How to keep your boiler running for longer

How to keep your boiler running for longer

 
A broken boiler is the last thing you want as the weather starts to get colder this autumn.
 
If you’re facing boiler issues, this helpful guide is here to get you back on track with five of the most common issues and the best ways to fix them.
 
1. Kettling
 
Is your boiler making a strange bubbling noise? If the answer is yes, then you most likely have a build up of sludge, and should you live in an area with hard water, this can be a common problem that happens again and again.
 
Hard water has a high mineral content, which has a tendency to cause build-up in heating systems and waterpipes.
 
2. Leaking and dripping
 
Having buckets full of water that have been dripping out of your boiler for weeks is not ideal.
 
A broken internal component is the most likely cause behind a leaky boiler and can be caused by the pressure becoming too high.
 
3. No hot water
 
The last thing you want is a cold shower whilst you wait for your boiler to be fixed, so make sure you check your thermostat.
 
If your boiler pressure is normal and the thermostat is set correctly, then there could be an issue with an internal component in your boiler. Get an engineer to check this for you.
 
4. Low boiler pressure
 
Low boiler pressure can result in a number of problems, affecting the efficiency and effectiveness of your heating system.
 
This can make it difficult to keep your home warm as well as increasing your energy bills.
 
The best thing to do is check the gauge meter.
 
If the needle is below one, then you have low boiler pressure, which can be caused by a water leak. If there are no leaks to be found, then you may need to get your boiler re-pressured.
 
The manufacturers website will give you details of how to re-pressure your boiler.
 
5. The pilot light has gone out
 
The pilot light is the flame that lights gas provided by a main burner. The flame should remain permanently lit, as it is supplied by a gas pipe.
 
If a pilot light goes out, gas will still be released from the pipe, and this could be potentially dangerous. There should be a sensor in the pilot light tube that cuts the gas as soon as the flame goes out.
 
Check the boiler itself to see if there are any specific instructions as to how to turn on your pilot light.
 
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