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 boiler condensate pipes that run outside to freeze, which can prevent the boiler from functioning. The condensate pipe is a white plastic pipe which runs to a drain. Pour warm water (not boiling) over the pipe to unfreeze the blockage. Once clear your boiler may need to be reset.
Have you had a power cut recently?
If you have, your boiler’s timer might have reset - which means getting it working again could be as simple as re-programming it with your times. Take a look at its instruction manual for a reminder on how to do this.
Check your boiler’s pressure gauge.
If it’s showing a reading of one bar or less, low pressure could be the reason why your boiler’s not working. Topping up the pressure yourself is usually straightforward - follow the steps in your boiler’s 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 your boiler, or check that it’s pilot light is on.
Finally, try resetting your boiler according to its instructions. If yours was made pre-2004 it’s likely to have a pilot light instead of a reset function, so check that the pilot light is on. If it’s not, you may be able to relight it yourself according to its manual.
If you are a Council Tenant and require further assistance please contact the Housing Repairs Team.