What are some of the most common boiler problems?

Any problem you have with your boiler is frustrating, but the good news is there are some faults that are fairly common with boilers, especially older ones so they can be straightforward to fix by a professional engineer or even by you. We’ve put together this list of the most reported boiler faults so you will know the correct steps to take if you encounter any of these issues and have them resolved, quickly, efficiently, and without breaking the bank. 

Boiler kettling

This fault is so named because the noises it makes resemble that of a boiling kettle. If you start hearing sounds like this it is likely because sludge or limescale has started to build up in parts of the boiler, which slows down the flowing water and results in the system heating up too much. Kettling is more of a common problem in locations with hard water, but it can affect soft water areas too. If your boiler is kettling then you will need to contact an engineer to come and check the system. The engineer will probably start by flushing the system to get rid of the debris that has developed, which should get the boiler back up and running effectively. 

No heating or hot water

Being left without heating or hot water is a big issue that will need to be fixed as quickly as possible. There isn’t one root cause for why you wouldn’t be getting heating or hot water but there are multiple possibilities that could explain why your boiler isn’t providing heating or hot water including: 

• The boiler isn’t getting fuel or water, check with your suppliers in case there has been an outage in the area or if the connection has been switched off unintentionally. 
• Low boiler pressure will lead the boiler to switch off, so you won’t get heating or hot water. 
• Older boiler models have a pilot light, if that goes out and stops working then the boiler won’t be able to fire up. 

A Gas Safe engineer will be able to find the cause of why you don’t have heating or hot water and get your boiler working. However, make sure you check the boiler first before contacting an engineer as if it is a pressure issue you can sort that yourself. See the next fault in this list to learn more about low boiler pressure. 

Low boiler pressure

If your boiler pressure is too low, it will typically switch off and display an error code on the front of the unit. Normal boiler pressure will be somewhere between 1 and 2, so if you can see that the gauge has dropped to less than 1 you will know that it is too low. A sudden drop in boiler pressure can be caused by a potential leak in the system or if you have bled your radiators recently, the pressure can be affected. You can top up the boiler yourself but if you notice that the pressure is continuously dropping then you should look out for a possible leak and contact and engineer. 

Boiler keeps turning itself off

Like with other faults in this list, there can be a number of reasons why your boiler might turn itself off. Some of the most common causes are: 

• Problems with the thermostat 
• Debris build up in the system 
• Low boiler pressure 
• Too much air in the boiler system 

Make sure you check your thermostat and boiler pressure and ensure your radiators have been bled. If everything appears normal, then contact an engineer to come and check the boiler. 

Abnormal noises from the boiler

Aside from the normal noises you would hear when your boiler is switched on and working which you have likely become accustomed to, if you are hearing unusual noises coming from your unit it could mean there is an issue. These noises can range from banging to gurgling or whistling and each one will indicate what is wrong with the system. 

Gurgling suggests there is trapped air within the system, banging is likely to be caused by loose pipework or internal parts or potentially a sign that the pump is starting to fail and whistling like kettling is when there is a build-up of sludge and debris on the heat exchanger. Re-pressurising the boiler can help with some of the noises you might hear and alter the settings if the boiler is vibrating or humming. 

Conclusion: Where can I find boiler spares near me?

These are just a few examples of common boiler faults there are other problems that your boiler might encounter throughout its lifespan. If you need replacement parts for your boiler you can find the exact make and model you need at NBS. We provide high quality and affordable national boiler spares to help your boiler get back up and running without costing a fortune, and using refurbished spare parts is better for the environment too.