Boiler Breakdown and Repairs

A boiler is one of those household appliance that is often taken for granted. However, once the boiler breaks downs, you realise how important it is. Rather than to be reactive in the eventuality the boiler may break down, it is better to be prepared, so you will be able to handle the situation calmly, sensibly and with minimal costs.

What to do in case of a boiler breakdown?

If you see that your boiler has abruptly stopped heating the radiators or hot water, the foremost thing to do is check for a simple solution. Often, if a boiler stops working, check the power supply or check the thermostat to see if it has been accidentally switched off. 

A straightforward way of trying to get a boiler to work is doing what we do with almost every electrical appliance that has stopped working - turning it off and then back on. 

But, if this does not work, and there is no apparent solution in sight, you will have to turn towards an expert engineer. If it is winter or cold, add extra layers of clothing while you are awaiting the engineer’s arrival. Remember to keep all the doors and windows closed to keep yourself warm, especially consists of children or older adults. 

Keep your home insurance policy handy:

Often, boilers come under your building or home insurance policy. It is always a good idea to put those documents somewhere where you can easily access them when they are needed - such as when your boiler unexpectedly breaks down. 

Upon checking your documents, if the boiler is covered under the policy, you can contact your insurance provider and request an engineer to pay a visit to your house and examine the boiler. 

Indications that a boiler might be about to break down: 

In the UK, on average, a boiler can last around a decade to 15 years. The lifetime of a boiler can depend on your water type. Hard water areas may suffer from frequent breakdowns. 

With use and time, a boiler starts to wear and tear, and you need to be on the lookout for any signs that there might be a potential problem with your boiler. These signs include:

●        The boiler starts to make unusual sounds

●        The boiler is not producing hot water as reliably as it used to

●        The boiler is not turning on smoothly

●        A boiler switching between on and off by itself

●        The boiler is not providing its regular level of heat

●        Taking longer for the water to heat up 

Engineers recommend being prudent and actively looking out for such signs. It is highly unwise and dangerous to try and fix any of these problems without professional help. Additionally, if you try and fix your boiler by yourself and cause any additional problems, it will nullify your insurance policy. 

If the carbon monoxide detector in your house (assuming that you have one installed, and, if not, it is highly recommended that you do) and it goes off, you should get your boiler checked, immediately. You should never ignore a Carbon Monoxide leak, as it can prove to be life-threatening. 

 

Warranties:

If your boiler is still relatively new, the warranty might be valid. The extent of the warranty varies from product to product and manufacturer to manufacturer. Typically, warranties last for around one to two years, but, if you had an extended warranty, it might be valid for up to five or ten years. 

If you find that your warranty is still valid, you should contact the manufacturer to see if they can provide a solution for your boiler problems. 

In conclusion, treating a broken boiler can be expensive, especially without a warranty or having the right insurance policy in place. To avoid having unexpected boiler repairs, we suggest that you service your boiler at least once every year.