To help with the maintenance of your boiler, we've put together the below guide of the most common boiler problems you might encounter, along with some practical tips to address them.
- Regular use: Run the heating system occasionally during warmer months to prevent internal components from seizing
- Monitor boiler pressure: Check the pressure gauge regularly and re-pressurise the system if needed
- Keep vents and flues clear: Ensure nothing blocks air vents or flues, as this can disrupt the boiler’s operation
- Learn basic functions: Familiarise yourself with the user manual for guidance on resets, bleeding radiators, and checking error codes
- Report issues early: Small issues like minor leaks or error messages should be reported immediately to prevent further damage.
Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 at any time of the day or night. For further information on how to detect a gas leak, visit Cadent Gas, emh's gas supplier for helpful tips and to watch this short video with added sign language
Other important safety advice
- Don't carry out DIY repairs: Beyond basic tasks like repressurising or resetting (as set out in the guide below) repairs should always be carried out by a qualified professional.
- Don’t ignore warning signs: Don't overlook strange noises, persistent faults or visible damage.
- Never attempt gas work: Gas safety is a legal requirement and only Gas Safe registered engineers should carry out related works.
- If the boiler pressure drops below the recommended level (usually 1-1.5 bar), the heating may stop working.
- Most boilers have a filling loop to repressurise the system. Check your boiler’s user manual for specific instructions (see below images and manuals) Avoid over-pressurising as it can cause further issues.
- Trapped air in the system can cause radiators to heat unevenly or remain cold at the top
- Bleed the radiators using a radiator key. This is a straightforward task that ensures optimal heating efficiency.
- In winter, the condensate pipe can freeze, causing the boiler to shut down
- Thaw the pipe by pouring warm (not boiling) water over it. Insulating the pipe can prevent freezing in the future. Watch this short video from Worcester Bosch on how to resolve and prevent frozen or blocked condensate pipes
- Boilers may need resetting after power cuts or minor faults
- Press the reset button on the boiler, following the manufacturer’s instructions (see below images and manuals). If the fault persists, contact us.
- Simple issues like incorrect thermostat settings or a power switch being off can cause a loss of service
- Check the thermostat settings, timer and boiler power supply before reporting the problem.