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Boilers are the lifeblood of the central heating system, thus we need them to keep running all the time. While most modern boilers are quite sturdy, it's important to remember that no boiler is perfect and that they can still have common problems after years of use.
Boilers in the United Kingdom have breakdowns of around 5% annually. Meaning 1 in 20 boilers can start showing some problems. That might not seem like a lot, but when you add it up over ten or twenty years, the chance of a boiler breaking down is pretty high. The UK government is providing boilers grants to eligible households. Check if you are eligible.
Not many people listen to the advice to have their boilers serviced once a year, which speeds up the development of problems with the boiler's functions. Then we remember how awful it is to be without hot water and to feel the cold. Boilers will sometimes act up for no reason, like you're not paying attention to them. If your boiler is still under warranty, you may rest assured that help will be on its way to you promptly.
This troubleshooting tutorial will cover the 8 most common boiler problems, along with suggested treatments. A new boiler might be required if all else fails. Check for these common boiler faults if your boiler isn't working.
8 Most Common Boiler Problems
1. No Heating or Hot Water
A broken diaphragm, valve, or thermostat is one of many possible reasons. Checking the thermostat is a great place to begin. If it's not the thermostat but a valve, airlock, or diaphragm that's broken, all you have to do is change it, and your boiler will work again.
2. Water Leakage
There are many reasons a boiler might leak water. To figure out what's wrong, you need to know where the water is coming from. It usually happens when something inside the boiler breaks, like a pressure valve or a pump plug. If the pressure valve causes the leak, the boiler pressure is high. If it comes from the pump cover, it needs to be changed.
The boiler leaks occasionally around the tank or pipes. This can happen because of rust or a bad fit.
3. Lower Boiler Pressure
If there are water leaks, broken valves, or radiators that are bleeding, the boiler will start to lose pressure. It's simple to check the boiler pressure. Just look at the pressure gauge; it's already there. The boiler pressure is low if the number is below 1. This is likely the reason why the central heating isn't working right.
Look for leaks that you can see in the boiler. Call a qualified engineer if you find any. Turn the boiler pressure back up if there isn't a leak. Read the guidebook to find out what to do with this most common lower boiler pressure problem.
4. Unusual Boiler Noise
Having a low hum from the boiler is normal. If it sounds louder and more strange, on the other hand, it could mean there is a serious problem.
Both whistles and gurgles will come from the boiler. If air gets stuck in the lines or the boiler itself, it will make a whistle sound. This boiler problem is fixed by bleeding the radiators. There is likely a frozen pipe somewhere in the boiler that is stopping the water flow. An electrician trained in gas safety might need to be called to find the frozen pipe and fix the problem. That should make the noise go away.
5. Frozen Condensate Pipes
Every boiler has a condensation pipe. This pipe transfers waste gas-made acidic water from the boiler. Usually, the pipe goes outdoors and into the drain. Depending on location, the pipe may freeze in winter.
A frozen condensation pipe will trigger a boiler alert or issue code. The plastic pipe connects outside the home to the drain.
Melt pipe ice with a hot water bottle, towel, or heating pack. You can also clean the pipe with hot water. After fixing the pipe, turn on the boiler to start the fire again. You can handle this. For safety, call a heating specialist.
6. Radiators Not Heating Up
If radiators don't heat, sludge or air may be in the system. Sometimes only the radiator bottom heats. The radiator must be bled. Bleeding radiators are simple; no heating specialist is needed.
Balance boilers if some are hot and others aren't. Adjust all radiator valves to equalise. Each boiler will have enough hot water to work.
If balance or bleeding isn't the problem, sludge may limit hot water from reaching boilers. You shouldn't clean sludge yourself. Call a heating professional. Chemical flushes remove gunk and clean the system.
7. Thermostat Issues
When the thermostat turns the heating on and off or loses accuracy, you must replace it. Sometimes, the thermostat is fine; you just overlooked some common sense checks such as:
- Make sure the thermostat is on
- Ensure it’s setting (time and schedule) are correct
Thermostat issues appear when the home is warmer, and the thermostat is not allowing the boiler to heat the house at a temperature higher than what’s set. If that’s the case, increase the temperature by a new increment until you are happy with the settings.
If none of the above fixes apply, your thermostat is broken or losing accuracy. To fix this problem, buy a new one.
8. Hot Water Doesn’t Work, But Heating Does (Or Vice Versa)
Many times, this is caused by older boilers. Most of the time, there is only one problem: a diverter valve.
A diverter valve cleans the hot water that comes out of the faucets and also heats it. It sends the hot water first to the faucets and heats the house with hot water when the taps are off.
Sludge and other things get stuck in the valve over time. This can affect both the heating and the hot water flow.
The boiler will give you warm water but not heat if there is sludge on it. The sludge on the hot water side, on the other hand, will heat the water but not make it warm. To fix this issue, you should have a heating expert do a chemical flush.
Tips to Maintain the Boiler to Avoid Facing Any Problem
Boiler problems can be messy. They will not suddenly appear if you maintain your boiler regularly. This maintenance advice might help:
Annual Boiler Service:
Like any other item, annual boiler service improves performance and lifespan. The boiler warranty will remain valid if serviced. Tell the heating tech about leaks and weird noises when they service the boiler. This will prevent further harm before your boiler breaks down.
Pay attention to pressure: Boilers lose steam over time. Check boiler pressure regularly. Keep it between 1 and 1.5. If it is less than 1, add water. Read the instructions to increase boiler pressure.
Keep the Boiler Well-Ventilated
Your boiler could be placed in a small area, which could cause problems if other things are placed near it. Putting things around some stoves that block the airflow makes them less effective. Because of this, the unit will not get enough air and will not work, either. Limited airflow can even hurt the unit.
Place your boiler in a room with good airflow. For information on ventilating a boiler, consult the owner's instructions.
Inspect the Radiators
Inspecting the radiators can improve the boiler's efficiency. The unit won’t have to work harder if the radiators function correctly. Air gets into the radiators over time. Some common boiler problems signs include a cold patch on a warm radiator or radiators not warming up. To resolve this issue, bleed the radiator. A part of maintaining the radiator is also checking built-up sludge at the bottom of the radiators. If you see any sludge, call an engineer to flush your system.
Safety Checks
To further ensure your boiler is in good working condition, inspect the following:
- Flue and combustion
- Proper functioning of electrical connections, electrodes, and fans
- Check the safety devices
- Condensate pipes and traps are free-flowing
- Seals are intact
Seal Your Home
Keep your house well-insulated to ensure the boiler runs efficiently. Remove the holes and gaps that could let heat escape. Add draught excluders to seal the doors and windows. Choose vulnerable areas like the loft hatch or chimney flue. If the windows are in poor condition, repair or replace them. To boost heat retention, install insulation around the house.
Find the Right Temperature
Heating and hot water need to change throughout the day. You won’t need hot water and a warm home all the time. Hence, experts recommend maintaining the temperature at 18 degrees Celsius while you are asleep or when you are not home and at a maximum of 21 degrees Celsius at other times.
Common Boiler Problems That Need an Engineer
You cannot fix all boiler issues alone. Some intense problems demand a gas-safe certified heating engineer. It’s time to call an engineer when you encounter the following boiler problems:
- The diaphragm or airlock is broken, and there is no heat or hot water
- A part of the boiler is broken, which is causing a water leak
- The radiators are not working because there is sludge or air built up in the system
- The boiler is making unusual noises
Conclusion
While you need heat and hot water the most in the winter, your boiler will most likely break down then. Every home needs to know about the most common boiler problems because the boiler is one of the most important tools in the house. A good way to save money on repairs is to know how to fix them yourself.
Taking care of the boiler, its parts, and the heating system will help you avoid boiler issues as much as possible. But some boiler problems are going to happen. When you need one, call a heating engineer who is gas-safe qualified. They have been in business for a long time and have the right skills to fix the problem.
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