What to do when things go Wrong!
Unfortunately, regardless of what heating system you have, sometimes things go wrong and break down. Below we will try to guide you on the most common reasons a boiler or central heating system might be struggling, and what you can do about It.
The boiler won’t turn on – or keeps turning off
You may simply need to reset your boiler by turning it off, leaving it for ten seconds, and turning it back on again. If this does not work, check your pilot light.
Pilot Light
If your pilot light keeps going out or will not ignite at all, this could be down to certain variables, including:
Mains gas supply: always check your mains gas supply by testing your other gas appliances such as your cooker. If these do not work, the problem is with your gas supply, not the boiler, and you will need to contact your gas supplier to rectify the problem.
Low water pressure: check the pressure on the pressure gauge; it should be between one and two bars of atmospheric pressure.
Other problems that you could face with your central heating boiler system is the heating coming on, but perhaps being too hot.
Other problems that you could face with your central heating boiler system is the heating coming on, but perhaps being too hot. This could be a sign of a broken or faulty thermostat
If the thermostat is faulty it will not be able to ‘tell’ the boiler when to stop heating the water in the radiators, leading to an overheated room
Other Problems
Radiators that are hot on the top and cold on the bottom are an indicator of rust and sludge in the radiators, and the system will require a flush through (or drain down).
‘Banging and clunking’ can also be a sign of this, although a noisy central heating system can also indicate trapped air.
Radiators that are cold on the top and hot on the bottom are a definite indication of air in the system, as the air traps the hot water and prevents it from travelling to the top. Try bleeding your radiators to see if this resolves the problem.
When it’s time to call in the Experts
If you have tried to fix your central heating boiler system yourself to no avail, or if it is a problem that requires expertise, then why not give ACR Plumbing and Heating a call? We have over 30 years’ experience in the industry and guarantee 100% customer satisfaction 100% of the time.
Call 01 497 9838 and see how we can help.