Alert Section

Boiler not working?


Try these easy boiler fixes to before requesting help:

Double check the basics. 
First of all, if you have a prepayment meter, check that you’ve got enough credit. Next, test whether your other gas appliances, like your cooker hob, are working correctly, or whether the switches in your fuse box have tripped.

Is it freezing cold weather outside?
Freezing cold weather can cause pipes running outside to freeze, which can prevent the boiler from working. The pipe is a plastic white pipe that runs into a drain. Pour warm (not boiling) water over the hose to thaw. When it's clear you may need to do a boiler reset.

Have you had a power cut recently?
If yes, your boiler may need the timer reset – which means getting it working again can be as simple as reprogramming it with your times.   Check out the instruction manual to remind you how to do this. 

Check boiler pressure.
If it shows a reading of one bar or less, low pressure could be the reason why your boiler isn't working.  Increasing the pressure yourself is usually easy enough – follow the steps in the boiler manual. 

Turn your room thermostat to 21 degrees or higher.
Having your room thermostat set lower than 21 degrees can stop your heating from coming on, so turn it higher to see if your boiler starts working again.

Reset the boiler, or check the pilot light is on.
If the boiler was manufactured before 2004 it is likely to include a pilot light rather than a reset function, so check the pilot light is on.  If not, you may be able to light it yourself according to the manual.   

If you are a Council Tenant and require further assistance please contact the Housing Repairs Team.