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Emergency Boiler Repair Barry
You never know when an emergency boiler repair may be required in Barry. Breakdowns can occur unexpectedly, leaving you without heat or hot water. At Let’s Heat, we handle all types of boiler repairs, whether it’s an emergency situation or a one-off repair. It’s crucial to differentiate between emergency repairs and routine ones. Here’s a breakdown of what constitutes an emergency:
- No heating or hot water in winter
- A gas leak
We respond to an emergency boiler repair in Barry within 24 hours and will try our best to be at your doorstep as soon as possible.
What is a gas leak?
A gas leak poses a serious threat and should never be underestimated, as it can lead to severe health issues for your family. Natural gas is infused with a distinctive smell to aid detection; therefore, if you detect a strong odor, it could indicate a gas leak. However, carbon monoxide, a lethal gas produced when a boiler fails to efficiently burn fuel, is odorless and colorless. To detect carbon monoxide leaks, it’s crucial to install an alarm system near your boiler for early detection and prevention of potential health risks.
What are the symptoms of carbon monoxide poisoning?
- Dizziness
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Breathlessness
- Collapsing
- Unconsciousness
What to do in the event of gas leak
- Firstly, open all windows and doors
- Do not press any switches or light any flames whatsoever
- Evacuate and leave the property
- You can call the Gas Emergency Service
What are some of the most common emergency boiler repairs?
Some repairs are more common than others due the frequency at which they happen. It is always advisable that you hire a professional gas engineer to carry out these repairs to be on the safe side even when you think it is a minor repair.
Boiler leaking
A leaking boiler or central heating system, no matter how minor the leak may seem, requires immediate attention to prevent further damage. It’s crucial to shut off both the water supply and boiler upon discovering a leak to avoid exacerbating the issue.
Leaking boilers often result from broken components, necessitating the expertise of a Gas Safe registered engineer for repair. Common culprits include faulty pressure valves or pump seals, which may be worn out and in need of replacement. Additionally, pipe corrosion or improper installation can contribute to leaks within the system.
High boiler pressure is another potential cause of leaks. When adjusting your boiler’s water pressure, it’s essential to ensure it remains within the manufacturer’s recommended levels to prevent leaks from occurring.
No hot water or heating
We know how annoying and upsetting it is to be left without hot water in the midst of winter. Several factors and reasons can cause this problem. To name a few:
- Power to the boiler is off
- Gas is not being supplied to your property or that the oil storage tank is empty
- Boiler pressure is too low.
- The condensate pipe may be frozen due to freezing weather conditions
Check the pilot light on your boiler to see if it is on or not if you have an old boiler. Without a pilot light, you will be left without hot water and heating. A pilot light is an indication of the status of your boiler. It lights a larger flame when there is a need for hot water or heating.
Cold radiators
Encountering cold patches on radiators is a common issue, but fortunately, it’s relatively simple to resolve. When you activate your central heating, hot water circulates through the radiators to provide warmth. However, a buildup of air within the system can obstruct this process, resulting in certain areas of the radiator remaining cold.
To restore proper water flow and eliminate cold patches, it’s necessary to release the trapped air from the system. This procedure, commonly referred to as bleeding, involves freeing the air from the radiators to ensure efficient heating throughout your home.
Hot water but no heating
Minor issues can sometimes disrupt heating systems. Begin by checking your thermostat to ensure it’s properly adjusted. Additionally, inspect the pressure of your boiler, as a drop can lead to central heating system failure.
If both the thermostat and boiler pressure are normal, consider contacting a gas engineer. There may be a faulty component within your boiler. Specifically, if your domestic hot water is functioning but there’s no heating, a broken diaphragm, motorised valve, or faulty airlock could be the culprit.
For combi boilers, a diverter valve directs hot water to either the hot water outlets or the central heating system. If this diverter valve becomes stuck, you may have hot water but no heating.
Low boiler pressure
A boiler’s optimal operation relies on maintaining sufficient pressure, crucial for both central heating and hot water supply. While water pressure naturally diminishes over time, a sudden decline may indicate a potential water leak. In such instances, it’s imperative to promptly shut off the boiler and water supply and seek assistance from a heating engineer.
To assess boiler pressure, refer to the pressure gauge located on the unit’s front panel. Low boiler pressure is indicated if the dial reads below 1 bar. Consult the manufacturer’s instructions for the recommended pressure levels; typically, boiler pressure should hover around 1.5 bar.
Read more about:
All You Need to know About Electric Boilers
Do Electric Boilers Need Servicing?
Worcester Bosch System Gas Boilers
How much does boiler repair cost in Barry?
A boiler repair usually costs between £100 to £500, depending on the seriousness of the problem and several other factors.
Most common repairs and their cost:
Diverter valve £150 – £35
Pump £100 – £30
Flue £15
Fan £100 – £20
Printed circuit board (PCB) £150 – £500
Heat exchanger £300 – £500
Motorised valve £30
How to avoid costly boiler repairs?
To prevent expensive boiler repairs, consider scheduling an annual boiler service. Regular maintenance not only saves you money on costly repairs but also ensures your boiler continues to operate smoothly and efficiently.
Over time, the performance of your boiler naturally declines, leading to a decrease in efficiency. However, with consistent maintenance and servicing, this ageing process can be delayed, allowing you to extend the lifespan of your boiler for years to come.
While most boilers come with a standard warranty of 5 years, some brands offer longer warranty periods. To maintain the validity of your boiler warranty, it’s essential to adhere to a regular service schedule. In essence, your warranty remains valid as long as your boiler receives regular servicing.
Should I repair or replace my boiler?
If you find yourself frequently calling a gas engineer for repairs, it could be a clear indicator that your boiler needs replacement. Investing in a new boiler may ultimately save you more money in the long run compared to continuously paying for repairs.
Typically, boilers have a lifespan of around 10-15 years. While a boiler reaching 15 years old is often due for replacement, it’s important to note that waiting until this point isn’t always necessary. If your boiler, particularly one over 8 years old, is causing persistent issues, it may be time to consider replacement.
There are several benefits to replacing your boiler. A new boiler is inherently more efficient than an older one, resulting in potential savings on high energy bills. As older boilers lose efficiency, they consume more energy, leading to increased utility costs.
Read about:
Worcester Bosch System Gas Boilers
FAQ’s
Who can repair a boiler?
The law requires that boiler repairs must be carried out by a trained and experienced professional. Gas boilers should always be repaired by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure maximum safety.
What happens if I don’t service my boiler?
Without boiler service, you will shorten the lifespan of your boiler and cause its early death. An unchecked boiler can be life threatening to you and your family. What is more, your boiler will be less efficient, consume more energy and increase the risk of constant breakdown.
What are the most common problems of boilers?
- 1. Boiler leaks. One of the most common boiler issues is a boiler leak
- 2. Low boiler pressure. Low boiler pressure can lead to cold radiators and a lack of hot water
- 3. Boiler kettling
- 4. Frozen condensate pipe
- 5. No heat or hot water
- 6. Boiler keeps switching off
- 7. Pilot light going off
Can a faulty boiler explode?
Well, yes. It can be very dangerous so ensure you call someone out as soon as possible if your boiler is overheating.
Should I turn my boiler off if it has a fault?
It might be a sign that an internal part has failed. It’s not necessarily dangerous in itself but you should immediately shut off your boiler to prevent the electrics short-circuiting, and possible damage to your home.
