The Most Common Boiler Problems

Boilers are generally reliable, but a handful of faults come up again and again on call outs across Epsom and the surrounding Surrey towns. Knowing what they usually are can help you describe the problem when you call an engineer, and give you a rough idea of what to expect before anyone arrives.

What are the Most Common Problem With Boilers?

Most boiler call outs fall into a short list of recurring issues rather than anything unusual:

No heat or no hot water. This is one of the most common reasons for a call out. It can come down to several different causes, from a faulty diverter valve to low system pressure, and usually needs an engineer to diagnose properly rather than guess from the symptoms alone.

Loss of pressure. Boilers need to sit within a specific pressure range to work properly, shown on a gauge on the front of the unit. Pressure can drop gradually over time through small, often invisible leaks, or more suddenly if there is a bigger issue somewhere in the system.

Kettling or strange noises. A banging or rumbling sound, often called kettling, usually points to limescale or sludge building up around the heat exchanger, restricting water flow and causing it to overheat in places. It tends to get worse rather than better if left alone.

Pilot light or ignition faults. Older boilers with a pilot light can have it go out repeatedly, often due to a draught or a failing thermocouple, while newer boilers with electronic ignition can fail to fire up at all. Both usually point to a specific component needing attention rather than a simple reset fixing things for good.

Leaks. A leak can come from several places on a boiler, from an internal seal to a pressure relief valve, and the source needs identifying before it can be fixed properly. A small drip is still worth getting looked at, since it rarely resolves on its own.

Every engineer sees their own pattern of callouts depending on the boilers common in their area and their age, so the exact order of how often each one comes up can vary from one patch to another.

When to Call a Professional

Any of the faults above should be looked at by a Gas Safe registered engineer rather than attempted as a DIY fix, since boiler work involves gas and pressurised systems. Opening up a boiler without the right training or equipment risks making the fault worse, or creating a safety issue that was not there before.

If you notice a burning smell, see visible scorch marks, or suspect a gas leak, treat it as urgent. Turn off the boiler at the isolation valve if it is safe to do so, avoid naked flames or light switches near the smell, and call a Gas Safe engineer straight away rather than waiting to see if it clears.

Getting It Looked At

If your boiler is showing any of the signs above, call Tony at Keystone Comfort Solutions on 07399 539686. We are Gas Safe registered with over 30 years of experience, and we cover Epsom and the surrounding Surrey towns for both domestic and commercial customers.