NOW that the temperature has dropped, you won’t be happy if your boiler suddenly breaks out of nowhere.
Here’s what to do to make sure you recognise signs yours is about to go kaput and cost you a packet.
1
Boiler making gurgling kettle sounds?
Hearing this when your boiler fires may mean your radiators will not be heated properly.
The noises could be caused by air in the system, a blockage or sediment at the bottom of the boiler which may need to be flushed out by a professional.
A frozen condensate pipe may also be to blame.
If a frozen pipe is the cause will need to be thawed by using hot water bottles and heat wraps – but only if the pipe is accessible at ground level.
What does ignition lockout mean?
This mostly happens to older boilers but it can happen to new ones as well.
Boiler makers install the lockout feature – which causes shutdown – because certain features are not working which could affect safety.
But not all shutdown triggers stem from something seriously wrong.
It can be because of a simple glitch like a power cut or just low pressure.
Normally, there is a reset button on the front of your boiler.
Your instruction manual will tell you to press this in order to reset the boiler to stop the lockout.
Why does the heating stop when I turn the hot water on?
If the diverter valve in your boiler is faulty, this will cause the heating to switch off whenever you turn the hot water on.
This issue can cause frustration when the radiator won’t get warm – when actually the heating could have been flipped off by someone taking a hot shower.
The diverter valve is used in combination boilers to divert the flow of plasma between the domestic hot water heat exchanger and the radiator.
Resolving this issue will require a new part and an installation job, which should be carried out by a plumber unless you have expert knowledge.
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What do I do if my boiler needs repair?
If you experience boiler lockout more than once or twice, or you continue to hear odd noises you should get it checked out by a gas engineer.
This could be costly so find out if you are covered for boiler repair bills.
Check if it is still within its warranty or whether any insurance policies will pay out – most have 24 emergency hotlines.
You may have also got a policy out with your energy suppliers.
Don’t try to fix your own boiler if you haven’t the correct qualifications, that can be extremely dangerous.
To find a reputable engineer check Gas Safety Register which keeps a list of those with the right qualification.
