A boiler is a crucial part of any home. But what should you do if the worst happens and it breaks down? Most people would say call a plumber like VPS, but before you do, try these tips first.
1) Double check the obvious, i.e. has the plug or switched been turned off automatically? Is the room thermostat and temperature dial on the boiler turned up? Does the room thermostat have batteries that need changing? Pressed the reset button?
2) Check the flue. Boilers may stop working because the flue is blocked. Overgrown vegetation is a common problem.
3) Check the gas meter. Throwing the hoover, shoes and bags under the stairs can accidently switch the gas meter either partially or completely off. Check that the meter handle is running in line with the pipe.
4) Check the system pressure. The pressure gauge on the boiler or sometime elsewhere entirely if indeed your system has one should be set no lower than 0.5 when the heating is turned off, and no higher than 1.5 when the heating is turned on.
5) Check for frozen internal pipes as boilers don’t like the cold. Narrow external condense pipes can freeze. Use a hot water bottle to cover the pipe to help unfreeze it. If it keeps happening, contact us.
