What to do when your boiler breaks down.

Having your heating system breakdown on you can be highly inconvenient. For the majority of people, boiler breakdowns can be very sudden and unexpected.

If your boiler breaks down in winter the first thing you'll want to do is arrange an emergency breakdown service on your boiler.

However, boiler repairs can be costly and it may not be possible to get a hold of a qualified engineer immediately. It can be challenging to know what to do next.

The first thing you'll likely want to do when your boiler breaks down is panic. However, the situation is never as bad as it seems. Keep a level head, follow this guide and you will be just fine.

Identify the broken boiler: While there are very clear signs your central heating is at fault, such as a loss of heat, there are more subtle signs.

• High or Low water pressure.
• Increased Gas consumption.
• Loud sounds such as banging or clanking.
• Increased Condensation throughout your home.
• The pilot light keeps going out or has an orange flame.
• Your screen is displaying an error.
  
  If your boiler is showing any of these signs it is a good idea to switch it off. However, first, you will want to check a couple of things.
• Record the Error Number: If you have a modern boiler with a digital display. Record the error code if there is one, this can be extremely useful if you do have to involve a professional and could speed up the diagnosis and repair.
• Check your supply: One of the most dangerous issues a boiler can have is with the supply, please check to see if your other gas appliances still work. If your other Gas appliances are faulty it may be an issue with the supply itself.

Once you have checked these details please switch of your boiler to prevent further damage.

Boiler breakdowns are not usually a cause for concern and hot water is safe, however, gas and electricity can be dangerous, especially during a fault.

It's important that you are aware of the serious danger signs that can come up during a boiler fault or breakdown.

Gas Danger Signs:

• The smell of Gas, or Fumes
• Scorch Marks, Large amounts of Soot.

If you smell gas: If you Smell Gas Suspect a Gasleak or have any serious concerns about the stability of your boiler, call Emergency Gas Services as soon as Immediately. 

• England: 0800 111 999
• Scotland: 0800 002 001
• Wales: 0800 002 001
• Northern Ireland: 0800 002 001

Carbon Monoxide Danger Signs:

• Confusion
• Tiredness
• Shortness of Breath
• Nausea & Vomiting
• Shortness of Breath

Carbon Monoxide can kill, you should already have a carbon monoxide detector installed in each room with a gas appliance, please check them regularly. If you suspect a carbon monoxide leak stop using all appliances, switch them off, and open doors and windows to ventilate the property. evacuate the property immediately – stay calm and avoid raising your heart rate.

We would advise contacting a gas safe engineer, they are the only people who are qualified to complete repairs on your boiler. It's easy to find a gas safe registered engineer. Such as Gasway.

If your boiler is currently under warranty or insurance your documentation will specify who can complete work on your boiler without invalidating either agreement.

Contact your chosen engineer, and arrange your appointment. They will need to know the make and model number of the boiler alongside any error codes you may have found. Over the phone, they may walk you through some common troubleshooting.

After this point, they will arrive on-site at the agreed time to complete the repair of your boiler.

Most modern boilers are under a manufacturer's warranty. Typically this covers a period of ten years as long as you have an annual service completed on your boiler.

During this period, Manufacturers will repair genuine faults on a boiler free of charge. However you will likely have to contact the installer of your device in order to access this warranty as they are going to be the ones completing the repair.

Boiler cover is a policy that covers a number of repairs and faults that can occur on your system.

Boiler cover is a good thing have as it can cover a wide range of different repairs that come up and frequently they also provide an annual service as well (Which you need to maintain your boilers warranty)

For more information about boiler, cover plans click here.

Boiler cover plans and annual services are the best way to ensure that your boiler lasts its full lifetime.

There are a few other tricks and tips you can use to insure that you not only get the most out of your boiler, but you save money on your bills & you can find them here.

• Topping up your boiler pressure
• Best way to read your gas meter
• Energy-saving tips
• How to reset your boiler
• Guide to boiler services

If you are looking for further help and advice we have a whole heap of articles on all aspects of heating. How long it takes for a boiler service, What happens during a boiler Installation, Energy Saving Tips and Our latest article on How to identify what type of boiler you have.

If you've got any other burning questions you can contact us here, or start a live chat.