How To Troubleshoot Common Boiler Problems And What You Can Do To Fix Them
If you live in an apartment or rental property, chances are you have a boiler that heats your water and provides warmth during the winter months. As part of your Tenancy agreement, you are required to undertake minor repairs and maintenance to the property and this includes checking your boiler and troubleshooting.
As a tenant, you may think that learning to troubleshoot common boiler faults seems like too big a task but in fact, it only takes a short while. Of course, you can call a contractor to do it but this will likely cost £80 upwards.
While boilers come in different brands and shapes the video and process below are general guides that you can use to troubleshoot your boiler.
Learning The Error Codes That Represent The Common Boiler Problems You’ll See
These days, most modern boilers have corresponding error codes for the most common faults. Here are three of the most common boiler problems, their corresponding error codes, and what to do before calling in a professional.
- When your boiler's front screen is flashing numbers, these denote problems with your boiler's normal working pressure. Click on this link to learn how to repressurise your boiler.
- F22 Error Code. If your boiler is showing an F22 code, reset your boiler by pressing a ballpoint pen on the reset button. Then, check your system to see if it's working.
- F1 or F4 Error Code. This means your gas is turned off. Turn off the boiler, wait for it to cool, and then turn on the gas. If you are using a prepaid metre, make sure you have credit on it. Then, check that the main gas tap is not turned off. Finally, reset the system.
Important Note: If you've had to repressurise your boiler more than once in three months, call a professional for help. Chances are you have a bigger problem on your hands that needs to be fixed by someone with professional experience.
What should i do if my UK Boiler is not working? Here is a checklist of things you can check if your UK boiler is not working:
Item to check | Possible reason |
Check the thermostat | The thermostat may not be set correctly or may be broken |
Check the pilot light | The pilot light may be out or may not be lit |
Check the gas supply | The gas supply may be turned off or there may be a gas leak |
Check the electrical supply | The electrical supply to the boiler may be turned off or disrupted |
Check the pressure gauge | The pressure in the boiler may be too low or too high |
Check the valves | The valves on the boiler may be closed or not functioning properly |
Check the filters | The filters in the boiler may be clogged and need to be replaced |
Check for any error codes or messages | The boiler may be displaying an error code or message |
Check for any visible damage or wear and tear | The boiler may have visible damage or may be worn out and in need of repair or replacement |
If you have checked all of these items and the boiler is still not working, it is recommended to call us and we can send out a professional.
Learning To Troubleshoot The Common Boiler Problems Is Easier Than You Think!
Troubleshooting common boiler problems can be easy if you know what error codes to look for and how to fix them. By taking care of and troubleshooting the small problems before they become big ones, you can extend the lifespan of your boiler.
If you find that the troubleshooting that you did have not been successful, please contact us on 02071508844 and we will be able to send out a contractor. However, be sure to do everything you can before calling it in because if the repair needed falls under your responsibility as a tenant then you will be charged for the work.
Reminder That You May Be Charged - Where our contractor has arranged a time with you to attend and you postpone, cancel, or don't show up or where it is your fault for the appointment not proceeding you will be responsible for paying the call-out charge for the contractor and potentially any restocking fee for parts. Where the fault, issue or damage, is put down to your or other tenants, permitted occupiers, or guests' actions, you will be responsible for paying for the repair. These terms are already part of your Tenancy Agreement.