It’s getting to that time of year again. You have to put the heating on earlier and earlier in the day, or maybe you’re already at the stage where it’s on all the time.
And it always seems to be this time of year that your boiler decides to go on the blink. So you sit wrapped up in blankets waiting for the repair engineer to come over and bring that glorious heat back to your home.
But why do boilers break down? Is there something you’re doing that’s causing it, or is it just because you’re using it more? Clipfix has put together some common reasons why a boiler breaks down and how to get it fixed. Read on to learn more:
Low Boiler Pressure
One of the most common reasons people call a plumber is that they notice the gauge’s pressure is lower than it should be. While this may not cause massively noticeable changes in the temperature in your home, it is a cause for concern.
But what causes it? The first thing to consider is that there may be a leak. Unfortunately, these aren’t always easy to find, especially if you don’t know what you’re looking for.
If you do find a leak, you could temporarily remedy it by covering it with some tape if possible, but it’s still essential to have it seen by a professional.
Frozen Pipes
In the U.K., our winters are usually very harsh. With temperatures set to drop, the freezing cold weather can cause damage to many parts of the home. Unfortunately, some boiler pipes aren’t immune to the cold, even when the heating is on.
One pipe that is usually affected by the freeze is the condensate pipe. This carries the condensate (as the name suggests) from the boiler to the outside drain. If this becomes frozen, it could become blocked, sending the condensate back to the boiler. This could be catastrophic for a boiler which can cause it to break.
Strange Noises
Boilers make noise. They have to—even a brand new boiler will make a roaring sound when it fires up. But there are certain noises to look out for that aren’t particularly healthy.
Banging, knocking, gargling, or whistling are sounds that require some attention.
A common reason for these noises is air in the system, which could cause major problems if left unresolved. Under no circumstances should you attempt to fix your boiler—always call a qualified boiler technician as they are trained to deal with the potentially fatal gases that boilers can emit.
Boiler Breakdown
If the issues above are left unresolved, it could lead to a complete breakdown of your boiler. This doesn’t necessarily mean the appliance is condemned but the repair costs could really mount up.
Is Your Boiler Winter-Ready?
A regular boiler service gives you the best chance of winter without any troubles with your heating system.
At this time of year, it can be difficult to find an engineer, so why not check out Clipfix? The app will connect you straight to a plumber and heating professional. While it’s never recommended to fix a boiler yourself, a plumber can talk you through a whole host of common plumbing repairs via a video call at a cheaper cost.
For example, in most cases, repairing things like leaks or broken radiator valves could help solve many heating issues you may be experiencing.
Check out the website for more info, and get in touch!
