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Common Signs of Boiler Breakdown

It is easy to take for granted the importance of your boiler, at least until you start noticing problems or the boiler stops functioning at the time you need it the most. Approximately 33 per cent of all boilers will break down within 6 years of purchase and with the cheapest boiler repair being in the region of £150, it makes sense to be familiar with the most common signs of boiler breakdown, just so that you can get things sorted before it is too late.

Unusual Noises

To some extent, noises are a normal occurrence in boilers due to the mechanisms they use to heat the water however, if you start hearing abnormally loud, banging, clunking or rumbling noises that do not stop within a few minutes, your boiler might be close to breakdown.

Abnormal boiler noises could be due to kittling; a limescale build up commonly found in hard water areas. Limescale and sludge can block the heat exchanger, reducing the water flow and causing the water to boil and steam in the same way as a kettle would do. Boiler noises might also be caused by a faulty thermostat, low water pressure or an accumulation of air in the system.

Frozen Pipes

The function of condensate pipes is to carry water away from the boiler. During periods of extremely cold weather, these pipes can easily freeze, especially if they are not insulated. Some common signs of frozen condensate pipes include receiving a D5 or EA error code or seeing a flashing red or blue light in your boiler.

Pressure Levels Too Low or Too High

In most modern boilers, the ideal pressure levels should range between 1 and 1,5. If you have not bled your radiators recently and notice unusually low pressure levels, you should suspect more serious problems such as water leaks, a broken pressure gauge,or a blockage in the heating system. If pressure levels go above 2.5, there might be a problem with the pressure release valve, the flow switch or with the expansion vessel.

The Boiler Does Not Stay Switched On

This could indicate a problem with the pressure valve, a broken thermostat or an issue with the water pump. Replacing or repairing any of these parts must be completed by a qualified plumber or boiler engineer.

At Aquaworks Plumbing and Heating we specialise in boiler maintenance and repairs. Our company is registered with Gas Safe and our staff are friendly and reliable, so don’t take your chances with your boiler this winter and give us a call today.

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