At Green Flame Energy, we know how frustrating it can be when your boiler isn’t working as it should – especially in the middle of winter.
A broken boiler can leave you without heating and hot water, but the good news is that many common boiler issues have straight forward solutions. Here are ten of the most frequent boiler problems and what you can do about them.
1. No Heating or Hot Water
If your boiler isn’t producing heat or hot water, there could be a range of issues, including low pressure, a faulty thermostat, or a broken diaphragm. Check the boiler pressure and reset your thermostat first. If the issue persists, you may need professional help.
2. Leaking or Dripping Boiler
Leaks can occur due to worn-out seals, loose pipe connections, or corrosion inside the boiler. If you spot a leak, turn off the water supply and call an engineer – leaving it in this state can cause further damage.
3. Strange Noises (Banging, Whistling, or Gurgling)
Unusual noises often indicate trapped air, low water pressure, or a buildup of limescale (known as “kettling”). Bleeding radiators or power flushing the system can help, but persistent noises may require an engineer’s inspection.
4. Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
A faulty thermocouple, draughts, or a buildup of debris can cause the pilot light to go out. Call a Gas Safe engineer so they can attend and take a look.
5. Low Boiler Pressure
Your boiler won’t function properly if the pressure is too low. Check the pressure gauge – it should be between 1 and 2 bar. If it’s too low, you may need to repressurise the system by following the manufacturer’s guidelines.
6. Frozen Condensate Pipe
In winter, the condensate pipe (which removes waste water from your boiler) can freeze, causing the boiler to shut down. This can be thawed out using warm (not boiling) water and lag it with insulation to prevent future freezing.
7. Thermostat Issues
If your heating isn’t responding properly, your thermostat might be faulty, incorrectly set, or need new batteries. Try adjusting the settings or replacing the batteries before calling an expert.
8. Radiators Not Heating Up Properly
Cold spots on radiators usually indicate trapped air or sludge buildup. Bleeding the radiators can release trapped air, while power flushing can help remove debris blocking the system.
9. Boiler Switching Itself Off
A boiler that keeps turning off could be due to low pressure, thermostat issues, or a blocked heat exchanger. Checking and repressurising the system may help, but if the problem persists, you’ll need an engineer to investigate further.
10. Boiler Not Responding to Controls
If your boiler isn’t responding to the timer or thermostat, check if the settings are correct and ensure there are no power supply issues. If the problem remains, the controls may need replacing.
When to Call a Professional
While some issues can be resolved with simple fixes, others require expert attention. If you’re unsure or dealing with gas-related problems, always contact a Gas Safe registered engineer. At Green Flame Energy, we’re here to help with all your boiler servicing, repairs, and installations.
Need help with your boiler? Get in touch with Green Flame Energy today!
Disclaimer: The information in this article is intended as general advice and should not be considered a guaranteed solution to your boiler issues. If you are in any doubt, always seek professional assistance from a qualified engineer.