How To Manage a Boiler Breakdown

Introduction

A boiler breakdown is something no one wants to experience. 

A faulty boiler, a broken boiler. 

You never know how big of an impact it has on your life, until it happens to you. 

Our boilers are responsible for our warm water, and keeping our homes toasty warm through its heating methods. It is as important in the summer, as it is in the winter, but more so in winter. 

A boiler breakdown is when our boiler’s performance is unsatisfactory. Either, the water is not heating up much, or it has stopped completely due to a number of reasons. 

This article will be informing you about the various reasons why your boiler might act up, identifying issues, how to cope with it, and how serious a broken boiler can become. 

Importance of Boiler Maintenance / Servicing

t is essential to have your boiler checked, if things are not working as they should. 

It might be that your boiler is too old, or has rusted pipes, but there is a miniscule chance of a gas leak. 

Make sure you cannot smell gas from your boiler, when turning on the water or heating, to ensure that there is no gas leak. 

If you suspect there is a gas leak: 

• Call: 0800 111 999 

The Gas Safety Advice Line: 

• Call: 0800 300 363 

It is of utmost importance that you take a broken boiler seriously, because of problems like this. 

Forgoing boiler maintenance can also affect any insurance, or warranty you still have left on your boiler. 

Signs Of a Faulty / Broken Boiler 

The most noticeable signs of a broken boiler, is if there is insufficient heating, or when there is no hot water. 

However, there are other indications which can suggest if your boiler needs to be repaired, or replaced 

You can identify if your boiler is broken through some easy identifiable methods below: 

• An orange / yellow pilot light – Usually blue. Modern Boilers have electric ignition with no indicator light 

• Banging, Clanking, or Tapping – These are not good noises 

• Difficult to maintain a certain pressure – Typically too high in pressure 

• It is burning a higher amount of gas than expected 

Identifying Boiler Problems 

Most times, it is safer and more practical to leave the problems to the professionals. But there are some situations where you can check where the problem lies, before calling in a qualified heating engineer. 

Simple, Do-It-Yourself Checklist 

Electricity Supply 

For electrical boilers, check if it is still plugged in. If it is plugged in, but there is no power, you should contact your electricity supplier. 

If there has been a power outage, your boiler may have been reset to factory settings, and has lost your preferred settings. 

You should be able to reset it yourself and wait 10 minutes to see if it starts working. 

Fuel Supply 

This is for those with gas boilers. 

To check if your gas supply is working, just check if other gas appliances are still in working condition (e.g., gas stove). 

You can ask your neighbours if they are having heating problems as well. 

If your gas appliance is on, but no gas is being generated, then you will need to contact your gas supplier. 

For off-grid properties (stores oil, or LPG in tank) – You need to check whether there is still a level of fuel left in the tank. This is usually monitored, and your supplier will notify you once the fuel is down to one third.

Water Supply 

Check if your water supply is turned on. It is simple to check. 

Just turn on your taps, to check if the water is still running. Contact your water provider, if you run into problems. 

To find your water supplier: https://www.water.org.uk/advice-for-customers/find-your-supplier/ 

Boiler Pressure 

Inspect your boiler’s pressure gauge. A typical range on a modern boiler is between 1.0 – 1.5 bars. 

Always check in the manufacturer’s instruction manual, which came with the boiler, for the correct range. 

Low Pressure – Follow your manufacturer’s instructions, on how to refill and restart your system 

Correct Pressure – If there is no problem with the pressure, you either have a gas supply problem, or you may need to invite a Gas Safe registered engineer to check your boiler. 

Broken Thermostat 

Double-check, your central heating programmer is positioned over the ‘on’ dial, and your thermostat is turned up, above room temperature. 

If your system works with a timer, it may be that the clock has gone forward, or backward, and just needs to be corrected. 

Frozen Pipes 

In fairly cold weather, the condensate pipe, which carries the condensation outside, may freeze. The blockage can cause an excess amount of water to flood into the boiler, forcing it to shut down. 

It is best solved by an engineer, but can be done by yourself. 

You can pour hot, NOT BOILING, water onto the end of the pipe. Another solution, is to apply a hot water bottle, or a heat wrap to the end of the pipe. Then switch the boiler on and off, in hopes to get the boiler running again. 

Air In Radiators 

If your boiler is working fine, but the radiators are not functioning as they should, they may need ‘bleeding’. 

Bleeding is a process where you release trapped air from inside the radiator, which can be causing the lack of heating. 

Releasing the air trapped in the radiators, will allow for better circulation for the hot water to run. The result being hot radiators. 

You can attempt to bleed the radiators yourself, but if in doubt you can contact a professional. 

Error Code 

Modern boilers will display an error code, to assist you in finding the problem your boiler is experiencing. 

These error codes are shown on the digital display of the boiler, and usually begin with a letter, followed by a string of numbers. 

All boiler manufacturers have their own error codes, which can vary from model to model. You will need to look at the manual, that came with the boiler, to understand what the error code means. 

Examples: 

Boiler Manufacturer | Error Code | What it stands for. 

• Baxi    |    E133    |    Frozen condensate pipe 

• Ideal    |    L1    |    A lack of water flow / flow temperature overheat 

• Vaillant    |    F75    |    An issue with the pressure sensor 

• Worcester Bosch    |    EA    |    A gas supply issue, flue blocked, frozen condensate 

Coping With a Boiler Breakdown 

A boiler breakdown is never easy, especially if the wait for repair, or replacement feels never-ending. 

There are some short-term solutions to deal with a temporary loss of warm water and heating. 

Coping with Heating Issues: 

• Portable heaters for rooms frequented 

• Close the curtains and blinds 

• Keep doors shut (especially unoccupied rooms) 

• Wear another layer of clothes 

• Seal gaps between windows and doors 

• Use hot water bottles 

• Turn on the electric blankets 

Coping with Cold Water: 

• Bring out your kettles – Electric, or gas can be used depending on the problem. Let it sit and only use it when it has begun to cool down. 

• Ask friends, family and neighbours for help when needed. 

Those with less water problems: 

• Hot water cylinder with an immersion heater – If you have this system, it means you still have access to hot water. These are powered by electricity. 

• Electric showers will also have hot water. 

• Modern washing machines can heat water themselves, so you can wash clothes 

Why You Should Never Ignore a Broken Boiler 

Belittling a boiler issue can cause hazardous results. 

A boiler must be maintained, serviced and checked every so often; it should not be overlooked and neglected. There is a chance for it to lead to some serious consequences. 

Potential Dangers of a Broken Boiler: 

• Explosions (most rare) 
• Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (carbon monoxide leak) 

These two outcomes are fairly rare occurrences, but no matter how miniscule a chance, it is still a possibility. 

In addition, even without these potential risks, being without heating can result in illnesses. This is especially so, to young children and the elderly, who are more susceptible to illnesses. 

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning (CO Poisoning) 

CO poisoning can very well be deadly. 

Depending on the severity of the gas leak, symptoms of CO poisoning can amass in a matter of minutes, or silently over an extended period of time. (Inhaled in large quantities, or inhaled in small amounts). 

Carbon monoxide poisoning is seen as a common cause of death in Britain, with patients rushed to the emergency ward (A&E), after inhaling CO fumes without their knowledge. 

Not everyone can survive through the experience, especially if they are unaware of the symptoms of CO poisoning and thus do not seek immediate help. 

Symptoms of CO Poisoning 

Symptoms can be similar to the flu: 

• Headaches 

• Dizziness 
• Nausea 
• Shortness of breath 
• Confusion 

Mild cases – Mild exposure to CO poisoning can be treated by your GP. 

High Exposure – In this case, you will need immediate attention, and should be rushed to the emergency room (A&E). This can cause long term damage. 

If you, or other members in your household (or work place) are experiencing symptoms, which are more magnified at home than outside, the cause can very well be Carbon Monoxide Poisoning. 

Suspected CO Leak? Here is What to Do 

• Turn off all appliances 

• Open windows and doors to promote ventilation 

• Evacuate – Leave your house until a professional deems it safe to enter 

• Call Gas Emergency Services: 0800 111 999 

• Seek medical Advice – Even if you are not presenting symptoms