Unexpected faults with boilers and central heating systems are never welcome. Still, when the temperature drops and autumn starts to resemble winter, central heating systems minus an annual boiler service are suddenly thrust into operation. Sometimes, this results in some common faults. Fortunately for you, if you call Absolute Plumbing and Gas Solutions, we’ll send an expert plumber for a boiler repair or a new boiler installation for terminal faults. Still, for now, we’ll dig deeper into some of the most common faults of boilers and central heating systems.
Common boiler faults
A leaking boiler
A leaky boiler is troublesome but not the end of the world and usually a quick boiler repair for any trained plumber. It’s usually caused by the pressure within the boiler becoming too high and leaking through the pressure valve, which is something an annual boiler service can help prevent. It could also be a pump seal that has perished, causing water to leak out. If the leak has sprung around the system pipes, it could be down to rust build-up, resulting in corrosion. In this scenario, contact a professional plumber immediately and hope a new boiler installation isn’t needed.
Low boiler pressure
If your boiler has a digital display, then low pressure in the system will be easy to recognise; similarly, if you have a traditional needle gauge, the needle should sit comfortably at the 1.5 bar mark. Anything below 1 bar of pressure and the boiler will cease to work. There are a few main culprits for low boiler pressure: a leak within the system, faulty components or freshly bled radiators. Low pressure shouldn’t mean a new boiler installation, but a regular boiler service will help to keep the system running smoothly.
Frozen condensate pipe
The condensate pipe carries the condensate from the boiler system to the exterior drain, and during the winter months, the condensate can freeze, causing the boiler to break down. If the pipe is located in a cold room or outside, this can happen frequently. Lagging or insulation around the pipe is a quick fix that doesn’t involve a boiler repair.
Kettling
Strange babbling or banging sounds coming from your boiler isn’t usual. It could be due to a faulty part or air in the system, or it can be caused by kettling, an accumulation of limescale. In this situation, a qualified plumber would need to flush the system out to restore it to full working use.
Common central heating faults
Thermostatic radiators
After a warm summer, radiators can become problematic when you turn them back on. Thermostatic radiators are no exception, and due to a build-up of dirt, they can become clogged until they cease to heat up, which indicates they will need a thorough clean.
The radiator is only warm at the bottom
Radiators that only heat up partially are a common issue in many properties, but fortunately, it’s a simple fix. Grab yourself a bucket and a radiator key and open up the valve. Once the hot air has gone, the rusty water should seep into the bucket. Once all the water has finished dripping, close up the valve.
Mould
Deposits of sludgy, watery muck gather in your radiators over time. The radiator has to be removed from the wall and flushed out with water to dislodge the sludge.
