First things first, try not to panic even though it’s easier said than done. Boilers are highly technical pieces of kit that will require a professional to fix, so do not fiddle with the broken boiler yourself as it is illegal to take the cover off a boiler if you are not a Gas Safe registered engineer. This does not mean you cannot try to isolate the problem before calling out an engineer. There are a few things you can do to try and diagnose the problem and take the correct steps to help keep you and your family safe.
Pilot light
Have a look to see the state of the pilot light, this should be bright blue and established, if it is flickering, dim, orange or a pale yellow then this indicates a fault, and your boiler needs to be turned off to prevent further complications.
Noisy boiler
If the boiler has become louder and makes unrecognisable sounds then this is a red flag warning, you should turn it off immediately. Check out our blog on “why is my boiler making strange noises?”
Cold radiators
If there is not much heat coming from your radiators could be a sign that your radiators have ‘sludge’ inside them or require bleeding which is a simple task you can do safely, check out our “How to fix a cold radiator” blog.
Gas supply
A commonly overlooked issue can be the gas supply itself. It would be worth checking other appliances like your gas cooker to see if the issue is the same or going online to see if there are any current issues in the area. To do this, contact your gas supplier and they will direct you accordingly.
System pressure
The pressure on the boiler could be too high or too low. There will be a visible dial on or next to your boiler and should be between 1.5 and 2.5.
If it is too low, then it will not provide enough pressure to heat up and pump hot water around the radiators.
If it is too high, then there is a bigger problem as it means there is a lot of pressure that could be straining the system. There are simple fixes, and these are highlighted on our boiler pressure blog.
If you have taken these steps or if you have any concerns at all, then it is always best to call a professional.
Call out and replacement part costs all depend on the type of boiler and engineer you contact. If you do not know any engineers, then go to Checkatrade for reliable registered tradespeople.
On average you are looking at £60-£300 for a boiler to be serviced. A routine boiler service should be performed on your boiler once a year. It is not a legal requirement to get service unless it is a rented property, but it is good practice, and doing so can lengthen the life of the boiler. A service will include a cleanout and identify potential problems, or identify any maintenance required.
If you have a discontinued boiler then these prices can grow and more often or not won’t be worth repairing. In these instances, go to our boiler comparison site to find a replacement that is right for your home.
Does your boiler have a fault code?
Arguably the most useful feature of most boilers is the display that indicates a fault code. This can help narrow down the issue so that it can be passed onto an engineer or potentially fixed yourself. For fault/error codes go to our blog page to find your boiler manufacturer and help track down the issue.
Does your boiler have a guarantee or warranty?
Always check to see if your boiler is under warranty. Most boilers come with 5-12 years’ cover, although be careful as you may have to register them for this to come into effect. If you are on warranty, then as long as the boiler has not been tampered with, they should arrange a fix or replacement.
Here at WarmZilla, we carry out the process on your behalf so it will always come with the Manufacturer’s warranty. Read more about guarantees and warranties in our specified blog.
Keep in mind, not all home insurance cover replacement boilers by default. You may have to select an add on package to cover this cost. However, it is always worth checking with them as they may offer emergency breakdown callouts.
Do you smell gas?
Your first reaction to smelling gas is probably to panic (or blame the dog). The most important thing to do first is to get everyone to leave the house.
Your safety is the most important thing, but if you can open a few windows as you leave (please do not put yourself or your loved ones in harm’s way), it will help prevent a build-up of gas in the home. This can prevent potential explosions and long-term odour effects. Do not use anything that could cause a spark, this could be a simple light switch or plug.
No matter how small you think the problem is, it will not take much for the gas build-up to become a major risk. Call the below number relative to where you live for assistance right away.
England: 0800 111 999
Wales: 0800 111 999
Scotland: 0800 111 999
Northern Ireland: 0800 002 001
It is also a good idea to notify your neighbours, even if they are not on your Christmas card list. Don’t be afraid to tell your neighbours either, most will be thankful for you letting them know.
Alternatively, not smelling gas can be just as bad if you find you are experiencing any of the following symptoms as it could be carbon monoxide poisoning, also referred to as the silent killer, please refer to our Carbon Monoxide and its dangers blog to find out more.
- Flu symptoms with no temperature
- Constant headaches
- Finding it difficult to breathe
- Dizziness, vomiting, and nausea
- Loss of balance
- Blurred vision
If any of these symptoms occur, then once again, leave your house immediately and call the emergency gas hotlines. They will respond appropriately.
A carbon monoxide alarm is a household essential and should give you plenty of warning if a leak has occurred. One should be placed by your boiler and another by any other gas appliances like your cooker.
I think we have a water leak
If the boiler is not working and you notice a leak around your boiler, it usually means that the pressure has dropped. A professional can sort this out easily but do not use the boiler and turning the water off from the mains is a good idea. The water shut off is normally located under your sink, but it could also be outside. Contact your water supplier who will be able to advise you of its location for future reference.
Running a boiler with a leak will likely result in additional problems with the boiler mechanics making it rather dangerous.
There are also some other reasons a leak has occurred including,
- Pipe corrosion
- Broken seals
- General age/wear and tear
- Part failure
Has the thermostat stopped working?
Many of us today do not say hello to our boiler, it just sits in a cupboard neglected to do its thing while we all use a convenient thermostat to control the boiler from afar.
Sometimes your thermostat can stop working, and we think the poor boiler has failed us when in fact the batteries on the thermostat need changing, it needs to be reconnected to the Wi-Fi or simply, a setting such as “holiday mode” has been selected causing the heating not to respond to our demands.
Warmzilla has partnered with Google Nest so if you want more information on smart devices like thermostats then please read our smart home segment.
Keeping warm
We tend to use our heating mostly in the winter months as the cold weather draws in. Having a broken boiler will surely make you feel left out in the cold. These tips and hints will help stave off the chill.
Firstly, if you can go to someone’s house either to wait for an engineer or overstay your welcome for as long as necessary then that is a good shout (please be aware of any covid 19 related restrictions)
Curtains are a great way to maintain heat in the home and keep the cold out. Investing in some thermal curtains will not only keep you warmer but can help reduce energy bills, as less heat will escape through the windows.
It’s obvious to say but putting extra layers on will also help whether clothes, blankets or snuggling up with your cat.
Most importantly of all, get the kettle on, have a brew.
For a more in-depth review read our blog on winter-proofing your home.
So simply put
If your boiler is broken, call an engineer, check the thermostat, and see if the radiators need bleeding.
If your boiler is not repairable or will cost too much, come to us at WarmZilla will sort you out.
If you smell gas, if it’s safe, open the windows and leave the house, call the emergency number, and inform your neighbours.
FAQs
If there is not much heat coming from your radiators could be a sign that your radiators have ‘sludge’ inside them or require bleeding which is a simple task you can do safely, check out our “How to fix a cold radiator” blog.
Your safety is the most important thing, but if you can open a few windows as you leave (please do not put yourself or your loved ones in harm’s way), it will help prevent a build-up of gas in the home. This can prevent potential explosions and long-term odour effects. Do not use anything that could cause a spark, this could be a simple light switch or plug.
