5 more of the most common boiler issues

Continuing our guide to the most common boiler issues, we’ve got a list here of more problems that occur often, and what you should do about them.

1. Condensate pipe is frozen

This is undoubtedly one of the leading causes of calls to heating engineers in a cold snap. Condensing boilers have waste gas and this creates acidic water, which needs to be drained away. The condensate pipe will usually be a 2cm wide plastic pipe, and because it drains to the outside, it can freeze in a prolonged cold spell.

You can thaw the pipe yourself by pouring hot water over it, and there is a British Gas video telling you how to do this –https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=british+gas+how+to+thaw+a+pipe&rlz=1CAHPZQ_enGB785GB785&oq=british+gas+how+to+thaw+a+pipe&aqs=chrome..69i57j69i61.5003j0j4&sourceid=chrome&ie=UTF-8.

However, if you are at risk of a fall outside in the icy weather, you should call a Gas Safe engineer to come and thaw the pipe for you. Luckily, when it comes to boiler servicing Gloucester has plenty of qualified gas engineers, such as http://www.hprservicesltd.com/gloucester-boilers/boiler-servicing-gloucester/, who can offer prompt help.

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2. Problems with the thermostat

A faulty thermostat may not be very accurate at recognising the temperature at which it should switch on and off. It may also start switching the central heating on or off randomly. Check to see that it’s set properly, and that it hasn’t been accidentally knocked. If it’s set correctly, and is malfunctioning, it’s time to replace it.

3. The boiler sounds like a boiling kettle

This is because sludge and sediment in the system is stopping the water circulating properly around the heat exchanger. You’ll need to get the system flushed through, because “kettling” can shorten the life of the boiler.

4. Radiators not heating up

Often, only the bottom of the radiator heats up. Sludge may be the villain here too, or it could be air in the system. Try bleeding the radiator, using a radiator key to release the valve – there are lots of videos online to show you how to do this.

5. Some radiators are hot, others are cold

This is a sign that the system needs rebalancing – some of the radiators need to have fully open valves, others need partially closed valves. If you’re happy to spend time experimenting, you can do this yourself – otherwise call a heating engineer.

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