What to do if your boiler breaks down

If your boiler breaks down, the first step is to check for obvious issues, like power supply, pressure levels, or frozen pipes, before calling a Gas Safe registered engineer. While some problems can be quickly resolved, others may need professional repair or even a boiler replacement.

A broken boiler can leave you without heating or hot water, especially during colder months, so it’s essential to act quickly. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the crucial steps to take when your boiler stops working, how to troubleshoot common faults, and when to get expert help.

Is Your Boiler’s Pilot Light Working Properly?

One of the first things to check when your boiler stops working is the pilot light. A healthy pilot light should be strong and bright blue. If it’s flickering, dim, orange, or pale yellow, this could indicate a fault or incomplete combustion. In this case, it’s important to switch off your boiler immediately and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to avoid further damage or safety risks.

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?

Why Are Your Radiators Cold Even When the Heating Is On?

If your radiators are cold or only partially heating up, it could be due to trapped air or a build-up of sludge inside the system. These issues prevent hot water from circulating properly. Bleeding your radiators is a quick and easy fix you can do yourself, just follow the steps in our how to fix a cold radiator guide. If the problem persists, it may be time to flush the system or call a heating engineer.

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.

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 page 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.

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 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 page.

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.

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 has stopped working, try checking the thermostat, bleeding your radiators, or calling an engineer for advice.

If repairs aren’t possible or the cost is too high, WarmZilla can help you find and install a new boiler quickly and hassle-free.

And remember, if you smell gas, open windows if it’s safe to do so, leave the property immediately, call the gas emergency number, and alert your neighbours.

FAQs

What to do if I have a cold radiator

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.

What to do if you smell gas

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.

How much does it cost to repair or replace a boiler?

Boiler repair costs vary depending on the issue and your boiler type, but you can typically expect to pay between £60 and £300 for a repair. If the repair is expensive or your boiler is old and inefficient, it may be more cost-effective to replace it. A new boiler installation can cost anywhere from £1,500 to £3,500, depending on the brand, model, and installation requirements.

How often should I service my boiler?

It’s recommended to have your boiler serviced once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Annual servicing keeps your boiler running efficiently, helps identify problems before they become costly repairs, and may be required to maintain your manufacturer’s warranty.

Why does my boiler keep losing pressure?

Low boiler pressure can be caused by leaks in the system, recently bled radiators, or issues with the pressure relief valve. You can usually top up the pressure yourself using the filling loop, but if the pressure keeps dropping, it’s important to have an engineer inspect the system for leaks or faulty parts.