Common boiler problems and how a professional heating engineer can help to solve them

Low Boiler Pressure

Boilers are complex pieces of machinery, and when they develop problems, it is often difficult to know what is wrong. Without the right knowledge and experience, it can be difficult to fix most boiler issues yourself. An important piece of advice is always to use a qualified and experienced professional heating engineer to diagnose and solve boiler problems correctly. This article outlines some common boiler problems and explains how a professional heating engineer can help to solve them. 

Low boiler pressure is a typical problem in many older boilers. It can cause annoying issues such as reduced heating, a pilot light going out, or even no hot water and heating at all. To solve this issue, a professional heating engineer will first check the pressure gauge. If it is below 1, they will add pressure by opening the filling loop. If the pressure doesn't increase, then they may need to check for any leaking pipes or a faulty pressure relief valve. 

Kettling Noise From The Boiler

Another common boiler problem is when your boiler makes a "kettling" noise. This is because of a build-up of limescale on the heat exchanger. If this problem isn't treated, it can reduce the efficiency of the boiler, leading to a higher energy bill. A professional heating engineer will be able to determine if the kettling noise is due to limescale and suggest the ideal treatment. They may also recommend descaling your boiler regularly to prevent limescale build-up. 

No Hot Water or Heating

If your boiler stops heating or providing hot water, then the first thing to check is the pilot light. If the pilot light has gone out, then you may need to relight it. However, if the boiler still isn't working, then you could have a problem with the thermocouple, a gas valve or a gas supply. An experienced heating engineer will be able to diagnose the problem and identify the best solution. 

Frozen Condensate Pipe

Condensate pipes can freeze in cold weather, causing the boiler to stop working. To deal with this problem, a heating engineer will find and identify the source of the frozen condensate pipe. They may then defrost the pipe or install insulation if needed. They will also be able to inspect other components around the boiler, such as the expansion vessel or pump, to ensure that everything is working correctly. 

The Pilot Light Keeps Switching Off

A boiler's pilot light keeps switching off for different reasons. It could be the thermocouple, a fault in the gas supply, or an issue with the electrics. To fix this problem, a professional heating engineer will check all these components to establish the cause and rectify it. If the problem persists, they may need to replace the pilot light entirely. 

In conclusion, boilers can develop various issues, and it is not advisable to attempt to repair them without the help of a professional heating engineer. A professional will be able to diagnose the problem and suggest an appropriate solution correctly. This article has discussed five common boiler problems and how a professional heating engineer can help to solve them.