Common Heating and Hot Water Problems Every Home Faces
Maintaining a warm, comfortable environment is essential for every household, especially in the winter. You need a boiler and heating system to keep your home warm and your hot water running smoothly. However, like all home appliances, they can occasionally run into problems. A sudden lack of hot water or a strange noise coming from your boiler are both common issues that can disrupt your daily schedule.
At SS Boiler Installation, we understand that timely identification and repair of heating and hot water problems are key to minimising inconvenience. In this blog, we’ll walk you through some of the most common issues households encounter with their boilers and heating systems, and how to address them.
- No hot water or heating.
You should check the boiler pressure and thermostat settings first if you suddenly no longer have hot water or heat in your home. The thermostat might be set too low, or the boiler pressure may have dropped below the recommended 1-1.5 bars. In older systems, the pilot light could be out. If these basic checks don’t resolve the issue, it could be a sign of a more serious problem requiring professional repair.
- Leaking or dripping boiler
Unchecked leaks in boilers can cause significant damage. The most common causes are corroded pipes, faulty pressure valves, and broken seals. Even a small leak should be taken seriously, as it may indicate a larger internal issue. Contact a professional to assess and repair any leaks before they escalate.
- Strange noises from the boiler
It is important for boilers to operate quietly, so any unusual banging, gurgling, or whistling may be an indication that something is wrong. Kettle-like sounds are caused by limescale or sludge buildup. Air trapped in the system can cause gurgling, while banging could be a sign of pressure issues. If strange noises persist, it’s best to get your system checked out.
- Radiators Not Heating Up
The radiators are usually cold if the boiler is running because of trapped air or sludge buildup. Often, bleeding the radiators resolves air blockage, but if sludge is the cause, a power flush may be needed to restore efficiency.
- The boiler keeps turning off
A boiler that frequently shuts down can be caused by low water pressure, thermostat problems, or a clogged condensate pipe. Low pressure is often the culprit, but during colder months, a frozen condensate pipe may cause the system to shut down as a safety measure. The pipe can be thawed or the pressure can be topped up, but long-term problems will need to be addressed by a professional.
- Pilot light keeps going out
When the pilot light goes out repeatedly in an older boiler, it could be due to a faulty thermocouple, draughts affecting the flame, or problems with the gas supply. You might be able to restart the pilot temporarily, but if it continues to go out, it’s time to have the boiler inspected.
- Thermostat not working properly
It is possible for a faulty thermostat to cause irregular heating, ranging from the boiler not starting up to it shutting off too often. First, check that your settings are correct and that the batteries aren’t dead. If the thermostat is old, it may need replacing to ensure reliable heating control.
No one likes dealing with heating and hot water problems, but knowing what to look out for can save you time and frustration. Regular maintenance, such as annual boiler servicing and radiator bleeding, can help prevent many of these common issues. However, if you’re experiencing ongoing problems, it’s always best to call in a professional.
At SS Boiler Installation, we offer expert boiler repairs, servicing, and installation to keep your home warm and your water flowing. Don’t let a faulty boiler disrupt your life—contact us today for all your heating and hot water needs!