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Emergency Boiler Repair in Cardiff: Your Quick Fix Guide
“You never know when an emergency boiler repair might be needed in Cardiff. Breakdowns can occur unexpectedly, leaving you without heat or hot water. Let’s Heat specializes in all types of boiler repairs, whether it’s an emergency situation or a one-off repair.”
Several things can go wrong with your boiler. It’s important to know if it is an emergency repair or a one off repair. Here’s a list of what is considered to be an emergency:
- No heating or hot water in winter
- A gas leak
We respond to an emergency boiler repair in Cardiff 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 grave danger and must be treated with utmost seriousness due to the potential health hazards it presents to your family. Gas leaks are often detectable by their distinct odor, as natural gas is imbued with a scent for easier identification. However, if there are issues hindering your boiler from efficiently burning fuel, it can generate and release carbon monoxide—a lethal gas without any discernible odor or color. To safeguard against carbon monoxide leaks, it’s imperative to install an alarm system near your boiler for early detection.
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.
Read about: Do Electric Boilers Need Servicing?
Boiler leaking
A leaking boiler or central heating system, regardless of the extent of the leak, demands immediate attention due to its potential seriousness. It’s advisable to shut off both your water supply and boiler upon discovering a leak to prevent further damage.
Boiler leaks typically stem from broken components, necessitating the expertise of a Gas Safe registered engineer for repairs. Common culprits include faulty pressure valves or pump seals that may require replacement due to wear and tear. Additionally, pipe corrosion or substandard installation can contribute to leaks within the system.
Excessive boiler pressure is another factor that can lead to leaks. When adjusting your boiler’s water pressure, it’s crucial to ensure it remains within the manufacturer’s recommended levels to avoid causing a leak.
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, causing certain areas of the radiator to remain 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.
Read more: All You Need to know About Electric Boilers
Hot water but no heating
Minor issues can often disrupt heating systems. Begin by checking your thermostat for any necessary adjustments. Similarly, inspect the boiler pressure, as a drop can impede the central heating system’s function.
If both the thermostat and boiler pressure are satisfactory, consider contacting a gas engineer. It’s plausible that a component within the boiler has malfunctioned. Specifically, if hot water is accessible but heating is absent, a faulty diaphragm, motorised valve, or airlock may be to blame.
Combi boilers are equipped with a diverter valve that directs hot water either to the central heating or hot water outlets. If this valve becomes stuck, you may have hot water but no heating.
system. If this diverter, however, gets stuck, you might be left with available hot water and 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:
Replacing a regular boiler with a combi boiler
Find the Best Boiler for your home
How much does boiler repair cost in Cardiff?
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?
Regular annual boiler servicing can help you avoid costly repairs and keep your boiler running smoothly and efficiently. By investing in regular maintenance, you not only save money on expensive repairs but also extend the lifespan of your boiler.
Over time, the performance of your boiler naturally declines, leading to decreased efficiency. However, with consistent maintenance, this ageing process can be slowed down, ensuring your boiler operates optimally 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 schedule regular servicing. In other words, your warranty remains valid as long as your boiler receives regular maintenance.
Should I repair or replace my boiler?
If you’re frequently calling a gas engineer for repairs, it could indicate the need for a boiler replacement. Investing in a new boiler may ultimately save you more money in the long run than continual repair costs.
Boilers typically have a lifespan of 10-15 years, with replacement recommended for those reaching the 15-year mark. However, waiting until the end of this lifespan isn’t necessary. If your boiler, particularly one over 8 years old, is causing consistent issues, it’s likely time for a replacement.
Replacing your boiler offers several advantages. New boilers are more efficient, leading to savings on energy bills. As older boilers lose efficiency, they consume more energy, resulting in higher bills.
Signs Your Boiler Needs Immediate Attention
Wondering if your boiler’s trying to send you an SOS? Look out for these red flags:
Error Codes: Don’t ignore those cryptic messages on your boiler’s screen—they’re there for a reason.
Unusual Noises: If your boiler’s making sounds that resemble a haunted house soundtrack, something’s wrong.
No Hot Water or Heating: A telltale sign that your boiler’s gone on strike.
Leaks or Visible Damage: Dripping water can lead to bigger (and wetter) problems.
Common Causes of Boiler Breakdowns
Most boiler breakdowns don’t happen out of nowhere. They’re often the result of underlying issues like:
Pressure Problems: Low or high pressure can mess with your system’s functionality.
Lack of Maintenance: Think of your boiler like a car—it needs regular servicing to run smoothly.
Frozen Pipes: Cardiff winters can be harsh, and frozen pipes are a common culprit.
Faulty Components: Parts wear out over time; it’s inevitable.
Why You Need Professional Help
Sure, a YouTube tutorial might seem tempting, but DIY repairs can be a recipe for disaster. Here’s why professionals are your best bet:
Long-Term Savings: Quality repairs prevent recurring issues, which means fewer bills down the line.
Safety First: Gas boilers involve risks that untrained hands shouldn’t mess with.
Efficiency: Pros fix the problem faster and better, saving you time and stress.
Read more about:
Worcester Bosch Regular 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.
