If your boiler develops a fault or suddenly stops working, it can throw your day into chaos. The winter months are particularly tricky for households across the UK, as keeping yourself warm is a top priority. A continuous supply of heating and hot water is essential when it's near to freezing outside. Here are the top five most common boiler problems in the winter (and why they happen).
1.   Central heating and hot water suddenly stop working
This problem can seem like a disaster when it happens, however it is actually very common. There are a number of reasons why your heating or hot water may have stopped working. It could be that a part of your boiler, such as the airlock or diaphragm has stopped working, or it could be a problem with your thermostat. Often, this problem is very easy to sort out with a phone call to your trusted heating engineer.
2.   The condensing pipe has frozen
Another reason why your heating and hot water may have stopped working correctly is that your condensing pipe may have frozen due to the cold weather. Insulating your pipes will help to prevent them from freezing during the winter, and regular boiler checks will also flag up any problems ahead of time.
3.   The boiler is leaking or dripping
A frozen pipe can cause blockages which will lead to leaks and spillages if not addressed straight away. This happens because the frozen water passing through the pipe expands, increasing water pressure. Other reasons for boiler leakages include faults with circulators and pressure relief valves.
4.   Gas usage has risen faster than expected
Cold weather can cause spikes in gas usage for households across the UK, however it is important to make sure your boiler isn't using more gas than it should be. If your boiler is using more gas, but you haven't used more hot water or had the heating on for longer than usual, there could be a problem with your meter.
5.   The radiators aren't heating up properly
Lukewarm radiators are the last thing you need when it's cold. If your radiators aren't heating up properly, it could be due to a blocked pipe. Older pipes can corrode on the inside and cause debris to build up, preventing hot water from reaching your radiators. A power flush will remove any deposits and make sure your heating is working correctly.
A regular boiler service will help you avoid any expensive problems and ensure that your home is kept warm throughout the winter. Only Gas Safe Registered engineers are legally allowed to service your boiler, so make sure of this before you allow anybody to perform work on your gas appliances.
1.   Central heating and hot water suddenly stop working
This problem can seem like a disaster when it happens, however it is actually very common. There are a number of reasons why your heating or hot water may have stopped working. It could be that a part of your boiler, such as the airlock or diaphragm has stopped working, or it could be a problem with your thermostat. Often, this problem is very easy to sort out with a phone call to your trusted heating engineer.
2.   The condensing pipe has frozen
Another reason why your heating and hot water may have stopped working correctly is that your condensing pipe may have frozen due to the cold weather. Insulating your pipes will help to prevent them from freezing during the winter, and regular boiler checks will also flag up any problems ahead of time.
3.   The boiler is leaking or dripping
A frozen pipe can cause blockages which will lead to leaks and spillages if not addressed straight away. This happens because the frozen water passing through the pipe expands, increasing water pressure. Other reasons for boiler leakages include faults with circulators and pressure relief valves.
4.   Gas usage has risen faster than expected
Cold weather can cause spikes in gas usage for households across the UK, however it is important to make sure your boiler isn't using more gas than it should be. If your boiler is using more gas, but you haven't used more hot water or had the heating on for longer than usual, there could be a problem with your meter.
5.   The radiators aren't heating up properly
Lukewarm radiators are the last thing you need when it's cold. If your radiators aren't heating up properly, it could be due to a blocked pipe. Older pipes can corrode on the inside and cause debris to build up, preventing hot water from reaching your radiators. A power flush will remove any deposits and make sure your heating is working correctly.
A regular boiler service will help you avoid any expensive problems and ensure that your home is kept warm throughout the winter. Only Gas Safe Registered engineers are legally allowed to service your boiler, so make sure of this before you allow anybody to perform work on your gas appliances.
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