When your boiler fails, the impact is immediate: no heating, no hot water, and plenty of stress. But don’t panic — most problems can be diagnosed quickly, and many are preventable with the right care.

At HomeService.Insure, we help homeowners stay safe, warm, and prepared. Here’s your step-by-step guide to spotting the signs, running quick checks, and knowing when it’s time to call in the experts.

Quick navigation

• Warning signs your boiler is struggling
• Essential checks before calling an engineer
• Common causes and what they mean
• Coping without a working boiler
• Preventing future breakdowns
• How HomeService.Insure supports you

Warning signs your boiler is struggling

Apart from no heat or hot water, look out for:

• Strange noises: banging, tapping, or whistling
• Gas usage suddenly higher than normal
• Orange or yellow pilot light instead of a steady blue flame
• Water leaks around the pipes
• Pressure reading higher than normal
• Boiler won’t switch on at all

These are early clues that something is wrong and action is needed.

Essential checks before calling an engineer

If your boiler has stopped working, modern units often display an error code. Note it down — it will help your engineer.

Meanwhile, run through this quick checklist:

1. Power supply – Has a fuse tripped? After a power cut, re-check the timer.
2. Gas or oil supply – Ensure your emergency control valve is open. If other gas appliances won’t work either, it may be a supply issue.
3. Water supply – Confirm your mains water is still running.
4. Boiler pressure – Should be between 1–2 bar. Below 1 bar = low pressure.
5. Thermostat/programmer – Ensure the system is “on” and timer settings are correct.
6. Frozen condensate pipe – A common winter issue; ice blocks the pipe and causes shutdown.
7. Pilot light – On older boilers, check if it has gone out.
8. Fault codes – Look up your boiler brand’s manual for guidance.

Common causes and what they mean

1. Electrical faults

Blown fuses, tripped switches, or faulty ignition leads can stop boilers firing.
Solution: Reset switches or call an engineer to test components.

2. Gas flow problems

Blocked or damaged valves can cut off supply.
Solution: If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency Service immediately (0800 111 999). Otherwise, a Gas Safe engineer can test your supply and valves.

3. Water pressure issues

Too little pressure prevents ignition; too much can trigger safety lockouts.
Solution: Repressurise using your manual instructions, or call an engineer if pressure swings keep recurring.

4. Frozen condensate pipe

Cold UK winters often freeze outdoor condensate pipes.
Solution: Gently thaw the pipe with warm (not boiling) water or a hot water bottle.

5. Pilot light faults

On older boilers, the flame may blow out or fail to ignite.
Solution: Follow your manual to relight. If it won’t stay lit, call an engineer.

6. Component failures

Fans, pumps, or heat exchangers sometimes fail after years of use.
Solution: These require professional diagnosis and replacement.

Coping without a working boiler

While waiting for repairs:

• Layer up: Wear extra clothing to trap heat.
• Stop draughts: Close curtains and doors to keep warmth in.
• Use electric heaters wisely: Heat only the rooms you need.
• Boil water: Use kettles or pans for hot water needs until the system is fixed.

Preventing future breakdowns

• Annual servicing – Keeps your boiler in peak condition.
• Regular pressure checks – Helps you spot problems early.
• Switch it on occasionally in summer – Prevents parts from seizing up.
• Professional maintenance – Always use a Gas Safe registered engineer.

How HomeService.Insure supports you

A broken boiler can bring your household to a halt — but help is only a call away.

With HomeService.Insure you get:

• Rapid access to qualified Gas Safe engineers
• Clear, upfront pricing with no surprises
• Peace of mind knowing your heating is protected

Stay warm, safe, and stress-free — let HomeService.Insure take care of your boiler.