Boiler repairs and annual servicing

Common boiler problems

• Losing pressure: often a small leak, a failing pressure relief valve or an expansion vessel that needs recharging.
• Heating works but no hot water: on a combi, frequently a diverter valve fault.
• Boiler locking out or showing a fault code: anything from an ignition problem to a blocked condensate pipe.
• Frozen condensate pipe: common in cold snaps. Pouring warm (not boiling) water over the outside section often clears it.
• Banging or kettling noises: usually limescale or sludge restricting flow.
• Radiators cold at the top: trapped air, so bleed them. Cold at the bottom: sludge, which a system clean fixes.

What happens on a repair visit

We start by diagnosing the fault properly rather than swapping parts until something works. We explain what's wrong and what it will cost before doing any work. Where we can, we fix it on the first visit. If a part has to be ordered, we'll tell you how long it should take.

What an annual service includes

• Visual inspection of the boiler, pipework and flue
• Combustion check with a flue gas analyser
• Checks of gas pressure and burner operation
• Inspection and cleaning of key components where needed
• Tests of the safety devices and controls
• A written service record for your warranty and your files

Most manufacturers need an annual service to keep the warranty valid, so book it for the same time every year.

Repair or replace?

If your boiler is less than about ten years old and has been looked after, a repair is usually the right call. If it's older, breaking down often, or needs an expensive part that's hard to get, replacement may make more sense. We'll give you both options and prices so you can decide. See our boiler installation page.

Safety first

If you smell gas, leave the property, don't use electrical switches, and call the National Gas Emergency number on 0800 111 999. Fit a carbon monoxide alarm near any gas appliance. Soot or staining around an appliance is a warning sign, so turn it off and get it checked.