In this day and age, your boiler may be the last thing on your mind…until it breaks. Then it is the ONLY thing on your mind.
Heating and hot water are a staple of modern living and keeping your boiler happy is a good way to keep you nice and warm on the coldest days of the year.
This article will show you how to deal with the most common boiler issues so you can avoid staring at your boiler, gutted and cold, trying to get a repair person on your mobile. Here are some common issues that can arise with your boiler and how to go about remedying them.
No Pilot Light
Your boiler’s pilot light is the small flame in your boiler that keeps your burner lit. If the pilot light goes out, your boiler won’t work properly. A common reason for the pilot light going out is that the thermocouple is broken and stopping the gas supply.
The thermocouple is a safety device on your boiler that detects the temperature changes of the pilot light. Also, make sure the flame is burning blue. If it shows as yellow or orange, give a qualified technician a call right away to avoid any major issues.
If the gas supply is fine, try relighting your pilot light re: your instruction manual. You can always call a qualified boiler repair company if you are uncomfortable lighting it on your own.
No Heating or Hot Water
Heat and hot water are staples of daily life, especially in colder months or climates. If your gas boiler is experiencing this issue, it could be one of a myriad of causes. To start, try replacing the thermostat. If that doesn’t fix the problem, it could be a broken diaphragm, valve or airlock.
Because of how broad an issue this is, it’s recommended that you call a professional technician to have a look and diagnose the problem.
Low Boiler Pressure
If your boiler’s pressure gauge is reading below one, it is suffering from low boiler pressure. This can be brought on by broken valves, leaks, or a bleeding radiator. The first step is to read the pressure gauge that is built-in to your boiler to determine for sure that it is low pressure that is the culprit of the boiler not working correctly.
It is recommended that you check for leaks and call a technician if there are any leaks visible. If there is not a leak, you can reset the pressure by following the instructions on the manual of your boiler.
Boiler Making Strange Noises
Boilers aren’t silent machines, as we all know, but not all noises are created equal. All boilers make a low hum and that is perfectly normal. If you hear whistling or gurgling, then there could be air in the boiler system. Low water pressure or a broken/failing pump could be the cause of the noise.
Another common noise is knocking. Knocking could be caused by the expanding and contracting of your heating pipes which is normal, but if it’s excessive or loud, it could be a problem that requires attention.
Bleeding your radiator could alleviate any unwanted noise. Read your manual as it should have a few ways to check different issues and test out fixes. If the noise becomes too intense, make sure to have someone look at it right away.
Many smaller issues that arise from owning a gas boiler can be solved by quick fixes via your boiler manual. Make sure to carefully read the instructions your boiler came with or any online manual will suffice as well. Don’t get frustrated if you can’t solve the problem. Bigger issues are best left up to the professionals to save you time and money in the long run.
Have A Boiler Issue You Can’t Seem To Pinpoint?
If your boiler isn’t working correctly, or if you are thinking about replacing your old boiler with a more modern and environmentally friendly one, give us a call. Edinburgh Gas & Renewables understands the need for sustainability and innovation in the heating industry.
From air source heat pumps to solar thermal water heating, we have the solutions to help you heat your home without compromising the planet. Contact us today for more information on switching to a more sustainable heating solution that will keep you and your family warm for years to come.
