When your boiler stops working it can be easy to panic, but there are some basic checks that are worth carrying out which may get your boiler back up and running in no time.
Thermostat
The first thing to do is to make sure that the issue has not simply been caused by someone altering the boilers settings. Check that the thermostat temperature and times when the boiler is set to come on haven’t changed. Some boilers can be relatively complicated to set, so if necessary, refer to the manufacturer’s instructions.
Power
It might sounds obvious, but it’s a good idea to check that your boiler is still receiving power. You should first make sure it has not been accidentally switched off at the master switch and then check that the associated switch has not tripped on your fuse board. If the issue is a tripped fuse this may just be a one off problem, but it is important to keep an eye on this as any kind of electrical fault could have serious repercussions if not addressed.
Water pressure
Every boiler should have a gauge allowing you to easily check the water pressure in the system. This will usually be on the front of the boiler and may be hidden under a panel. The pressure should be between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it falls below 1 bar the boiler will usually switch itself off. If this has happened, you will need to repressurise the system by adding more water in which can usually be done by inserting and turning a key, turning a switch or pressing a button. If you are unsure, please refer to your manufacturer’s instructions.
Condensate Pipe
If you have a modern condensing boiler, you will usually have a pipe going from the boiler to the outside of your house to carry away condensate (liquid waste). In winter, this condensate can freeze and block the pipe, causing your boiler to shut down for its own safety. There are several options for unblocking a frozen condensate pipe which are explained in this video from Worcester Bosch.
Whether you are able to solve the problem or not, it is a very good idea to get a professional boiler engineer to look at your central heating as soon as possible to check for any underlying issues. If the fault keeps recurring you should contact an engineer immediately. DHS offer top quality boiler servicing in Bristol and the surrounding area. Our engineers have the expertise to deal with all makes and models of boilers, allowing them to quickly and cost-effectively get your central heating back to full working condition.
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