Boiler Emergency: Safety First
If you smell gas, do not touch switches, leave the building and call 911 or the gas utility. If you suspect carbon monoxide, get everyone outside and call 911, since CO is odorless and dangerous. A working CO alarm on each floor is a basic safeguard.
If the boiler is leaking, turn off its power and close the cold water feed. If the pipes are at risk of freezing, tell dispatch so the visit is prioritized. Take a photo of the nameplate with the model, which helps the plumber bring parts.
Boiler Symptoms and Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | What a plumber checks |
|---|---|---|
| No heat or no hot water | Ignition failure, tripped limit or low water | Power, gas supply, controls and pressure |
| Banging or kettling noises | Scale, low flow or trapped air | Water flow, pump and air in the system |
| Leak at the boiler | Failed relief valve, fitting or corroded tank | Valves, joints and the heat exchanger |
| Pressure too high or too low | Failed expansion tank or fill valve | Pressure and the expansion tank |
| Radiators cold at the top | Air in the system | Bleed valves and circulator |
| Pilot or burner will not stay lit | Thermocouple, flame sensor or gas issue | Safety controls and burner |
Boiler Down?
Call the 24/7 line. Same-day appointments are offered when available, and you hear the price first.
Boilers in Homes and Multi-Unit Buildings
Many multifamily buildings in Rolling Meadows are three or four stories, per the city's comprehensive plan, and about a third of the city's housing is rented. Central boilers serve several units, so an outage affects many people, and property managers often call after hours.
If you manage a building, see the commercial plumbing page for how after-hours service and shared systems are handled. Tenants should call their manager first, and the manager can authorize the repair.
How a Boiler Repair Goes
- 1
Safety check
The plumber checks for gas and carbon monoxide risks before touching the system.
- 2
Diagnose
Controls, ignition, pressure, pump and valves are tested to find the cause.
- 3
Price and approve
You get a clear price before work starts for the repair or the replacement part.
- 4
Repair and test
The repair is made and the system is run through a full heating cycle.
Venting, Clearances and Permits
The City of Rolling Meadows plumbing FAQ states that single-wall vent pipe needs 6 inches of clearance to combustibles and B-vent needs 1 inch. Gas appliances in tight spaces also need proper combustion air. These rules matter after a replacement and not just a repair.
A permit is required for a new or replacement water heater, and the city may require one for other mechanical work. The plumber tells you what applies before you approve the price. If the repair is beyond a plumber's scope, such as a gas line issue, we tell you who to call.
Keeping a Boiler Running
- Schedule an annual service before the heating season
- Check the pressure gauge monthly and note changes
- Keep the area around the boiler clear
- Test CO alarms and replace batteries
- Bleed radiators if they are cold at the top
What Affects the Price
Boiler repair prices depend on the part and the system.
Want your real number? Call (847) 281-8626.
Sources and Local Rules Behind This Page
Plumbing work in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Plumbing Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890, which municipal inspectors enforce, and the Illinois Department of Public Health licenses plumbers. The permit and vent clearance notes here come from the City of Rolling Meadows plumbing FAQ, according to which a new or replacement water heater needs a permit.
We name these sources so you can check them yourself. Rules and phone numbers change, so confirm with the city office or the state before you rely on any detail for a permit or a purchase.
Common Questions
Yes. The emergency line is open 24/7, and winter outages are treated as urgent.
Leave the building and call 911 or the gas utility. Do not use switches or phones inside.
Scale, low flow or trapped air are common causes. A plumber can inspect and flush the system.
It depends on age, parts and efficiency. The plumber gives both options and a clear price.
Yes. Call and tell us about the building and system.
Still not sure what you are dealing with? Call (847) 281-8626 and describe it to our dispatcher.