How to Fix a Boiler Breakdown

Getting Started

If you're reading this, then the chances are that your boiler has stopped working or, at the very least, you are conscientious that it might not keep ticking over forever. The following paragraphs will help you shed some light on situation and keep things in order. Let Bristol Plumber 24/7 get your central heating working again.

How Do I Know if I Have a Broken Boiler?

As well as noticing a lack of heat or hot water within your household, there might also be some additional problems to look out for, including:
• Unusual whistling, banging, or tapping noises.
• Higher than average gas usage indicates the boiler is not performing efficiently.
• The pilot light or flames are orange/yellow in colour, which should normally be blue.
• It will show a high system water pressure instead of continuing at a steady pressure.
• A leak has developed around your system's pipes.
• Your boiler won't turn on.

Things to Check if Your Boiler Breaks Down

If you discover that your boiler has stopped functioning as expected, check the digital display located on the front of your boiler. It will display an error code when something has gone awry. Write down its error number before switching it off. Also check if any other gas related appliances (i.e. ovens or hobs) are working as normal. If not, this may indicate a problem with the gas supply.

Follow this checklist to diagnose the problem with your broken boiler:
• Check the electricity supply
• Check the electricity supply
• Check gas (or oil) supply
• Check the water supply
• Check the boiler pressure
• Check the thermostat and programmer
• Check for frozen pipes
• Check the pilot light
• Check for boiler fault codes

Has Your Fuse Box Tripped?

Firstly, ensure a switch hasn't tripped in your fuse box, as this may impact your boiler. If you've recently had a power-cut, it may have caused the timer for your boiler to reset. Check that the clock display matches with the current time. If it doesn't, it's time to reprogram.

You can usually find the relevant instructions in the programmer manual; if you don't have a hard copy available, tracking one down online is usually straightforward.

Do You Have a Pre-Pay Metre?

If you have an installed prepaid meter, then it is likely that running out of credit will cause your supply to cut off and your boiler to stop working.

Faulty Ignition Lead

The ignition lead is a vital component to start your boiler. If you hear clicking noises when trying to ignite your boiler, then it is possibly a faulty ignition lead, or electrode. You may also discover that your boiler ignites, but then quickly goes off again. In newer models, a fault code will typically be displayed on front facia. As always if it is an emergency, Bristol Plumber 24/7 will be able to dispatch a Gas Safe Registered Engineer to you. They will be able to test and replace parts effectively and efficiently.

Fan Not Spinning

The majority of boilers have a fan that expels harmful gases into the flue, aka the exhaust pipe. If the fan is not functioning well, then the boiler will lockout and won't ignite. Feel free to give us a call if you have a simple enough enquiry and we will be only too happy to assist.

Gas Pressure

If there is an overflow or under supply of gas to your boiler, then this could cause problems with your heating. You are more than likely to discover a fault code signalling you of an inconsistency such as this. If you think the problem is far more serious and you can smell gas, it's important that you contact the National Emergency Services on 0800 111 999.