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Boiler problems are a natural phenomenon. They can happen at any time. Some you can avoid, some you can’t. Even if you take good care of your boiler, it might still break. Now, whatever boiler you own, you can stop many problems with regular checks. But if your boiler is still under warranty, you don’t need to worry. The company will replace it with a new one.
In this guide, we’ll look at some common boiler problems and their solutions. If nothing works, you can think about getting a new boiler.
How do you identify common boiler problems?
Firstly, check your boiler’s display for any error codes. If there is one, consult your manual to know what it means and how to fix it. Next, verify your boiler timer as it might need resetting after a power cut. If your boiler has no power, examine the fuses to see if the fuse has tripped. If the problem persists, call an electrician. Moreover, ensure your gas meter has enough credit.
In case of no gas supply or a gas smell, contact the National Gas emergency number. Next, if your boiler is working but has pressure issues, examine the pressure gauge. If it’s below one, there might be a problem. Check for leaks, and if none, follow your boiler manual to readjust the pressure system.
Radiators aren’t heating up
If your radiators aren’t warming up properly, it might be because of the air trapped inside. This air stops hot water from filling the radiator. To remove this air, bleed the radiators.
On the other hand, if the bottom is cold but the top is hot, there’s probably sludge at the bottom. Therefore, a heating engineer should flush it out professionally.
Boiler leaking
One of the most common boiler problems is leakage. It is usually minor, often caused by small holes, broken seals, or high pressure. Essentially, it’s like your boiler sweating due to pressure. However, sometimes a leak can signal a serious problem, like significant corrosion. It’s more like your boiler bleeding. Now common issues cause leaks. These include poorly installed or corroded pipework, faulty heat exchangers, high pressure, and leaks from seals. Moreover, it could be a problem with internal parts.
So, what should you do? Boilers can’t relieve pressure like humans with meditation. So in this case, you should consult a registered gas boiler professional. They’ll investigate and do repairs.
The boiler not responding to the thermostat
This is also one of the very common boiler problems. Many people use thermostats to control their boiler’s heating schedule. So when your boiler doesn’t follow the thermostat’s commands, it can be quite a hassle. So, what could be causing this issue, aside from a robot uprising? First, check the basics – make sure the batteries are good and sync the thermostat with the correct time if the clocks changed recently.
If the boiler still doesn’t respond, reach out to the thermostat manufacturer for help.
Next, if your hot water is fine but the central heating isn’t working because the radiators aren’t warming up, it’s probably a boiler setting or diverter valve problem.
Firstly, check your radiator settings. Ensure thermostatic valves aren’t closed. Also, inspect your boiler settings, making sure central heating is turned on. If these steps don’t solve it, the issue may be a faulty boiler component, likely a problematic diverter valve.
While heating works, hot water does not
This list of boiler common problems does not end here. Hot water but no issue often occurs in older boilers that have often completed their lifespan or are near retirement age. It’s usually caused by a faulty diverter valve. The diverter valve directs hot water between taps, showers, and central heating. It’s like the air traffic controller for hot water in your home. For instance, when you turn on hot water taps, it closes off the heating water. Similarly, when you turn them off, they open and send water to the radiators.
But, in older valves, sticking can happen. This means the valve might get stuck, leading to lukewarm or cold water. Sadly, replacing a diverter valve can be costly, averaging around £400-£500. So, if your boiler is old and out of warranty, it might be more financially sound to get a new one. Moreover, you can get a free boiler through boiler grants. We can help you to get the grant.
When turning on or off, the boiler produces a sound
Among common boiler problems, this is also an attention-grabbing issue. Undeniably, boilers can make normal noises when starting or stopping. For instance, the pilot light ignites or the pump circulates water. However, some noises might be a concern. Look out for:
Initially, whistling or banging sounds are known as ‘boiler kettling.’ This occurs when water slows down. It boils excessively, and steam enters the system. Causes may include a faulty thermostat, a limescale, or a damaged pump. Consequently, it’s essential to call a gas-safe engineer to identify and fix the issue.
What’s more, if you hear gurgling noises, it’s likely caused by air trapped in the system. First, check radiators for bleeding. If they don’t need bleeding, it’s cold outside. So examine if the condensate pipe has frozen.
Different boiler noises
Next, droning noises, resembling a plane taking off, often indicate a faulty pump. In such cases, calling a qualified engineer for a replacement is necessary.
If you notice humming noises, they could be linked to excessively high water mains pressure, a pump sending hot water too fast or worn bearings in the boiler fan. In all instances, call a Gas Safe-registered boiler engineer to assess and address the situation.
Finally, whooshing noises, caused by an air intake or air filter blockage, require the expertise of an engineer for resolution. Therefore, prompt action by calling them out is decisive.
The pilot light is constantly going out
The pilot light is a small, always-on gas burner in your boiler. It’s quite common for the pilot light to go out. That is perhaps due to a draft blowing it out or a build-up on the gas nozzle.
Another possibility is a broken thermocouple, which stops the gas supply. The thermocouple is a safety device that detects temperature changes in the pilot light, signalling if it goes out.
Firstly, check if your other gas appliances are working. If not, contact your gas supplier. If the gas supply is okay, try reigniting the pilot light using your boiler manufacturer’s manual. For older boilers, this issue is more common, as modern systems usually don’t have pilot lights; they ignite electronically. If the pilot light problem continues, consider getting a new boiler installed.
Low boiler pressure
If your boiler’s pressure gauge reads lower than one, there might be a problem. Firstly, check for leaks in the system. If you find a leak, urgently call an engineer to fix your boiler. If there are no leaks, try re-pressurising the system by following your boiler manufacturer’s manual. Further, if there’s no improvement, you must consult an engineer, as there’s likely a failed component in the system.
Cold condensate pipe
If you own a condensing boiler, it has a pipe for acidic water (condensate) to an external drain. Occasionally, in cold weather, this pipe can freeze, leading to noise in the pipes. Your boiler usually displays a fault code when the condensate pipe is frozen.
To address this, online tutorials are guiding you on safely thawing a condensate pipe. If you’re not entirely confident in doing it yourself, it’s best to call a registered engineer to defrost the condensate pipe.
Emergency boiler issues that require immediate attention
Primarily, if you smell gas, there might be a leak. Fastly turn off the gas using the nearby meter. Open doors and windows, leave the place and call for Gas Emergency Service. To avoid explosions, don’t touch plugs, make sparks, or use phones inside.
Moving on, a yellow or orange pilot light means fuel isn’t burning right, possibly making carbon monoxide (CO). CO is harmful, causing sickness or even death. Early signs are like the flu – headaches, nausea, stomach pain, breathing trouble, dizziness, or tiredness.
Lastly, black stains near the boiler could show a leak. A gas engineer should check damaged, rusty, or greenish copper pipes promptly. So if you notice black stains, a coloured pilot light, or feel CO poisoning symptoms, leave and call for help immediately.
