Boiler and hot water are the main heating systems in most homes. However, boilers are prone to malfunction, especially when they have not been in use for some time. Here is a list of the 10 most common boiler problems and their solutions.

1. No Heat or Hot Water

When your boiler has no heat or hot water, it means there will be no heating in your room leading to a drastic reduction in temperature.

At Farnen and Dermer, we have highly skilled plumbers who will diagnose the problem and fix your hot water boiler.

2. Leaking and Dripping

A leaking boiler may lose pressure. Water may also short-circuit the boiler’s electric components, leading to other more serious issues like structural damage.

Fixing a leaking and dripping boiler by yourself is not recommended. Instead, you should only turn off both the hot and cold water while waiting for a professional technician from our office to arrive.

3. Kettling

This problem is characterized by the sound of a boiling kettle. The sludge and limescale buildup may restrict the flow of water, making it harder for the boiler to work.

Kettling can be resolved by addressing the causal factors. However, this can be challenging when you are not a professional. We can help you to flush out the system and get your boiler heater in good shape again.

4. Pilot Light Goes Out

A faulty thermocouple is the main cause of this problem. When this occurs, the burners fail to ignite causing the water to become cold.

When the pilot light goes out, the best thing to do is contact Farnen and Dermer. We have professional technicians who will swiftly identify the cause of the problem and correct it.

5. Low Boiler Pressure

When there is water leakage, your boiler will lose pressure. The problem can also occur when the expansion vessel is not functioning properly. Low boiler pressure is known to cause the boiler to switch off.

Each boiler comes with a manual that you can go through when re-pressurizing. If you find it difficult to follow these instructions, we can help repair your boiler at a reasonable fee.

6. Frozen Condensate Pipe

Frozen condensate pipe may make it hard for the boiler to function properly. This may lead to a reduction in the room temperature as there is no heating.

You can resolve this problem by thawing the condensed pipe using hot water. You can get more instructions on how to go about it in your boiler manual.

7. Thermostat Issues

Sometimes, the thermostat may not be working properly especially when faulty. A thermostat with issues may sense your room temperature incorrectly and send the wrong signals to the main unit.

You should troubleshoot your thermostat before calling our technician. Check the power supply and ensure it is switched on and working. Observe the device’s clock and timer settings and ensure they are correct. Sometimes you may have to install a new one.

8. Strange Banging, Whistling or Gurgling Noises

A noisy boiler is characterized by whistling, banging, or gurgling noises. The noise makes it uncomfortable to stay in the house.

This problem can be corrected by removing the lime and the air trapped in the system. This can be achieved by bleeding or power flushing the radiator. You can call us to help with the boiler repair.

9. Radiators Not Heating Up

Problems with the pump, rust in the pipes, or air buildup are the main causes of this issue. When this happens, it means that the water that is supposed to warm the house will not be heated.

If your system has trapped air, remove it by bleeding the radiator. You may have to power flush if this problem persists. If you are unsure about how to go about it, you can contact us at any time.

10. Boiler Keeps Switching Itself Off

This problem is caused by various factors such as low water pressure among others. When the boiler goes off, there is no temperature regulation in the entire house.

Some of the remedies include removing the system’s air, re-pressurizing, or thawing the condensed pipe. If you are afraid of doing it by yourself, you can call us anytime to have it done by professionals.

For more information about boiler repairs and replacement, feel free to contact us.