Common boiler problems and how to fix them
Hello there, I'm Betty Boiler, your trusty expert to everything related to keeping your boiler in top-notch condition. There are a number of reasons your boiler may have stopped working, and thankfully there are even more possible fixes!
Boilers have a habit of misbehaving at the worst possible times - right as a cold snap arrives, or just after you have put down the deposit on that dream holiday and are short of cash for the rest of the month.
Before you despair about having to fork out thousands on a new boiler, however, it is well worth doing some simple checks to identify common problems, many of which are relatively common and inexpensive to repair. Here are some of the main ones to look out for.
3 common boiler faults
1. Not enough heat from radiators
Fault: Your boiler is firing up, but your radiators are remaining cold.
Fix: The first port of call is to check for trapped air in the system. If it is just a case of one or two radiators not getting up to temperature, this is probably something you can resolve yourself simply by bleeding those units affected.
If it is a widespread issue across a whole floor or even the entire house, there may be air in some of the main pipes leading to and from the boiler. Loud banging and groaning noises are another sign that there is air in the system. A boiler engineer will be able to solve this relatively easily.
Another cause of radiators not getting as hot as you’d expect is a faulty thermostat. The tell-tale sign here is that your boiler will switch itself on and off unexpectedly as the thermostat fails to monitor and regulate the temperature correctly.
2. The boiler doesn’t fire
Fault: Your boiler's pilot light is out, leaving you in the cold.
Fix: The first thing to check is whether the pilot light is lit, as without it ignition cannot occur. Common causes of a pilot light going out are a faulty thermocouple which is not letting gas flow properly or a problem with the gas supply itself. If you suspect the latter, contact your gas supplier immediately.
Another reason why your boiler may not be igniting is that the water pressure is too low. Check the pressure gauge - if the pressure is below one, this will explain why your boiler won’t switch on. Some older models of boiler allow you to manually adjust the water pressure via a valve, but always check the manufacturer’s instructions for what the optimum setting should be. It is also a good idea to look for any visible signs of a leak in the system which could be causing the pressure to drop, or you might need to replace the pressure-relief valve.
3. Inconsistent hot water
Fault: Your taps and shower can't seem to settle on a consistent temperature.
Fix: If water from your taps and shower is sometimes freezing cold one minute and red hot the next, there are a number of things to check. It could be a faulty thermostat again failing to regulate temperatures, or it could be a water pressure problem causing the boiler to flick on and off rapidly. Those aside, damaged or broken components in the system such as valves or airlocks could also be to blame. This would require a boiler engineer to investigate further and replace the necessary parts.
Fast & reliable boiler repairs
If DIY isn't your thing or if the issue persists, don't hesitate to give us a call on 0333 733 5127 or book your boiler repair online. Our team of professional boiler engineers are ready to swoop in and get your boiler back up running in no time!
Remember, when it comes to keeping your boiler in top shape, Betty Boiler has got your back! Stay tuned for more advice and updates from Betty Boiler and the rest of our expert team at Go Assist.
