Why is my Boiler Not Working?

There are few worse feelings than realising your boiler is not working as it’s supposed to. Whether you have no hot water for that relaxing shower, or your home is starting to freeze in the winter weather, boiler emergencies are always a serious matter.

If you’ve got that sinking feeling that something isn’t right but you’re not sure what the problem is, continue reading for some support!

How Can You Identify if Your Boiler Isn’t Working?

Your boiler is essential for keeping your home warm and comfortable, but like any household appliance, they can encounter issues. Understanding the signs when it isn’t working properly is crucial for a quick resolution.

Loud Noises

If your boiler is making unusual noises such as banging, whistling, or gurgling, it could be a sign of underlying issues like air in the system, a malfunctioning pump, or limescale build-up.

Leakages

Another indicator is leakage around the boiler, which can be the cause of low boiler pressure. Any visible leaks should be addressed immediately, as they can lead to water damage and further complications within the boiler unit itself.

Low Boiler Pressure

One of the most common issues is low boiler pressure, which can lead to reduced heating efficiency or even a complete shutdown. You can check the pressure gauge to see if it’s below the recommended range, which will be clearly marked (usually between 1 and 1.5 bar).

Boilers can lose pressure naturally, so low pressure isn’t an immediate cause for concern. In fact, you can repressurise your boiler from home without the need of an expert, but if it is continually losing pressure, then you may need a gas engineer to visit.

Read our full blog on low boiler pressure to find out how to top up your boiler pressure and when calling an engineer might be the best option!

What Can I do to Prepare for a Boiler Repair?

In the case that you need to call out a qualified engineer to take a look at your boiler, whether for an emergency appointment or routine check, there are a few things you can do to help the process go smoothly.

Firstly, try to make the area around the boiler is clear and accessible, as clutter could hinder the repair process and an engineer needing to tidy beforehand will make the job take longer. It’s also a good idea to keep pets or young children out of the room during the repair process for their safety and the safety of the engineer.

If you can, explain the issues you’ve been having to the technician as best you can when they arrive, as they will then be able to investigate and diagnose the issue faster than if they’re left on their own.

What Can be Considered as a Boiler Emergency?

While some boiler issues can wait for regular business hours, others require immediate attention. A full or partial breakdown, in which the boiler stops functioning altogether or only one of your hot water or central heating is operating correctly, is a clear emergency. Inefficient or unreliable heating, especially during winter months, can also pose health risks and warrant urgent attention.

Another critical emergency is a carbon monoxide leak. Carbon monoxide is a colourless, odourless gas that can be lethal in high concentrations, with symptoms of poisoning including headaches, dizziness, nausea, and confusion. Please check the NHS website for more information about carbon monoxide poisoning and what to do if you suspect you may have it.

Consider installing a Butco carbon monoxide alarm next to your boiler so that you can be alerted if the gas is present, or if you suspect a carbon monoxide leak has already occurred, evacuate the premises immediately.

When Should I Ask for Professional Help?

An emergency boiler repair isn’t the only reason to call out an engineer from Butco. If you’re having problems that affect your hot water or central heating and none of the solutions in our FAQs seem to be helping, a boiler callout should be your next step.

A registered gas-safe and experienced engineer will turn up as soon as possible and will be able to diagnose your problem quickly and efficiently. Our engineers are trained to identify the cause of low pressure, leakages, and strange noises, and get you back up and running in no time.

We even offer low-cost boiler maintenance plans starting from as little as £10.15 a month. All our plans come with a free annual service and a 24-hour phoneline where you can report any issues, giving you full peace of mind that we’re always just a phone call away.

Get in touch with Butco today to find out how our boiler services and emergency boiler repair could help you. Call us on 0333 366 1121 or email info@butco.com to speak with a member of our team today!