Six Common Issues to Look For in a Broken Boiler

Now's the time of year when you need to ensure that the boiler in your property is working efficiently and safely. And it's better to do it sooner rather than later.

According to Fixflo, the UK’s leading repairs and maintenance software with 1 million+ properties on the system, October tends to be the busiest month for boiler issues to be reported in the year. With this year's winter arriving later than usual, however, November and December are set to be busy months for boiler repairs. Get ahead of the curve and report boiler issues early, if need be. This way you will avoid being in a home with no heating when the cold snap eventually arrives.

It's obviously important that you know what to look for in a broken boiler. Here are six common faults with boilers. These tell-tale signs could indicate significant issues affecting a boiler, from a gradual deterioration to a sudden break. Most of these issues call for a Gas Safe Registered engineer or professional's service. But there are some easy things you can try at home almost immediately.

Never attempt to fix a boiler yourself.

1. No Heat

If the boiler isn’t heating water up, this could indicate a serious issue with the pressure or components inside it.

This could mean significant repairs that only an engineer should undertake.

2. Lazy Yellow Pilot Light Flame

A yellow flame isn’t receiving enough oxygen to power the gas system - this is usually because of a built-up air intake valve.

Often, the job of cleaning it out can only be performed by a professional.

3. Boiler Making Strange Noises

There may be air in the system, or there may be a “kettling” issue where limescale builds up in the boiler’s heat exchanger.

You can bleed the system or have an engineer flush it out.

4. Radiators Aren't Heating

If radiators are hot at the bottom but cold at the top, the heat may be prevented from travelling upwards by a build up of air or rust.

Bleeding the radiator usually helps. If not, there might be an underlying problem for a Gas Safe Registered engineer to solve.

5. Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

This could be a result of a broken thermocouple which is stopping the supply of gas, a built-up deposit in the pilot light or a draught which keeps blowing it out. Either way, this is an issue that will need resolving.

A draught could be rectified by you, but either of the other issues will need an engineer to sort out. This could mean significant repairs that only an engineer should undertake.

6. Frozen Condensate Pipe

The condensate pipe takes acidic water outside, and if the weather is cold, it can freeze - your boiler should present you with a fault code if this occurs.

This can usually be resolved by dousing the pipe in warm (not boiling) water to alleviate the freezing effect.

If your boiler or other parts of your property suffers any damage at any time, please make sure you report the issue via our online portal as soon as possible. You can report issues 24 hours using the button below. 

Our reactive repairs portal allows your issue to be dealt with promptly; and if a contractor is needed, you will be able to schedule a convenient time for them to attend your property and carry out the required repairs.