With winter being particularly cold and spring thus far proving not much better, chances are many of you will have relied on your boiler even more than usual lately.
Indeed, our boilers are one of the most essential components of our homes, providing the warmth and hot water we need to ensure we live comfortably. So if your boiler were to suddenly pack in, this can be extremely disruptive and create a range of issues.
To help you avoid this nightmare scenario, we’ll be going over some of the telltale signs your boiler is about to break down. This should help you spot any issues and act fast in the event your boiler displays any of these symptoms.
Strange Noises
Is your boiler making any strange noises? Banging, whistling or gurgling are all very bad signs so if you hear any of these then it’s time to get your boiler seen to straight away.
Although it’s difficult to say what the issue is simply by listening to the noises your boiler is making, these could be signs of kettling, air in the system or a pump failure, all of which are never a good sign.
Thankfully, a professional will be able to carry out a full diagnostic on your boiler to find out what the issue is, so if it’s making any weird noises then it’s time to call in the experts.
Water Leaks
Another telltale sign your boiler’s on the blink is water leaks. If you’ve got liquid spewing out of your boiler then it’s clearly got some issues that need resolving.
As well as indicating an underlying problem, leaks can lead to corrosion, mould and structural damage, not to mention affecting the efficiency of your heating system.
Drop In Pressure
Your boiler requires a certain level of pressure to circulate the water and heat your home. If this pressure drops too low, this could hamper its ability to function properly.
Regularly check the pressure gauge on your boiler. If this drops then it might be a sign of an issue and while this isn’t necessarily catastrophic, it’s definitely worth checking out before it gets worse.
Age
If you’ve got a particularly old boiler, obviously there’s a good chance this will be more susceptible to breaking down than a newer unit.
This is why most experts recommend changing your boiler every 15 to 20 years or so, to ensure you’re on a modern boiler that’s more efficient and less prone to breakage.
Pilot Light Issues
If the pilot light is going out frequently or has a yellow flame instead of a blue one, it could indicate there’s a problem. This might even be a sign of carbon monoxide which can be fatal and should be checked immediately by a qualified professional.
Increased Energy Bills
Have you noticed a sudden spike in your energy bill lately? If so, and your energy usage hasn’t changed significantly, your boiler may be losing efficiency, which is causing it to work harder.
This can be due to several underlying issues, so if your bill has jumped up and you’re unsure why, this could be a sign your boiler isn’t in the best shape.
So those are the main telltale signs your boiler’s about to break down. If you spot any of these then be sure to get in touch as we’d be happy to give your boiler a once over and check whether it’s in need of any repairs.
We also specialise in emergency boiler repair so if you have a more pressing matter, we’ll also be able to assist with that too.
