COMMON BOILER PROBLEMS AND HOW TO SPOT THEM

Common boiler problems and how to spot them

For your safety at home, it’s a good idea to be familiar with the common causes of a faulty boiler to nip the issue in the bud. Below lists the most common boiler issues and how to identify them…

Failure to ignite – This is perhaps the most common sign of a faulty boiler and can usually be identified when you hear the boiler sparking and attempting to light before giving in and causing boiler ‘lockout’. Usually, an orange light will also display to signify a failed ignition.

Leaking or dripping – Before your boiler starts visibly leaking, you may notice gurgling sounds and this can be due to blocked waterways or broken parts inside the boiler.

A noisy boiler – A noisy boiler (also referred to as ‘kettling’) is often caused by limescale build-up inside the heat exchange component. This noise usually manifests itself in a banging, gurgling or whistling sound.

Radiators not heating – Cold and unforgiving radiators are usually due to rusting pipes, a build-up of air or a faulty pump (e.g. hot water failing to circulate properly). If your radiators feel hot at the bottom but cold near the top, this is a sign that your boiler is not working at its best.

Losing pressure – If you have a pressurised boiler system, the common sign of a fault can be a loss in pressure. This can be down to an issue with the expansion vessel or because of a water leak. Check the pressure release pipe for any leaks or visible signs of dampness.

Thermostat problems – If your thermostat is fairly old, this could be the cause of boiler problems. Older thermostats tend to deteriorate faster than new models and can be unpredictable, which can lead to complications with your central heating system.

Boiler switching off – A faulty boiler may switch itself off from time to time. This can be due to a number of factors including a faulty pump, a frozen condensate pipe or low water pressure.

Thankfully, each of these common problems can be fixed by one of our gas safe registered and fully qualified heating engineers. The earlier you can spot them, the better. Contact us today for assistance with your faulty boiler or heating system.