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A boiler is the heart of your home’s heating system, and when it stops working, it can cause major disruptions to your daily life. In this blog, we’ll dive into these common boiler repair problems and provide practical solutions to help you get your heating system back on track.

1. No Heating or Hot Water

If your boiler is not providing heating or hot water, it could be due to several reasons:

• Faulty Diverter Valve:
  • A diverter valve directs hot water either to the radiators or the taps. If it’s stuck or broken, it may fail to deliver heating or hot water.
  • Solution: This will require a visit from a professional engineer to come and inspect and replace the diverter valve if necessary.
• Pilot Light or Ignition Issues:
  • Modern boilers use electronic ignition, but older models may rely on a pilot light. If these fail, the boiler won’t function.
  • Solution: Check the pilot light and follow instructions on how to reignite it if it’s gone out. For electronic ignition, a professional may need to investigate.
• Thermostat or Timer Settings:
  • Incorrect thermostat settings or a malfunctioning timer can disrupt heating.
  • Solution: Verify that the thermostat is set to the desired temperature and that the timer is programmed correctly.

2. Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can prevent your boiler from functioning correctly. This issue is often indicated by the pressure gauge dropping below 1 bar.

• Causes: Common causes include a leak in the system, a recently bled radiator, or a faulty pressure relief valve.
  • Solution:
    1. Check for visible leaks around radiators, pipes, and check the discharge pipe that is normally located on the outside of the building just below the flue.
    2. Repressurise your boiler by following the manufacturer’s instructions. This usually involves using the filling loop to add water to the system.
    3. If the pressure keeps dropping, call an engineer to investigate further.

If you continue to have low water pressure and none of the solutions above can fix the issue, Hewer FM is able to help. We provide Heating and plumbing services & our expert engineers would be able to diagnose and find a solution to any problem you are experiencing

3. Thermostatic Remote Losing Signal

Wireless thermostats & smart thermostats are convenient, but some can lose signal with the boiler, causing heating issues.

• Causes: Dead batteries, interference, or being out of range can disrupt the signal.
  • Solution:
    1. Replace the batteries in the thermostat.
    2. Ensure the thermostat is within range of the boiler.
    3. Re-pair the thermostat with the boiler by following the user manual instructions.

For best practices on using smart thermostats, Citizen’s Advice provides helpful guidance on energy-saving measures and home heating efficiency.

4. Battery Thermostat Issues

Battery-powered thermostats & some smart thermostats can stop working if the batteries are dead or if there’s a connection issue.

• Solution:
  1. Replace the batteries with new ones.
  2. Check for corrosion in the battery compartment and clean it if necessary.
  3. Ensure the thermostat is functioning correctly and communicating with the boiler.

5. No Gas or Locked Out Boiler

If you’ve run out of gas or if you have a prepaid meter and it is out of credit, then your boiler will stop working. Similarly, modern boilers can lock out for safety reasons if they detect a fault.

• Solutions:
  1. Check your gas supply and top up your prepaid meter if needed.
  2. Reset the boiler following the manufacturer’s instructions. If it locks out repeatedly, call a professional to diagnose the issue.

If you still suspect a gas supply issue, Wales & West Utilities provides guidance on emergency contacts and supply maintenance throughout the south-west.

6. Fault Codes on Boiler Display

Most modern boilers display fault codes to indicate specific issues. Common codes include those for ignition failure, low pressure, or sensor errors.

• Solution: Consult your boiler’s manual to interpret the fault code. While some minor issues can be resolved by resetting the boiler or topping up the pressure, others may require boiler repairs by a professional engineer. It is always advantageous to make the professional engineer aware of the fault code when making the call out, so they are aware of the fault ahead of the appointment.

7. Blocked or Frozen Condensate Pipe

Condensing boilers produce water as a by-product, which is expelled through the condensate pipe. In cold weather, this pipe can freeze, causing blockages.

• Symptoms: Gurgling noises, a fault code, or the boiler shutting down are common signs of a blocked condensate pipe.
• Solution:
  1. Locate the pipe (usually a white plastic pipe leading outside).
  2. If it’s frozen, pour warm (not boiling) water over the pipe to thaw it.
  3. Insulate the pipe to prevent future freezing.
  4. For other blockages, ensure the pipe is clear of debris and slopes correctly to allow water to drain. If unable to locate the blockage, then call for a professional engineer to help resolve the problem.

 

Preventative Measures to Avoid Boiler Problems

Ultimately, taking care of your boiler can help to minimise issues. Here are our top tips:

1. Annual Servicing: Have your boiler serviced annually by a Gas Safe-registered engineer to ensure its operating safely and efficiently.
2. Check Pressure Regularly: Monitor the pressure gauge and repressurise as needed. Please note if you have to do this regularly, i.e., more than once per year, then it is advised to get a professional engineer to come and check this out.
3. Bleed Radiators: Release trapped air from radiators to improve heating efficiency.
4. Insulate Pipes: Insulate exposed pipes, especially the condensate pipe, to prevent freezing in winter. According to Energy Saving Trust, simple measures like improving insulation and draught-proofing can prevent heat loss, making your heating system more effective and energy-efficient.
5. Keep an Eye on Fault Codes: Pay attention to error codes and address them promptly to prevent further damage.

 

Summary

Boiler repairs can be frustrating, but understanding common issues and their solutions can save you time and money. While some minor problems can be resolved on your own, others require the expertise of a qualified professional. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable with DIY fixes, always contact a Gas Safe-registered engineer to handle the issue safely and effectively. For urgent needs, emergency boiler repairs are available to ensure your home remains warm and comfortable.

By taking preventative steps and addressing problems early, you can ensure your boiler runs smoothly, keeping your home warm and comfortable all year round. If you’re experiencing any of these boiler repair signs or need assistance with how to troubleshoot boiler issues, consider reaching out to Hewer FM. Their professional team can provide reliable boiler repairs and maintenance services to keep your heating system in top condition.