The Ultimate Guide To Priming Your New Electric Boiler

If you're looking to prime a new automatic electric boiler, there are a few steps you should follow. Firstly, it's important to check if your boiler has run out of oil by locating the oil tank gauge. If it has run out of oil, you may need to call a technician for a prime and start. However, if there is still oil in the tank, you should check the oil lines and mechanical or electrical connections for any signs of clogging or damage. If everything appears fine, you can try resetting the boiler to jump-start the oil flow. If this doesn't work, you may need to manually prime the boiler by bleeding the lines and following the specific instructions for your boiler model. While priming a boiler is generally a straightforward process, it's always recommended to consult a professional if you're unsure about any steps or if your boiler continues to malfunction.

Check if your boiler has run out of oil

To check if your boiler has run out of oil, you should first inspect your tank and furnace to confirm that a lack of oil is the reason for the heat loss. Check the tank's gauge, which will be on top for a basement tank and on a wall in or on your home for an in-ground tank. The gauge should indicate whether the tank is empty, often with an "E" or a "0" on the meter. If your tank has run out of oil, you should call your oil company to schedule a delivery.

If you are unsure whether your tank is empty, you can also check the oil level using a dipstick, such as an old broom handle, by sticking it into the oil tank to see if it is covered in oil. If your tank is not empty, the issue may be mechanical, and you should call a qualified HVAC repair company to inspect the system.

If your tank is empty, you may need to find an alternative heat source, such as diesel or kerosene, until your oil delivery arrives. Adding diesel or kerosene to any remaining fuel oil can help it last longer and prevent your tank from running dry. After allowing the diesel or kerosene to sit for 10 minutes, you can try to restart your furnace. Most furnaces can be reset by pushing the reset button, which is usually red. If your furnace does not turn on, this may mean that the line between the tank and the furnace needs to be bled, which is best left to a professional technician.

It is important to keep your home well-insulated to stay comfortable while waiting for fuel oil delivery. Check windows and doors for gaps and cracks, and repair them with draft blockers, weatherstripping, or caulking. Additionally, ensure that your attic and crawl space are properly insulated.

Identify other problems with your boiler

To identify other problems with your boiler, you should first check if there are any issues with the boiler's pressure or thermostat. If the boiler's pressure gauge shows a reading lower than one, there may be a problem with the boiler's pressure. This could be caused by a leak in the system, which could be due to corrosion or broken components such as seals or valves.

Another common issue is a faulty water pump, which can fail due to worn seals, electrical issues, or blockages. If you notice any water around the base of your boiler, it is important to contact a service technician to diagnose and fix the problem.

Additionally, you should check for any unusual noises coming from your boiler, as these can indicate underlying problems. For example, a build-up of limescale on the heat exchanger can cause it to overheat and produce steam and a whistling noise, known as "kettling". Regular boiler maintenance can help prevent and address these issues.

Other potential problems include a faulty gas valve, which regulates gas flow to the pilot light and burner. If the gas valve becomes stuck, clogged, or fails due to electrical faults, it may require specialized tools and knowledge to repair.

Furthermore, issues with the diverter valve, which directs hot water to either the heating radiators or hot water taps, can result in either a lack of heating or hot water. Diverter valves can fail due to wear and tear, blockages, or mechanical failures.

If you are unsure about the cause of the problem or how to fix it, it is always best to contact a professional boiler engineer or technician for assistance.

Call a technician for a priming

While it is possible to prime your new automatic electric boiler yourself, there are situations where it is best to call a technician for a priming.

Firstly, if you are unsure about any part of the priming process, it is best to call a technician. Technicians are trained to handle all aspects of boiler maintenance and repair and can ensure that the job is done correctly and safely. They will also be able to identify and address any underlying issues that may be causing problems with your boiler.

Secondly, if your boiler has run out of oil, you may need to call a technician for a prime and start. In this case, air and sludge from the bottom of the empty tank may have gotten into the oil lines, causing difficulties in restarting the boiler. The technician will first check if the furnace has indeed run out of oil, as this can indicate other problems that may require different services. If the boiler has run out of oil, the technician will assist with the priming and restarting process.

Additionally, if your boiler is not working properly even after you have attempted to prime it, you should contact a technician. They will be able to diagnose and address any issues with your boiler, including problems with the fuel lines, faulty wiring, a dysfunctional pump, or other underlying causes.

Finally, it is recommended to have your boiler serviced regularly by a qualified technician to prevent problems and extend the life of your boiler. They can identify potential issues before they become serious and ensure optimal efficiency. Regular maintenance can also help to avoid the need for more costly and time-consuming repairs in the future.

By calling a technician for a priming when necessary, you can ensure the safe and efficient operation of your new automatic electric boiler.

Manually prime the boiler

To manually prime your boiler, first, check your oil tank gauge to ensure that it is filled with heating oil. If your tank has run out of oil, contact your oil supplier for a prompt delivery. Once your oil tank is refilled, you can begin the priming process to reset your heater.

Next, determine how many fuel lines connect the heater to the oil tank. If there are two, your heater is self-priming, and you simply need to hit the reset button. If there is only one fuel line, you will need to manually prime the heater. Look for a reset button on the control, which is part of the burner. If there is a reset button, press and hold it to allow the burner to restart. If there is no reset button, and the control shows a lockout, push and hold the "i" button for a few seconds to allow the burner to reset.

Now, grab a container for oil, some rags to catch any dripping oil, and a 3/8 wrench. Place the wrench around the bleeder valve, which is usually a small brass or steel screw on or near the fuel pump. Leave the bleeder valve open until the stream is steady and consistent. This may take longer depending on the amount of sludge and air in the oil pipe. Close the valve, which should turn the furnace on automatically. You will hear a sudden thump and a dull roar, and see light in the pilot window. If the furnace does not turn on, there may still be a blockage in the line. Loosen the bleeder valve again to try and get the blockage out. Sometimes, it can take five or six attempts before the furnace turns back on.

Restart the boiler

Restarting your boiler will depend on the type of boiler you have.

For an oil-burning boiler:

• Check if your boiler has run out of oil. Locate the oil tank gauge, which should be on top of the tank if it's in the basement, or on the wall for an in-ground tank.
• If the tank is empty, refill it.
• If the boiler doesn't restart on its own, call a technician for a priming.
• The technician will decide whether to attempt to restart the furnace or bleed the valve.
• If they choose the latter, they will leave the bleeder valve open until the stream is steady and consistent. This may take longer if there is a lot of sludge and air in the oil pipe.
• Once the stream is steady, they will close the valve, which should turn the furnace on automatically.
• If the furnace doesn't turn on, there may still be a blockage in the line, so they will need to loosen the bleeder valve again.

For an electric boiler:

• Before turning on the machine, fill the reservoir.
• Open the steam/hot water knob and put a cup underneath it.
• Turn on the machine and the hot water button.
• You will hear the pump working.

Frequently asked questions