Old boiler: repair it or replace it?
Cast iron boilers like this one can run thirty years or more, so age alone isn’t the answer. The question is what the repair is. A pump, a valve or an igniter is worth fixing. A cracked section or a leaking heat exchanger usually isn’t.
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Licensed and insuredVirginia Class A contractor #2705192276
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Our own HVAC installersA dedicated heating and cooling team, separate from our plumbers
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From one of our jobs
An old cast iron boiler in a block basement
Right now: Look under the boiler for water and rust streaks. If it’s dry, there’s time to plan a new one on your schedule.
Old boilers are tough but wasteful. Many burn a good share of their gas just heating the basement and the flue. A new high efficiency boiler is smaller, vents through the wall and wastes far less of what it burns, which is part of the math when the repair is big.
Water on the floor under the boiler, rust streaks down the sections, or a pressure that won’t hold are the signs the boiler itself is failing. Those are the calls where we show you a repair price and a replacement price side by side.
Quick answers
What people ask about old boilers
How long does a boiler last?
Cast iron boilers often last 25 to 35 years. Newer high efficiency boilers usually run 15 to 20 with yearly service.
When should I replace my boiler instead of repairing it?
When the heat exchanger or a section is cracked or leaking, or the repair costs more than a third of a new one on an old boiler.
Is it worth replacing an old boiler that still works?
Sometimes, to replace it on your schedule instead of in a January breakdown. A price range first helps you decide.
Why is there water under my boiler?
A relief valve dripping, a leaking fitting or pump, or the boiler itself leaking. The first few are repairs. The last one usually isn’t.
Who do I call about an old boiler in Northern Virginia?
Call SwiftPro at (703) 997-9757. We repair and replace boilers across Northern Virginia and give you both prices in writing.
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What it costs
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SwiftPro Heating, Cooling & Plumbing
4230 Lafayette Center Dr N, Chantilly, VA 20151
44679 Endicott Dr, Suite 211, Ashburn, VA 20147
SwiftPro Plumber & Water Heaters
4200 Lafayette Center Dr, Suite N, Chantilly, VA 20151
Virginia Class A contractor license #2705192276