Your boiler is at the heart of your home, providing essential heating and hot water. When it stops working, it can feel like a crisis, especially in colder months.
Whilst some boiler issues require a professional’s attention, others might be resolved with simple checks.Here’s a guide to common boiler problems and what might be causing them.
1. No Heating or Hot Water
If your boiler isn’t producing heat or hot water, several issues could be at play:
- Thermostat settings: Check if the thermostat is set correctly and the temperature is high enough.
- Low pressure: Boilers need a certain pressure level to function. Check the pressure gauge; if it’s below 1 bar, you may need to repressurise the system.
- Pilot light out: Older boilers with a pilot light can have this extinguished by drafts or issues with the thermocouple.
- Frozen condensate pipe: In freezing weather, the condensate pipe may freeze, blocking the boiler’s operation. Thawing it carefully with luke warm (not boiling) water can help.
2. Leaking Boiler
A leaking boiler is a clear sign of trouble. Common causes include:
- Corroded pipes or tank: Over time, corrosion can weaken your system, leading to leaks.
- Faulty pressure valve: If the boiler pressure is too high, the valve might release water to prevent damage.
- Worn seals: Older boilers may have seals that degrade, causing leaks.
3. Strange Noises
If your boiler is making banging, whistling, or gurgling noises, it’s trying to tell you something:
- Air in the system: Air pockets can cause gurgling sounds; bleeding your radiators may resolve this.
- Kettling: This occurs when limescale builds up on the heat exchanger, causing water to boil unevenly.
- Low water pressure: A lack of pressure can make your boiler work harder, leading to unusual noises.
4. Boiler Keeps Switching Off
When your boiler switches off unexpectedly, it’s likely due to:
- Overheating: Blockages or limescale in the system can lead to overheating.
- Low water pressure: Again, a drop in pressure could cause the boiler to shut down.
- Thermostat issues: If the thermostat isn’t working properly, it might misread the temperature and turn off the boiler.
5. Radiators Not Heating Properly
If some radiators are warm while others stay cold:
- Air trapped in radiators: Bleeding your radiators can resolve this issue.
- Sludge buildup: Over time, sludge can accumulate in the system, reducing efficiency. A power flush may be required.
- Balancing issues: Radiators might need balancing to ensure even heat distribution.
When to Call a Professional
While some issues can be fixed with basic checks, others require the expertise of a Gas Safe registered engineer. Call a professional if:
- You smell gas (turn off the boiler and call the Gas Emergency Services immediately).
- The boiler continues to leak.
- It’s repeatedly switching off or not responding to resets.
- There’s no obvious solution to the problem.
Prevention Is Better Than Cure
Regular maintenance can prevent many boiler problems. Annual servicing ensures your system runs efficiently, identifies potential issues early, and can help prolong its lifespan.
Need Help?
At Green Flame Energy, we’re here to help. If your boiler is acting up, don’t hesitate to reach out to our team of Gas Safe engineers. We’ll diagnose the issue and get your home warm and comfortable again in no time.