Common boiler problems and how to prevent themes

If you look after your boiler properly, it’s less likely to break down. Plus, according to OFTEC, a well-maintained boiler unit can be up to 8 per cent more efficient and save you money in the long run.

Ideally, you should get your boiler serviced every year. As fuel management experts Certas Energy point out, this can reduce the risk of expensive and inconvenient breakdowns. In this blog, we take a look at some of the most common boiler-related problems, what you should do if they crop up and how you can prevent them from happening in the first place. 

It won’t heat water

No hot water is a tell tale sign that your boiler isn’t working as it should do. To suss out why this might be happening, there are a few checks you can do yourself. You could start by making sure that your boiler is receiving the power it needs to function, so take a look at the backlight on the display and pressure gauge. It’s also a good idea to check your thermostat, making sure it’s set at the right temperature to supply hot water to your taps.

If your taps are still running cold, it’s a good idea to enlist the help of a professional. An OFTEC-registered engineer will be qualified to carry out tests on your boiler safely, work out what the problem is and advise you on how it can be fixed.

The central heating won’t work

If your boiler provides you with hot water but your central heating isn’t working, there’s a good chance there’s something up. However, many boilers are designed to recognise when a room has reached a certain temperature and switch off, so it’s worth increasing the number on your thermostat to see if you can give your unit a kick start. You should also check the heating settings on your system to make sure everything is as it should be, and you may want to check the pressure of the boiler too.

If you’re struggling to find any obvious reason as to why your central heating isn’t working, it could be that part of your boiler is faulty, for example a diaphragm may be broken or a valve may need to be replaced. . It can be difficult to pinpoint exactly what the issue is without having someone look at it, so it’s worth getting a professional to assess your boiler.

It’s too noisy

While it’s perfectly normal for your boiler to make some noise, anything more than a low humming sound is likely to be a cause for concern. For example, if it makes a whistling noise, it’s important that you don’t just ignore it. Also known as ‘boiler kettling’, this noise could be a result of trapped air in the boiler itself or within the pipes. To stop this from being an issue, you could try bleeding your radiators to let out any excess air.

Experiencing problems with your boiler can be stressful, especially if it means going without heating or hot water until it’s fixed. Getting it serviced regularly will make sure yours stays in tip top working order year after year

This is a collaborative post.