Naturally, it can be very frustrating when your boiler stops doing the very thing it’s supposed to do – provide heating and hot water!
Having no heating or hot water is one of the most common faults and in all fairness, it could be a multitude of boiler parts that can this issue.
However, it may also be caused by simple problems like low pressure or a broken thermostat and these are things you may be able to resolve without calling out a repair engineer.
What you should check if the boilers heating and hot water is intermittent?
have a look at the boiler’s pressure gauge.
The pressure gauge is usually located on the front of the boiler and should indicate a pressure reading of around 1 bar when the system is at the correct operating pressure.
Boilers usually have a red or green dial to indicate if it’s low or even too high.
If the pressure is below 1 bar or in the red, it probably needs repressurising.
To repressurise your boiler, you will need to locate the filling loop, which is a flexible hose with a valve on either end.
Baxi has a really handy video on this subject.
How to repressurise your boiler
Always refer to the Manufactures’ documentation as not all boilers work the same.
First, ensure that the boiler is switched off and the system has cooled down.
Then, open both valves on the filling loop, allowing water to flow into the system.
You can find a guide on how to repressurise popular boilers here
Keep an eye on the pressure gauge and close the valves when the pressure reaches around 1.5 bar. Be cautious not to over-pressurise the system, which can cause other issues.
Once the pressure is at the correct level, switch on the boiler and check if the heating and hot water are working properly.
It could be the boiler thermostat
If the intermittent heating and hot water are caused by a faulty thermostat, consult the device’s manufacturer guide for a possible solution.
The handbook usually provides troubleshooting steps or suggestions on resetting the thermostat.
If none of the suggested solutions work, it is advisable to contact the manufacturer directly for further assistance. It may be under warranty.
However, if none of these suggestions resolves the issue, it is recommended that you seek the help of a trained engineer. More complex problems such as a broken motorised valve or faulty diaphragm require professional expertise to diagnose and fix.
Attempting to repair these issues without proper knowledge and experience can potentially cause further damage to the boiler or even compromise your boiler warranty.
When to contact a boiler repair engineer
First, your boiler could be within its warranty period. Pop on over to the manufactures website, most provide a warranty checking tool, where you will need to add your model number which is usually located on the cover of the appliance.
Secondly, check your home insurance. Some include policies for no heating and hot water.
Lastly, you may need to contact an emergency heating engineer. When contacting a professional engineer, ensure they are qualified and registered with the Gas Safe Register.
They will have the necessary expertise and experience to diagnose the problem accurately and offer appropriate solutions.
Boiler Servicing is important.
Prevention is always better than cure when it comes to boiler issues. Regular maintenance and servicing can help identify and address potential problems before they become major failures.
It is advisable to have your boiler serviced annually by a qualified engineer who can clean and inspect the system, ensuring its efficient and safe operation.
In conclusion, when your boiler stops providing heating and hot water, there are several potential causes to consider.
1. Start by checking the pressure gauge and repressurising the system if necessary.
2. Consult the thermostat’s manufacturer guide for troubleshooting steps and contact the manufacturer for further assistance if needed.
3. For more complex issues, it is best to rely on the expertise of a trained engineer. Remember, regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent these problems in the first place, ensuring your boiler operates smoothly and efficiently throughout the year.
