5 Most Common Boiler Problems

The job of our central heating system is to produce a continuous supply of hot water and heat. It’s most useful during cold seasons like winter, when there’s snow everywhere and both the air and water are cold. Just like any appliances, boiler gets damaged too. Once it does, it will affect the normal routine of our homes, and sometimes even cause danger. So, we share with you the most common boiler problems. If you happen to experience one or more of the following, consult a professional who specializes in boiler repair in Birmingham.  

Thermostat Issues 

One of the things that might cause your boiler to not function well is the thermostat. If it loses accuracy like when you turn the heating on/off and it wouldn’t work, it’s time to buy a new one. However, before purchasing one, you should take a look at it if the settings are correct, and others.  

Another cause is that the house is warmer than you think, so the thermostat won’t allow the boiler to produce heat that’s higher than what you set. If this happens, adjust the temperature until you feel the right one.  

Loses Pressure 

If the pressure of your boiler drops too low, it might not be working properly. You can easily for the pressure level by looking at the pressure gauge; if it’s below 1 then you really have issues. It’s also because of many reasons, for example the pressure relief valve needs to be replaced or there is a water leak in your system. If there is indeed a visible leak, then call a gas safe engineer especially if you don’t know how to repressuring the system.  

Pilot Light Goes Out 

Another common boiler problem is when the pilot light goes out. But before you reignite the pilot light, make sure to check that you don’t have issues with the gas supply first. You would know this if your gas stopcock is on but the boiler doesn’t receive gas. You can then relighting the pilot light by following the instructions in the boilers manual. If it’s not working, call a gas safe engineer.  

No Heat or Hot Water 

This sign is the most common and obvious boiler problems. If the boiler doesn’t produce hot water or heat, it might be because of failures of motorized vaults, broken air flocks, low water levels or issues with thermostat. Check the thermostat first, it’s probably damaged. If you have issues on the valve or airlock, you might need to replace it with new part.  

Leaking and Dripping 

Another common issue is dripping or leaking. If you notice one, do not try to fix it yourself, call a gas safe engineer. One of the most common cause is a broken internal component like pressure valve or pump seal. If the cause comes from the pressure valve, it might be because of the boiler’s high pressure. If the problem comes from the pump seal, it might need to be replaced because it has been worn out.  

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How to Hire a Gas Safe Engineer 

Whether you want to hire someone who will work on your gas safety check, boiler installation, or just do a general maintenance on your gas and plumbing pipework, you have to be considerate and smart.  

 

Make sure that the one you hire is a registered gas safe engineer. They are qualified to work on domestic gas appliances, no matter what appliances they are. If you want to install them or do maintenance routine on your own, please do not attempt to. People who are not registered are not legal to work on installing or repairing any gas appliances.  

To avoid making any mistakes, do the following to successfully hire a gas engineer.  

Ask if Gas-Safe Registered 

Any engineer who works with gas on United Kingdom is required to be gas-safe registered. It means that whoever you want to hire should be on the official list of gas engineers who can legally work on cookers, boilers, fires and other gas appliances. You cannot DIY this thing, especially the installation and repair part.  

So when you have prospects or when you see a list of tradesmen in a website, check their Gas Safe ID card and license number. If you’re asking personally, make sure to double check. Remember that not all gas engineers are qualified to work on all gas-fueled appliances, so double check what things the tradesmen couldn’t be involved in.  

Ask About Experience 

Working on gas appliances will take not only knowledge and skills, but also experiences, lots of it. Make sure that the gas safe engineer you’re going to hire can work on the specific job or project you want done. There are many engineers who are both professional in boiler installation in Birmingham and inspection and repair.  

Choose someone who has been in the business for quite a while and who has been doing boiler installations. He should at least be accredited by different manufacturers. If you want to hire a person who focuses more on repair work or inspections, make sure you hire someone who specializes in that area. Once you’re ready to hire, ask about the photos of their recent work or contact numbers of their previous customers.  

Ask for a Detailed Estimate 

Make sure you don’t ask for an estimate or quote over the phone. The engineer should see the situation in person first before giving a detailed estimate. Make sure the engineer will go to your house to check, because explaining the situation on the phone might not cover everything because you won’t have all the necessary knowledge about it.  

Hire the one who gives you a detailed and written estimate after he checks the place, with all the costs and charges broken down. The quote includes the materials, labor charges, extra expenses and many more.  

Don’t Self-Diagnose the Issue 

When you’re talking to a gas engineer, do not try to tell him what you think about the problem. Chances are, you might have wrong diagnosis because you’re not familiar with how gas appliances work. Instead, explain to him the effects or symptoms you are experiencing.  

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The Importance of Gas Safety Check 

One of the jobs of homeowners and landlords is to ensure that their properties are gas safe and carbon monoxide incident free. It’s a property maintenance that needs to be considered by everyone who has had gas installations in their home. This maintenance check should be done by a Gas safe registered engineer in Birmingham so he can give you a Gas Safety certificate, saying that your home is safe from any gas related incidents.  

 

The Gas Safety check includes a verification that your gas-fueled appliances, gas pipework, gas meter and boiler are working in a proper condition. The engineer will then put in details how safe your gas installation can function. This safety check should be done by a professional, and not just anyone else.  

You also have to check that the Gas Safe engineer you find is an accredited and authorized individual who is professional to work on your gas appliances. The following are the benefits of doing a gas safety check to your appliances.  

Eliminating Dangers 

Gas-fueled appliances are not 100% especially if you haven’t had it checked for quite a while. It is your duty as a homeowner to take care of these appliances and fittings right away. Be aware of the changes or symptoms that these appliances are showing. For example, a boiler which doesn’t produce heat as it supposed to be can be caused by many factors. It is not a sign of immediate danger but if you don’t have it check it will result to a worse scenario in the future.  

Gas Safety check is important for the safety of household members. Untreated gas leaks are dangerous and also disastrous. You’re not only risking yourself to the potential of fire but you can also experience carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s a killer, and we don’t want any situations like that, right? It only takes maintenance and gas checks to eliminate those dangers.  

Saves You Money and Time 

Aside from staying safe, having your gas-fueled appliances checked can save you time and money. Routine maintenance is vital if you want to keep the appliances on its good working condition. The boiler for example, will naturally pick up debris and dirt from the feed water. After a while, it will accumulate more and will lead to internal blockages and scale. It will cost you a lot for the repair, and replacement is needed for the worst situation.  

Gas engineers have the knowledge and skill to apply water treatments and drain the tank to get rid of the obstructions and scale. After this, your boiler will then work as efficiently as before. You just saved yourself from buying another one in case it is damaged or broken.  

Convenient for You 

Gas Safety check is important for both homeowners and landlords. For a landlord, having a gas safety certificate will be a proof that you can show to your future lenders that it is safe to rent in your property. Certificates should be updated every year to make sure the appliances are working consistently.  

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