Malfunctions of the boiler can be rather an inconvenience especially when the weather is chilly and there is the need for heating and hot water. Learning about the next course of action and how to manage the problem makes it possible to fix the boiler as soon as possible regardless of the prevailing complication.
Identifying the Problem
The first thing that a person who has to deal with a broken boiler has to do is to determine what went wrong. Common signs of a boiler malfunction include:
No Heat or Hot Water: This is probably the most glaring sign that you have got a problem with your boiler. It may be as a result of a number of problems among them being a faulty thermostat or pilot light.
Strange Noises: If your boiler is noisy and rose to a banging, whistling or even gurgling, there could be a problem with system pressure or air in the system.
Leaking Water: There are always stains of water around the boiler and this is an indication that there something wrong. This could be occasioned by a breach of the seal, rusty pipes or a faulty pressure relief mechanism.
Low Pressure: Look at the dial of your boiler; it will read how much pressure it has. In other words, if it is below 1 bar, then the specified system is not functioning most likely.
Pilot Light Issues: If the pilot light is out or of a different colors it could mean there is a problem with either the gas supply or ventilation.
Immediate Steps to Take
Once you've identified the problem, there are a few immediate steps you can take:
Check the Power Supply: Check that the boiler is switched on and that there is no tripping of the circuit breaker. Sometimes it is not more complicated and may just be a power supply problem.
Check the Thermostat: Check that the Master control thermostat is set at the right temperature and is functioning correctly. Replace batteries if necessary.
Reset the Boiler: Most current boilers contain a reset button. Check the manual of your boiler to determine how to handle the process safely so that you can reset it.
Bleed the Radiators: In normal circumstances where your radiators are not getting hot, then chances are that they require to be bled for air trapped inside to be let out.
Check for Blockages: Check that air vents and flues are not obstructed realizing that such obstructions can impede the running of the boiler.
When to Call a Professional
But if you have gone through with these initial steps and your boiler is still not working, then it is probably the right time to call someone in. Trying to solve more severe problems yourself can be dangerous and leads to more worsening of the situation. A well experienced heating engineer understands the cause of the problem and can correct it in a very careful manner.
Preventive Measures
Boiler breakdowns can thus be averted by frequent maintenance. Consider the following preventive measures:
Annual Service: The safety of your boiler and its efficiency can be checked on a yearly basic by a professional who takes on the responsibility of servicing the boiler.
Check the Pressure: Sparely use and always refer to the manufacture's instruction especially on when to add air pressure and to which level.
Keep Vents Clear: Make sure that the vents and flues do not get blocked to avoid possibly arising problems with the ventilation.
Bleed Radiators Regularly: This can be done by turning off all the rooms' heat and opening the radiator and setting the heating on for about fifteen minutes then turn it off for about thirty minutes, then repeating the process about three to four times a year.
It may be frustrating having a broken boiler but learning what can be done can make a lot of difference. Boiler must be checked as often as possible, and once there is identified problem, it should be attended to by professionals so that you get the best heat and hot water.
