Steam or hot water? It changes everything
Clifton's housing stock has both. Many older homes, especially the pre-war houses on the east side, heat with steam: a boiler makes steam that rises to cast-iron radiators and returns as water. Many post-war homes and renovations use hot-water (hydronic) heat: a boiler heats water that a pump circulates through baseboard or radiators.
You can usually tell by the boiler. A steam boiler has a sight glass showing the water level and a pressure gauge reading in low single digits. A hot-water boiler has a combined temperature-and-pressure gauge, usually reading around 12 to 20 psi, and one or more circulator pumps.
| Symptom | Steam system | Hot-water system |
|---|---|---|
| No heat anywhere | Low water cutoff tripped, ignition, pressuretrol | Ignition, circulator, low pressure |
| Some rooms cold | Air vents stuck, uneven piping | Air in the lines, zone valve, circulator |
| Banging pipes | Water trapped in sloped pipes or radiators | Air or expansion |
| Water on the floor | Leaking return, sight glass or boiler section | Relief valve, fittings, expansion tank |
| Boiler cycles on and off | Pressuretrol or dirty water | Oversized boiler, sensor, expansion tank |
Our no-heat checklist has the safe things to check before calling.
Boiler repair we do every winter
- Ignition and flame-sensor failures
- Low-water cutoff cleaning and replacement on steam boilers
- Circulator pump and zone valve replacement
- Expansion tank and relief valve replacement
- Main vent and radiator vent replacement for uneven steam heat
- Near-boiler piping corrections that cause banging and short-cycling
- Combi boiler service and descaling
When it's time to replace
A boiler is usually worth replacing when it's past 20 to 25 years, needs a major part like a heat exchanger or cracked section, or when repair costs start adding up every winter. Replacing a boiler in New Jersey typically costs about $6,000 to $12,000 or more, with steam systems at the higher end because the near-boiler piping often has to be rebuilt to the manufacturer's spec.
A high-efficiency condensing boiler or a combi boiler, which heats the house and makes hot water in one unit, can lower gas bills and free up basement space. Rebates through New Jersey's Clean Energy Program and federal tax credits may apply to qualifying equipment. We'll tell you which ones your model qualifies for.
Heating and plumbing from one licensed contractor
Because we're licensed for both plumbing and heating, the same plumber who fixes your boiler can handle the gas line, the water feed, the backflow preventer on the boiler fill and the indirect water heater if you have one. No second company, no finger-pointing.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my boiler not turning on?
The most common causes are a tripped low-water cutoff on steam boilers, low system pressure on hot-water boilers, a failed igniter or flame sensor, a thermostat problem, or a tripped power switch. Check the switch and thermostat first, then call. See the no-heat checklist.
How much does boiler repair cost in Clifton?
Most no-heat repairs in North Jersey fall roughly between $300 and $1,200, depending on the part. We diagnose first and give you a written price before the repair. Replacement is a separate quote.
Is no heat an emergency?
In cold weather, yes. Pipes in exterior walls can freeze within hours, and young children, older adults and anyone with health concerns are at risk. We answer no-heat calls 24 hours Sunday through Friday.
Do you work on steam boilers?
Yes. Steam heat is common in Clifton's older homes, and we repair and replace steam boilers, low-water cutoffs, vents and near-boiler piping.
Should I replace my boiler with a combi boiler?
A combi boiler makes sense for many hot-water heated homes that want to free up space and drop a separate water heater. It isn't a fit for steam systems. We'll look at your heat load and hot-water use before recommending one.
How long does a boiler replacement take?
Most residential boiler replacements take one to two days, plus the permit and inspection. We schedule them to keep the time without heat as short as possible.
Why are my steam pipes banging?
Banging, or water hammer, usually means water is trapped where steam needs to flow, from a pipe or radiator that's lost its pitch, an overfilled boiler, or wrong near-boiler piping. It's fixable, and it's worth fixing because it wastes fuel.