No heat in a hard freeze
A cold house is a plumbing risk, not just a comfort problem.
- Check the thermostat, the power switch at the boiler and the breaker.
- Look at the pressure gauge. Very low pressure can shut a boiler down.
- Open cabinet doors on exterior walls and let a trickle run from a faucet on the coldest wall.
- Call the 24/7 line. We book same-day appointments when available and after-hours dispatch for no-heat calls.
Common boiler problems
Many calls fall into a few patterns.
| Symptom | Possible cause | Typical fix |
|---|---|---|
| No heat, no noise | Power, thermostat or ignition | Test controls and ignition |
| Radiators cold at the top | Trapped air | Bleed the radiators and check the fill valve |
| Low pressure | Leak or failed expansion tank | Find the leak and repair |
| Banging or kettling | Scale or low water flow | Flush and check the circulator |
| Water around the boiler | Leaking valve or tank | Shut off and assess, see leak detection |
We tell you early when a boiler is past economical repair.
Why boilers matter in older South St. Paul homes
About 74 percent of South St. Paul homes were built before 1970, according to the city's 2040 planning documents, and many older houses still heat with hot water boilers and cast iron radiators. These systems last a long time, but their valves, pumps and expansion tanks wear out.
A cold night can expose a weak spot. The pressure relief valve, the circulator pump and the thermostat are common failures. Because the same plumbing carries water through the house, a stalled boiler can freeze pipes, which is when burst pipe repair becomes the second call.
Gas, carbon monoxide and rules
Xcel Energy supplies natural gas in South St. Paul. If you smell gas, leave the house, do not use switches or phones inside and call Xcel at 1-800-895-2999 or 911 from outside. Install carbon monoxide detectors near sleeping areas.
Minnesota exempts boilers in residential buildings of up to five families from state boiler inspection. That exemption removes the inspection, not the need for a competent repair. Verify that anyone working on your system holds a license through the Minnesota Department of Labor and Industry lookup.
What affects boiler repair pricing
Parts and the system age matter most.
Homeowners insurance does not pay for worn boiler parts. Frozen pipe damage after a failure may be covered. Keep records.
A seasonal checklist before the cold arrives
A little attention in September saves a bad night in January.
- Set the thermostat and run the boiler for a full cycle
- Check the pressure gauge and compare it to the manufacturer's range
- Bleed radiators that are cold at the top
- Look for drips around valves, pumps and fittings
- Test your carbon monoxide detectors
Sources for this page
The housing-age figure comes from the City of South St. Paul's 2040 planning documents. The boiler inspection exemption comes from Minnesota Statutes section 326B.988. Gas safety guidance follows Xcel Energy's published emergency instructions.
Questions people ask
Yes. The 24/7 line is open every night and weekend, and we book same-day appointments when available for no-heat calls.
A leak, a bad expansion tank or a faulty fill valve is the usual cause. We check for each.
Many last decades with maintenance. Condition matters more than age alone.
If the tops are cold, trapped air is likely. Bleed them carefully and check the boiler pressure afterward.
No. Boilers heat water and circulate it, and furnaces heat air. The parts and procedures differ.
Leave the house and call Xcel Energy at 1-800-895-2999 or 911. Do not try to relight anything.