Boiler problems drain your funds and always seem to strike at the most inconvenient of times. Depending on the company or independent plumber, boiler repairs can cost anything from £1,000 to £5,000 and a standard call out charge can be in the hundreds.
It’s a lot of money to throw away if there is no fault with the boiler, but a gas main or electrical fault instead.
So with this guide, you can hopefully save some cash and wipe away your boiler worries.
Smell gas?
If you smell gas, this could be an emergency. Do not turn on/off any electrical appliances and open all windows for ventilation. Call the Gas Emergency Services line immediately.
Call 0800 111 999
Checking the gas supply
Gas boilers are very simple to check. Just try another gas appliance in your home such as a gas cooker or hob. Also ask your neighbour if they have had any problems. When the gas stopcock is on, but no gas is coming though, you have a supply problem and should contact your gas supplier.
REMEMBER it is illegal to tamper with the gas appliance of a boiler unless you are a registered and qualified engineer.
You can contact the gas safe register at www.gassaferegister.co.uk
Checking the power supply
Similar to the gas troubleshoot, check that your other electrical appliances are still working and if they are, make sure the boiler plug is in and switched on. If you have no power then call your electricity supplier immediately.
Checking the boiler pressure
Again, much more straight forward than you would imagine. You need to check your central heating’s pressure and ensure it is set to the manufacturer’s instructions. This can be found either in the instruction manual or online and is normally between 1.0 and 1.5 bar.
If you find your boiler is not at the appropriate pressure, follow the manufacturer’s guide to refill and restart your system. If it’s correct, you may have a gas supply problem (see above for instructions).
Checking the thermostat and programmer
Make sure your central heating programmer is ‘on’ and the thermostats are above room temperature.
Checking the pilot light
The central heating boiler’s pilot light can go out for a number of reasons and generally does not warrant the need for a repair engineer. By checking the instruction manual, or the inside of the boiler door, you should be able to reignite the boiler. If it won’t light, there is a gas supply problem. Again see above for further details.
Still not working?
If you have tried all the above tips, then it’s time to accept the truth and call out a registered repair engineer. For FREE local quotes on boiler repair services in your area, visit www.new-replacement-boiler.co.uk