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A boiler emergency breakdown may happen any time all of a sudden. When your boiler breaks, it feels like a disaster especially if it is intense cold. Many reasons can cause it to stop working. But don’t worry as there are several ways that you can follow to fix these issues.
Keep reading this blog as we’re going to share some highly effective proven strategies that will help you how to do boiler repairs.
However, fixing a broken boiler urgently might harm people and property in some cases. For instance, if there’s no heating in winter or if there are vulnerable people at home like kids or elders, then you must be ultra careful.
What are the main issues with boilers these days?
Well, most boilers nowadays are of the condensing type, either combi or system boilers. They’re more efficient, but they can freeze in cold weather. So if your machine stops heating water, that’s a big sign of boiler emergency breakdown. But before it gets to that point, notice these:
- Check the flame color. By all means it should be blue. But if it’s orange or yellow, your boiler’s struggling. So call your supplier or see if you can fix it yourself if the warranty’s expired.
- Moreover, keep an eye on your boiler pressure. If it’s going up or down a lot, something’s not right. And if it stays high all the time, that’s a problem too.
- Strange noises? Clicks or ticks when it starts? That’s a red flag. It’s high time to investigate the odd noise or may be boiler breakdown!
And if your energy bill shoots up for no good reason, your boiler might be using more energy than it should. Time to consider boiler emergency repairs or maybe even a new one. Now, if you don’t have the required funding for a new boiler, we can help you apply for a free boiler grant under the eco4 scheme. If you qualify, you might get a hundred per cent free boiler installed on your property. Just enter your postcode here (Please establish a link) and we’ll do everything on your behalf.
What to do if my boiler goes out of order unexpectedly?
Well, before you jump into action, take a moment to assess the situation. Is there a gas leak? This is a serious issue! If you smell gas, shut off the gas supply immediately using the control valve near your boiler. Next, open all your windows to ventilate the area and evacuate your home. Now, call the National boiler Emergency number right away. Do not attempt to fix a gas leak yourself. However, if there’s no gas leak but water is spewing everywhere, locate the boiler’s isolation valves and turn off the water supply. This will hopefully minimise the mess by fixing the boiler breakdown issue.
Who to call for help if the problem is serious?
If your assess a serious issue and your boiler is leaking uncontrollably, a plumber can help isolate the issue and stop the water flow. This may be necessary before a heating engineer can address the boiler itself. For any gas boiler issues, always call a Gas Safe registered engineer. They are legally qualified to work on gas appliances and can diagnose and fix your boiler safely.
Furthermore, many heating companies offer boiler emergency call-out services outside of regular working hours. This might come at a premium cost, but it’s a lifesaver when you’re facing a freezing night.
What does the error code on a broken boiler signify?
When your boiler breaks, it might show an error code on its screen. This code helps figure out what’s wrong. If you’re experiencing boiler breakdown, note down the error code. This will help the engineer fix it faster. Undeniably, most manuals explain what these codes mean. So if your boiler is still under warranty, you should be happy because you’ve got such full boiler emergency support on your side – the manufacturer’s warranty.
That fancy document that came with your boiler? Yeah, that one. It’s basically a promise from the manufacturer that if your boiler kicks the bucket within a certain timeframe (usually a few years), they’ll swoop in and fix it for free. So, grab that manual or warranty paperwork. It’ll likely have contact information for your boiler provider or manufacturer. Give them a ring and explain your boiler woes.
Warranty woes? boiler cover to the rescue!
But what if your warranty has run out and your boiler decides to throw a tantrum? Fear not, there’s still hope! Many people have boiler cover, either through their home insurance or a separate policy. Think of it as a safety net that catches you if your warranty takes a vacation.
Now, if you have boiler cover, the next step is to contact your provider. They’ll probably ask you a few questions about the problem of boiler breakdown you’re having. This is their detective work to figure out if your issue is actually covered by the plan. Different boiler cover plans cover different things, so make sure to check the details of yours before you call.
Once they determine your plan covers the issue, they’ll send in an engineer. This engineer will be your boiler’s knight in shining armor, diagnosing the problem and fixing it with their trusty toolkit.
No warranty, no cover? Don’t despair!
Now, what happens if you’re out of both warranty and boiler cover? Breathe easy, there are still options! First, try some basic troubleshooting yourself. Check if the thermostat is set correctly, and make sure the boiler hasn’t tripped a switch. If some DIY magic doesn’t work, it’s time to call in a qualified heating engineer. They’ll abruptly deal with all types of boiler breakdown issues.
Here’s a heads up, though: since you won’t have the warranty or cover to shield you from the cost, be prepared to pay for the engineer’s time and any parts they might need. It’s always best to get quotes from a few different engineers before you commit.
How to fix boiler pressure?
Boiler pressure problems can be noticeable right away. Your pressure should be around 1.5 bars, as shown on the gauge. Low pressure can mean no heating or hot water, with maybe an error code showing. It’s usually fixable but could lead to leaks or system shutdown, a real pain.
To fix it, turn off your boiler, let it cool, and then open the valves to reach 1.5 bar. Close the valves, turn it back on, and maybe hit reset. But if it still acts up, call a plumber. In fact, lots of reasons can mess with your boiler pressure. If it keeps happening, maybe it’s time for a new boiler. But it will be better to check with your local plumber.
How to deal with a leaking boiler?
Finding and fixing leaks in your boiler is crucial to prevent damage. So keep an eye out for dampness or rust around pipes. Without a doubt, leaks can cause electrical and property damage. It might just need a tightening, but it’s best to get a plumber to inspect it. If you do find a leak, turn off your boiler and water, then call an engineer right away.
What to do when your boiler runs out of hot water?
When your boiler isn’t giving you hot water, there are two main problems: either there’s none at all, or it’s always hot, even when you’ve turned it off. Having hot water all the time might seem nice, but it’s pricey to keep heating it, especially now.
If you’ve got these issues, first, check your boiler settings and bleed any air from your system. If that doesn’t fix it, don’t try anything else on your own—call your local plumber right away.
How to avoid boiler emergency breakdown?
Nobody wants a sudden boiler emergency breakdown leaving them chilly and without hot water. Here’s what you can do to lower the chances:
Annual servicing
Get your boiler serviced once a year. It might be a warranty requirement. Moreover, landlords and businesses need to keep up with this to ensure safety.
Maintenance
Take care of your boiler yourself. Keep an eye out for leaks, strange noises, or smells.
Pipe insulation
Wrap your pipes to prevent freezing in cold weather.
Check radiators
Feel them regularly to spot any cold spots. Bleed them now and then to keep them efficient.
Use your heating
Even if it’s not cold, run your heating for a bit every now and then to keep it running smoothly.
These steps can help you avoid those unexpected boiler emergency breakdowns, saving you from chilly surprises and expensive repair bills.
Bottom line
There are times when your boiler might act up, but it’s not an boiler emergency. You can either try fixing it yourself or wait for a plumber. But when is it a boiler emergency breakdown? If your boiler stops working entirely and won’t turn on, that’s urgent. You need to check the warranty first. If you don’t have one, call an engineer to fix the issue. But, if you’re unsure if it’s an boiler emergency, give your local heating specialists a call for advice. It’s better to be safe than sorry.
