A bit like owning a car or other complicated mechanical devices, sometimes, no matter how well serviced, how well maintained or how new a boiler is, the Boiler Gods can still strike down and inflict punishment on your home boiler heating system.

 

But what are the most common issues?  Well let us tell you.  Here are the top 10 most common issues that can cause a boiler to break.

1 – No heat or hot water.

The core reason for a boiler to exist is to give your house heat and hot water.  So if it is not doing it then it is failing at its main reason for existing.  Broken Diaphragms and airlocks, broken motorised valves, low water levels and issues with the thermostat are the most likely culprits.

 

2 – Leaking and Dripping.

From a corroded washer to a cracked pipe, there are quite a few reasons why a leak can appear.  In these circumstances, we need to find the leak to fix the problem.  Simple problem with a simple solution.

 

3 – Strange Noises

If you can hear a bang, a whistle or a gurgle from your boiler then it is not trying to replicate the sounds of your child, is simply air in the system.  It is a common issue with boilers.  If this is not the reason then it could be that the water pressure is too low or it is kettling.

 

4 – The Pilot Light goes out.

If the pilot light goes out then the most likely cause is that the thermocouple is broken.  It can even be that a strong draught is blowing the pilot light out or simply that a chemical deposit has built up around the pilot light which is making it difficult to work efficiently.

 

5 – Boiler Loosing Pressure.

One of two likely reasons.  Firstly it could be that there is a water leak in your boiler system.  Or it could be that the pressure release valve needs replacing.

 

6 – A Frozen Condensate Pipe.

Because of potential chemical build up, the thawing of a frozen condensate pipe should ideally be done by a boiler engineer.

 

7 – Faulty Thermostat.

If your boiler thermostat is not working properly then you may find that your boiler is turning on and off at the wrong temperatures.  Not only can this be costing you more money in heating bills but it is a key indicator that you need a new energy efficient thermostat.

 

8 – While we have spoken about gurgling noises already, if you hear a rumbling sound from your boiler, then you have what is known as kettling.  This is where limescale inscide the boilers heat exchange restricts water flow.  The water that is now moving more slowly turns to steam which is why it is called kettling.

 

9 – Radiators not heating up properly.

Corroded pipework can over time cause sludge to gather in your heating system.  This can prevent the free flowing movement of water getting to the boilers.  The longer it takes hot water to get to a boiler, the cooler it is going to be when it gets there.  And the more sludge that coats the inside of your radiator – the less heat that it can radiate.

 

10 – Boiler keeps shutting down on its own.

If your boiler is switching itself off then it could be either a problem with the thermostat, a low water pressure or because of a lack of water flow because of a closed valve.  When your boiler shuts down, it usually presents a flashing code that allows you to better identify the cause.

 

We hope our top ten problems with your boiler was helpful.

 

If you have any questions, give JSL Heating a call today.