Common Boiler Problems And How To Fix Them

Boilers account for approximately 55% of annual energy bills in the UK, but a well-functioning and efficient boiler will reduce this. This is why annual boiler services are important. However, with the best intentions in the world, sometimes you just can’t avoid a common boiler problem.

There are a number of problems that most homes will face eventually; sometimes, these can be fixed by you, but if they persist, you will need to call out a professional’s help. With over 30 years of providing plumbing, boiler, heating and drainage services across Dorset and Hampshire, Greenstar have seen it all and can help solve any problem you might have.

In this blog, we share six of the most common issues people face with their boilers and discuss the potential solutions.

Common Boiler Problems and Their Solutions

The following are common boiler problems that we see frequently in homes. For most of them, there are some small fixes that you might be able to do to save calling out an expert. However, in some cases, a professional engineer will need to take a look.

No Heat or Hot Water

One of the worst feelings in a home is when the tap or shower is running, and the water isn’t heating up. Or the boiler is on, but the radiators aren’t warming.

Several issues could be causing this:

• Low pressure
• Thermostat issues
• Pilot light problems
• Airlocks in the system

The first thing we recommend you do is take a look at the following to see if they make a difference.

• Check the thermostat settings.
• Repressurise the boiler if the pressure is too low.
• Relight the pilot light if it’s out.
• Bleed radiators to remove airlocks.

If none of these resolutions work, you should call out a professional, as it indicates a more serious problem.

Boiler Leaking or Dripping

A boiler leak or dripping will be fairly obvious, especially if it isn’t hidden away in a cupboard.

A leak or drip could be caused by:

• Broken internal components
• Corrosion
• High pressure

These can be slightly more difficult to identify and fix on your own, but there are a few things you should do when you notice the problem:

• Turn off the water supply and clean up the leak to prevent further damage.
• Check for visible signs of leaks in pipes or connections.

Once you have prevented the issue from getting worse, you will need to call an expert for an emergency appointment (particularly in winter). Leaks can cause significant damage and may indicate a serious internal fault, which will need a professional engineer to identify and solve.

Strange Noises Coming from the Boiler

There is nothing more irritating than strange noises coming from your boiler.

Possible causes can include:

• Air in the system
• Low water pressure
• Kettling (buildup of limescale)

When the noises first start, you can try the following to stop them:

• Bleed the radiators to remove trapped air.
• Check and adjust the boiler pressure.

However, if the noises persist after taking these actions, you will need to call out a professional engineer to have a look, as it could signify a deeper mechanical or circulation issue.

Boiler Keeps Switching Off

In some cases, you might find the boiler switching itself off, which is a pretty big inconvenience when trying to warm up your home.

This could be due to:

• Low water pressure
• A faulty thermostat
• A blocked heat exchanger

The first things you need to do will be:

• Check the pressure gauge and repressurise if necessary.
• Reset the thermostat or replace the batteries.

If the boiler continues to switch itself off, you should call an expert, who will complete a thorough inspection to find and solve the problem.

Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

The pilot light ignites the main burner, so if this keeps going out, you are left without a functioning boiler to heat your home.

Potential causes of this include:

• Broken thermocouple
• Draughts
• A deposit buildup

If you encounter this problem, there are a few things that you can try:

• Try relighting the pilot light following the manufacturer’s instructions.
• Ensure there are no drafts affecting the pilot light.

If the pilot light fails to stay lit, professional repair or replacement may be required.

Low Boiler Pressure

Your boiler relies on the pressure being just right, so when the pressure drops and stays low, it will cause problems.

Causes could be:

• Leak in the system
• Bleeding radiators
• Faulty pressure relief valve

If you believe this is a problem, try the following:

• Repressurise the boiler using the filling loop.
• Check for leaks around the system.

If the pressure continues to drop after repressurising, it could signal a leak or other significant issue.

Preventive Maintenance Tips for Boilers

If you experience any of these issues and have paid to get them fixed, you will want to try and avoid it happening again.

There are a few preventative measures that you can take to reduce the chance of another breakdown. These include:

• Regular servicing
• Bleeding radiators
• Checking pressure
• Clearing vents and flues

If you are unsure how to maintain your boiler, don’t hesitate to ask the expert engineer when they visit your property to resolve your common boiler problem. They will always be happy to run through how to complete some of the usual checks so you can carry them out on your own.

Trust Our Experts

At Greenstar, we have over 30 years of experience serving homes in Dorset and Hampshire. During this time, we have seen these common boiler problems over and over again, meaning we have the knowledge and skills to quickly diagnose and fix the issues.

Our accredited team are dedicated to providing an efficient and cost-effective service to our customers. We won’t mess you around and will always discuss your options so that you know what is happening and when.

Experiencing one of these common boiler issues? Or dealing with a problem not listed here? Reach out to our team of experts today and arrange a visit and repair.

Call us on 01202 355 344 or complete our online contact form.