As the temperature drops many of us find ourselves relying heavily on our boilers to keep our homes warm. However, the cold season can put extra strain on boilers, leading to a range of issues. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most common boiler problems that crop up during winter and offer some advice on how to tackle them.
4 Common Issues With Boilers During Winter
Leaks and Drips
Leaks and drips usually occur from broken internal components, faulty pump seals, malfunctioning pressure valves, or corrosion. You might notice water leaking from the boiler itself, the surrounding pipes, or the hot water tank.
To address leaks, first identify the source. If it's a broken component, replacement is often necessary. Faulty pump seals can sometimes be repaired, but replacement is generally more cost-effective in the long run. For pressure valve issues, adjustment or replacement may be required depending on the severity of the problem.
If you notice signs of extensive corrosion, it may be time to consider a replacement. While this can be a significant investment, it's often more economical than continual repairs on an ageing system.
Low Boiler Pressure
Low boiler pressure can significantly impact your heating system's efficiency. Common causes include water leaks within the system, recent radiator bleeding, or an ageing pressure relief valve. You can easily identify this issue by checking your boiler's pressure gauge – a reading below 1 bar indicates low pressure.
To resolve low pressure, first check for visible leaks in your system and repair them. If you've recently bled your radiators, this could be the culprit. In this case, you'll need to repressurise the boiler. Consult your boiler's manual for specific instructions, but generally, this involves turning a filling loop handle to allow water into the system until the pressure gauge reads between 1 and 2 bar.
If low pressure persists or recurs frequently, your pressure relief valve may need replacement. This is a job best left to qualified heating engineers in Epping, Harlow, Bishops Stortford and Sawbridge.
No Heating or Hot Water
When your boiler fails to provide heating or hot water, it can be due to several factors. Low pressure, thermostat problems, or faulty boiler components are common culprits.
Start by checking your boiler's pressure gauge and adjusting if necessary. Next, examine your thermostat settings to ensure they're correct. If these simple checks don't resolve the issue, the problem may lie with internal boiler components such as the pump, diverter valve, or PCB.
For complex issues involving internal components, it's crucial to consult a Gas Safe registered engineer. Attempting a boiler repair yourself can be dangerous and is illegal in the UK unless you're properly qualified.
Cold Radiators
Cold radiators often result from trapped air or sludge build-up in your heating system. If only the bottom of your radiator is warm, air is likely trapped at the top.
To release trapped air, you'll need to bleed your radiators. Turn off your heating system and wait for it to cool. Then, using a radiator key, slowly open the bleed valve at the top of the radiator. You'll hear a hissing sound as air escapes. Close the valve once the water starts to flow out.
If bleeding doesn't solve the problem, or if your radiators are cold despite being bled, a power flush may be necessary to remove sludge build-up. This process involves forcing water through your system at high pressure to dislodge and remove debris.
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