12 Common Boiler Problems in Winter

The festive season is here and it’s the most wonderful time of the year… unless your boiler decides to pack in.

A well-functioning boiler is the silent workhorse of the winter months but when things go wrong, it can feel like the Twelve Days of Christmas, only each “gift” is another frustrating boiler issue.

The good news? With a bit of troubleshooting, you can diagnose the common boiler problems you might face this winter and learn how to deal with them before they turn into a holiday headache

1. No heating or hot water

“On the first day of winter, my boiler gave to me… nothing.”

A boiler that refuses to produce heat or hot water is frustrating to say the least. What’s behind the issue? This common boiler problem can be caused by low system pressure, thermostat issues or a faulty pilot light.

Fix it: Check the pressure gauge and make sure your thermostat is set correctly. Relight the pilot light if necessary and if the problem persists, call a professional.

2. Frozen condensate pipe

Cambridge winters can bring freezing temperatures that not only nip at your cheeks but can affect external pipes and leave your boiler unable to function. The condensate pipe is one of the most common culprits, which transfers your boiler’s wastewater out of your home. The result? System blockages that can lead to a total shutdown if left unchecked.

Fix it: Pour warm (not boiling) water over the pipe to melt the ice. Follow up by insulating external pipes to prevent freezing and ensure your home’s water supply isn’t obstructed.

3. Cold spots on radiators

Trapped air or sludge could be the culprit if your radiators are cold at the top or bottom.

Fix it: Bleed the radiators to release air or consider a professional power flush to remove sludge.

4. Boiler leaks and drips

Corrosion, a faulty pressure valve or loose connections are all common drivers of boiler leaks and drips.

Fix it: Time to channel your inner detective! Inspect your system for visible leaks and tighten connections if possible. For anything more serious it’s best to consult a Gas Safe engineer. Better to be safe than sorry when it comes to a faulty boiler.

5. Pilot light keeps going out

This classic issue might leave you humming “Five golden rings…” as you try to reignite it for the umpteenth time.

Fix it: First up, clean the pilot light nozzle and check for draughts. An easy way to do this is to hold a candle or incense stick up to the boiler and see if it flickers. Poorly sealed windows or doors are one of the biggest culprits behind draughts that extinguish pilot lights.

Other causes include a faulty thermocouple (this is the built-in safety device that detects heat from the pilot light and automatically switches off the gas valve if the pilot light goes out).

6. Low boiler pressure

Low pressure can prevent your boiler from heating efficiently and leave you shivering through winter mornings. It’s one of the most common boiler problems encountered by Cambridge homeowners but luckily, it’s an easy fix.

Fix it: Top up the pressure using the filling loop and keep an eye on it over time. Persistent issues may require professional attention.

7. Strange noises

Does your boiler sound like it’s auditioning for Britain’s Got Talent? We’re talking banging, gurgling or whistling noises that would make Simon Cowell cringe. Trapped air, limescale (also known as kettling) or low water pressure are all common causes of strange noises coming from your boiler.

Fix it: Bleed the radiators, check the pressure and consider a professional power flush to remove limescale build-up.

8. Boiler switching off randomly

A boiler that turns itself off could point to low water pressure, a blocked heat exchanger or thermostat issues.

Fix it: Check the pressure, inspect the thermostat and call a professional for a heat exchanger clean-up.

9. Thermostat malfunctions

A thermostat that’s not on speaking terms with your boiler can result in inconsistent heating or in a worst-case scenario, no heating at all.

Fix it: Replace the batteries and make sure the thermostat is set correctly. Consider upgrading to a smart thermostat for better control.

10. Cold spots on radiators

Cold spots on radiators are often caused by an uneven flow of hot water caused by sludge build-up.

Fix it: Bleeding radiators might help, but a power flush is the most effective solution for this common boiler problem.

11. Boiler overheating

An overheating boiler may shut itself down as a safety precaution. Causes include a blocked heat exchanger or a pump failure.

Fix it: Turn off the boiler and call a qualified engineer to diagnose and fix the issue.

12. Waiting around for heat and hot water

When you switch on your heating, you want your home to warm up in a matter of minutes. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. You may also find yourself waiting around for the water to warm up as it comes out of your taps.

Fix it: This can be down to a number of reasons, including your boiler simply being past its best. A professional engineer is best placed to diagnose and fix the problem.

Preventative measures to keep your boiler jolly

What’s the best way to keep your boiler happy? Preventative maintenance. Here’s how:

• Book a service: An annual boiler service winter-proofs your boiler and identifies common problems before they escalate.
• Monitor pressure: Check your boiler pressure regularly and top it up as needed.
• Insulate pipes: Use lagging to protect external pipes from subzero temps.
• Bleed radiators: Release trapped air and keep your radiators working efficiently.
• Check for leaks: Stay on top of common boiler problems and keep an eye out for signs of drips or corrosion.
• Install a smart thermostat: Upgrade to a modern thermostat and enjoy high-tech features that empower you with a whole new level of control.

When to call a professional

Some boiler issues can be solved with basic troubleshooting but in most cases, it’s best to call in a fully certified heating engineer. If you’re unsure, it’s always better to play it safe. Especially when dealing with gas appliances.

Stay cosy with Plumbox

At Plumbox, we’ve endured our fair share of Cambridge winters, and we know better than anyone how vital a reliable boiler is. Not just for comfort but to keep your energy bills down and do your part for the climate.

Our team of Gas Safe registered heating engineers is here to keep your home warm, safe and efficient throughout the season. Whether it’s a quick fix for common boiler problems, a full service or emergency repairs, we’ve got you covered.

Contact us today to schedule a service or get expert advice.