Your Essential Guide
As a leading provider of boiler repairs, we have seen pretty much every boiler problem there is to see! Here are some of the most common issues and what you need to do if you find yourself dealing with any of them, along with when you should get in touch with our team.The pilot light has gone out
If you have an older boiler that does not ignite electronically, this can be a really common issue. It’s often due to something really simple. Drafts! So follow the manufacturer’s instructions and reignite it. If it doesn’t light or it continues to happen even after you have gotten rid of the draft, it’s time to give us a call.Strange noises
All boilers make a small amount of noise, but anything noticeably loud, like banging or gurgling, is something that you need to address. A common cause of gurgles is air in the system, and bleeding your radiators can resolve this. Some noises can also be down to pipework expanding and contracting. Hard water debris can also lead to noises.Smells
Is there a strange smell coming from your boiler? If the answer is yes, then you need to call for help right away. A smell of sulphur or rotten eggs can mean a gas leak, in which case you need to open all the doors and windows, turn off the gas, evacuate the property and call the National Gas Emergency Service. Musty or burning smells also need urgent attention, and we can help.
Radiators not warming up
Cold radiators can be down to air in your central heating system. This can be resolved by bleeding the radiators to get rid of the air. If they are cold at the bottom but warm at the top, then there could be a build-up of debris and sludge. We can flush out your system, prolonging the life of your boiler, if this is the case.
Boiling switching off
If your boiler switches off out of the blue, then run through the following checklist:
- Check the pressure
- Ensure the thermostat is working correctly
- Bleed the radiators
If you have tried all of the above and are still having no luck, get in touch with our expert, Gas Safe registered team right away.
Condensate pipe freezing
A boiler that isn’t firing up as expected or is making unexpected noises could be a sign of frozen condensate pipes. This is really common during the winter months, and we’re having our fair share of very cold weather right now. If you experience this, all you need to do is carefully apply a hot water bottle to your pipes. In terms of prevention, pipe insulation is a great move.
A drop in pressure
If the heating stops working and there’s a warning light or error code, your boiler pressure is probably low. This can be down to a small leak or trapped air in the system. You do a quick fix yourself by topping the pressure back up using the filling loop until the gauge reads around 1 to 1.5 bar when it’s cold. The only lasting solution is going to be finding the underlying issue, though.
Talk to us
Boilers work hard to keep our homes warm and hot water running, but just like any other piece of machinery, they can fall victim to problems. We’re here to help you keep yours in good working order for as long as possible.