the problem along with their solutions as we did with beacon morris garage heater. So, let’s start.
Reason 1: Lack of Adequate Fuel Supply
One of the most overlooked causes of a boiler turning itself off is interruptions to the fuel supply.There are different types of fuel sources for boilers, such as oil, gas, and propane. Regardless of the type of fuel, the supply needs to be adequate to keep the boiler running smoothly.
Solution:
If the boiler is running out of fuel, it can shut off as a safety measure to prevent damage or a hazardous situation. In this case, it’s essential to check the fuel tank and ensure it’s not empty. If the fuel tank is low or empty, refill it with the appropriate fuel type according to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Reason 2: Low Water Pressure
Low water pressure in your Burnham boiler can cause it to shut off as a safety precaution, which may be why it keeps turning off.
Solution:
Follow these steps to fix the pressure level:
Step 1: Check the water pressure gauge on your boiler to see if it’s below the recommended range (usually between 12 and 15 psi). heaters have different ranges of recommended psi for optimal performance.
Step 2: Add more water using a filling loop to increase the pressure.
However, if this does not solve the problem, contact a Gas-Safe engineer to resolve the issue.
Reason 3: Thermostat Issues
If your Burnham boiler keeps shutting off due to a thermostat issue, it may be caused by a malfunctioning or improperly calibrated thermostat. The thermostat may be incorrectly reading the temperature, which can cause it to turn off the boiler prematurely.
Additionally, the thermostat may be wired incorrectly, causing it to send faulty signals to the boiler.
Try turning up the thermostat to a higher temperature than the current room temperature. If the boiler turns on and stays on until it reaches the desired temperature, then the issue is likely with the thermostat.
Solution:
To troubleshoot your thermostat, follow these steps:
Step 1: Check the thermostat settings to ensure that the temperature and heating mode are correct. Also, check that the fan is set to either “on” or “auto”.
Step 2: Replace the batteries with fresh ones.
Step 3: Clean the unit by using a soft cloth.
Step 4: Calibrate the thermostat if the reading is not at the correct temperature.
Step 5: Check if the thermostat wiring is properly connected and not damaged. Tighten or replace them as needed.
Step 6: Replace the thermostat if none of the above solutions work.
If you are not comfortable with these steps, seek professional assistance.
Reason 4: Air in The Heating System
Air in the heating system can also cause the Burnham boiler to turn off by itself. When there’s air in the system, it can create hot spots and cause the water to boil, triggering the safety mechanism.
Solution:
Follow these two steps:
Step 1: Bleeding the radiators is a simple process that involves opening the bleed valve using a radiator key. It releases trapped air, allowing hot water to flow through the system efficiently. Radiators should be bled at least once a year.
Step 2: If bleeding the radiators doesn’t solve the problem, you may need to have a power flush carried out by an engineer. A power flush is a cleaning process for the heating system.
Reason 5: Blocked or Dirty Filters
Blocked or dirty filters can cause your Burnham boiler to turn off by itself as well. When the filters become clogged, the boiler has to work harder to circulate air and water, which can lead to overheating and automatic shut-off. It can also cause the heater to be stuck in standby mode.
Solution:
By following the steps below, you can maintain your boiler filters:
Step 1: Regular maintenance by a professional technician is recommended, including cleaning or replacing filters as recommended by the manufacturer.
Step 2: You should also check the filters regularly and avoid overusing the boiler to prevent excessive wear and tear on the filters.
Step 3: Using high-quality filters recommended by the manufacturer can help prevent blockage and dirt accumulation.
Reason 6: Frozen Condensate Pipe
A frozen condensate pipe is a common issue that can occur with your boiler during cold weather. Condensate is the liquid that is produced when your boiler burns gas to heat water. This liquid is then drained out of the boiler through a pipe and into a drain.
When temperatures drop, the condensate pipe freezes, and the heating system may produce gurgling sounds. The boiler will automatically stop working to prevent water from entering and damaging the electrical components. This is a safety feature designed to protect the boiler from potential harm.
Solution:
Follow the solutions provided below:
Step 1: Insulate your condensate pipe using pipe insulation or heating tape to help keep it warm and avoid freezing.
Step 2: Keep your heating on throughout the day, even when you’re not at home, to prevent the pipe from freezing.
Step 3: If your condensate pipe has frozen, thaw it using gentle heating methods such as a hot water bottle, warm towels, or a hairdryer. Avoid using boiling water as it can cause the pipe to burst.
Step 4: To prevent your pipe from freezing again, keep it warm using one of the methods mentioned earlier or reroute the pipe to a less exposed area.
If you’re unsure about how to thaw or fix the pipe, seek the assistance of a professional.
Reason 7: Faulty Ignition System
Faulty ignition systems can also cause a Burnham boiler to shut off repeatedly. The ignition system is responsible for lighting the burner, and if it fails to do so, the boiler will shut off as a safety measure to prevent gas buildup.
Solution:
Check for any visible damage or wear on the ignition components. If they appear dirty or corroded, try cleaning them with a soft brush or cloth. If cleaning doesn’t solve the issue, you may need to replace the ignition system.
When replacing the ignition system, it’s important to use genuine Burnham parts and follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully. If you’re not comfortable performing this task yourself, contact a licensed HVAC technician for assistance.
Reason 8: Faulty Safety Controls
The safety controls in a Burham boiler are designed to prevent dangerous conditions such as overheating or a gas leak. If a safety control detects a problem, it will shut down the boiler to prevent further damage or potential danger.
A faulty safety control can cause the Burnham boiler to shut down unnecessarily, even when there is no actual danger present. This can result in inconvenience, decreased efficiency, and potentially higher repair costs.
Solution:
Here are some steps you can take:
Step 1: Turn off the power to the boiler before attempting any troubleshooting to avoid any electrical hazards.
Step 2: Check the safety controls on the boiler, including the high-limit control, the low-water cutoff, and the pressure relief valve. Look for any signs of damage or wear and tear, such as rust or corrosion.
Step 3: If you notice any issues with the safety controls, clean them thoroughly or replace them if necessary. This should help ensure that they function properly and prevent the boiler from shutting off unexpectedly.
Don’t ignore any issues with your boiler. If you do, it could become dangerous and cause harm. So, make sure to get any problems fixed right away to keep your heating system working safely and efficiently.
Still No Success?
If you can’t find issues with your Burnham boiler despite troubleshooting it, it’s time to seek help from a professional. You can look for HVAC technicians or Gas Safe engineers online and also ask for referrals from people you know.
The cost of professional servicing can vary depending on the intensity of the problem and the service provider you choose.
Typically, a routine boiler service costs between $150 to $500, but major repairs or part replacements can increase the cost significantly. Investing in professional servicing ensures safety, efficiency, and can prevent expensive repairs in the future.
Avoid using your boiler until it’s inspected and repaired to prevent safety hazards and further damage to your system.
What Are Some Good Boiler Maintenance Habits?
To ensure proper maintenance of a residential boiler, it is important to follow a routine that includes these several steps.
- Check for any obstructions in the air vents and flues to ensure proper ventilation.
- Maintain the water level in the boiler and check for any leaks that may be present.
- Clean the boiler regularly to prevent limescale and hard water buildup.
- Keep the boiler’s circulating pump luted to help it run smoothly.
- Clean any dust buildup in the boiler room and flush the water periodically to eliminate any dirt and grime buildup.
- It is recommended to replace the filter every three to six months, depending on the frequency of use and the level of dust and debris in the air.
By following these steps, a residential boiler can be properly maintained and operated efficiently.
Boiler Servicing:
We will suggest getting your gas appliances serviced annually by a Gas Safe engineer. This will ensure safety and efficiency. Also, regular servicing can prevent further damage, and getting boiler cover can reduce the cost of repairs.
Burnham boiler recommended maintenance schedule:
Task | Frequency |
Clean or replace filters | Monthly |
Bleed radiators | Annually |
Annual boiler service check by Gas Safe registered engineer | Annually |
Furthermore, boiler service includes multiple inspections and it should take around 30-40 minutes on average. However, the time may vary depending on the problem.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs):
Why does my boiler shut off before reaching temperature?
If your boiler shuts off before reaching temperature, the “preheat” feature is probably at blame. This is totally normal and doesn’t suggest a malfunction with your boiler; your boiler is merely turning itself on to pre-heated water so that it’s ready on demand when you need it.
How do I reset my Burham boiler?
The process for resetting a Burnham boiler can differ based on the model, so it’s important to check the manufacturer’s instructions. Generally, you need to turn off the power, find the reset button or switch, hold it for 5-10 seconds, and wait for the boiler to start up. If it fails to start up or the problem persists, contact a qualified technician.
Why does my boiler need resetting?
A boiler reset is similar to restarting a computer or phone, in essence. The majority of electronic equipment benefit from periodic resets since malicious code can occasionally enter the system and lead to crashes. It’s probably just a matter of going back to the factory settings for a typical boiler.
Final Words
Our list of probable causes for why Burnham boilers keeps shutting off can help you narrow down the issue. However, there may be situations where multiple issues are present. In such cases, it is advisable to seek assistance from a Gas Safe engineer for a more thorough inspection and repair.
By taking protective steps to maintain your boiler, you can help to extend its lifespan and avoid costly repairs in the future. Good luck!
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