Boiler Breakdown Guide – Quick Fixes vs Professional Help
Problem |
Try This Yourself |
Call a Gas Safe Engineer When… |
|---|---|---|
| No heating or hot water | Check power, thermostat, programmer, and pressure | The system still won’t start, or pressure keeps dropping |
| Error/fault code showing | Look it up in the manual or online | Code won’t clear, or relates to gas/ignition faults |
| Pilot light gone out | Relight following manufacturer’s instructions (older boilers only) | It won’t stay lit, or flame is yellow/orange instead of blue |
| Frozen condensate pipe | Pour warm (not boiling) water over the pipe, or use a hot water bottle | Pipe keeps freezing, or boiler still won’t restart |
| Strange noises (banging/whistling) | Bleed radiators to remove trapped air | Noises continue, could indicate pump, valve, or heat exchanger issues |
HomeService.Insure Safety Disclaimer
At HomeService.Insure, we encourage safe and sensible DIY, but your safety always comes first.
- Only attempt basic checks and fixes if you feel confident.
- Stop immediately if you notice burning smells, scorch marks, leaks, or anything that looks unsafe.
- Never attempt electrical or gas repairs beyond simple resets or checks.
- For complex, repeated, or potentially dangerous problems, always call a qualified Gas Safe engineer (for heating) or a certified electrician (for electrics).
By following this guidance, you reduce risks — but professional help should always be your first choice if there’s any doubt.
