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When it comes to boiler problems, they’re an expensive inconvenience at the best of times, and the majority of boilers break down during the cold winter months, when they’ve been inactive for a while over the summer and are suddenly forced back into life – and when you need them the most. This can put considerable strain on your home’s heating system as it works hard to keep your property warm during the winter. Whilst there are some boiler problems that can easily be addressed at home without the need to call in a professional, others will require the services of a qualified heating engineer. Here are 5 Common Boiler Problems You Might Encounter and to look out for.
1. No Heat or Hot Water
No hot water or heat is a common issue for boilers, and it’s often caused by a broken airlock or diaphragm, a failure of motorised valves, low water levels or issues with the thermostat. If you’re dealing with this boiler issue, the best place to start is by checking the thermostat and the boiler pressure – if it’s an issue with either of these two, then it’s likely going to be an easy fix. If you think that it could be due to a more serious issue such as a broken diaphragm, valve or airlock, then you might need a new part. It’s a wise idea to take out boiler cover, either on its own or as part of your home emergency cover; this will cover the cost of replacing and fitting the part if your boiler needs one in order to produce heat and hot water again. You can check out Certi for more information on boiler cover if you’re in need of it. They have some very cost effective options and provide a 24/7 service that will give you the peace of mind you need if an emergency does every arise.
2. Dripping and Leaking
If your boiler is leaking water, this could be caused by a wide variety of issues. In order to determine the root cause, it’s important to figure out where the water is actually leaking from. Most commonly, boiler leaks are down to a broken part internally, such as pump seals and pressure valves. If you find a leak coming from the pressure valve, this could be due to the fact your water pressure is too high. Leaks coming from the pump seal could indicate that the seal is worn out and in need of replacing. If you’ve spotted a leak around the tank or pipes, this could be due to corrosion. Never try to fix a leaking boiler on your own – always call out a Gas Safe registered engineer for a boiler service.
3. Kettle Noises
When your boiler is turned on, do you hear a strange rumbling noise that’s similar to a kettle boiling? This is usually due to a build-up of limescale and sludge in the boiler’s heat exchanger, which leads to a noise known as kettling. These deposits building up in your boiler can restrict the flow of water within the heat exchanger, overheating the water and causing it to boil and steam, thus causing kettle noises. Kettling is a more common problem in areas with hard water, but it can also affect boilers in a soft water area. It is an issue that means your boiler has to work harder to run and can affect the lifespan of the entire system. If your boiler is kettling, the best option is to call out a Gas Safe engineer who’ll flush out your system to remove the deposit build-up.
4. Low Boiler Pressure
Low boiler pressure is a common issue, but the good news is that it’s a problem that can usually be easily rectified on your own. If you suspect that your boiler pressure may be dropping simply take a look at the built-in pressure gauge. If the needle is dropping below one, then this could indicate low boiler pressure and it’s likely that your central heating and hot water systems won’t be working properly. There are a number of issues that could lead to low boiler pressure, including a water leak within the system, a worn pressure relief valve that needs replacing, or if you have recently bled your radiators. Before trying to re-pressurise your boiler, begin by checking for leaks in the system – if you find one, call an engineer as part of your home emergencies cover. If you can’t find a leak, follow the instructions in your heating system’s manual to try and re-pressurise the boiler. If you don’t feel comfortable doing this on your own, then call a professional who will be able to do it for you.
5. Thermostat Issues
Finally, if your thermostat isn’t working properly or switching the heating on and off when it’s not meant to, it could be time to invest in a new one. First, however, check your thermostat to ensure that it is in the on position and set to the correct settings. Also, consider the fact that your home may be warmer than you think; if this is the case, the thermostat might not allow the boiler to heat your home any higher. In this instance, try increasing it in small increments until you find the temperature you want.
Have you ever dealt with any of these common boiler issues?