Boiler Not Working Properly? One of These 5 Reasons Could Be the Culprit

As winter approaches, the last thing anyone needs is a broken boiler. The average cost of a new boiler is an eye-watering $7000, an expense that few people can afford.

That’s why knowing the exact reasons behind a boiler not working is crucial. If you’re sat there thinking “my boiler is not working”, there are several reasons why this might be the case.

Identifying the problem quickly is important, as this will allow you to have the problem fixed quickly, meaning you won’t need to splash out on an entirely new boiler. With that in mind, here are the five most common reasons behind a boiler heater not working. 

Check out boiler cover

1. Pressure Buildup (or Pressure Loss)

One of the most common reasons that a boiler breaks down is due to a change in pressure inside the unit. This is typically caused by a boiler filling loop not working, as this device is meant to regulate pressure inside the boiler.

When pressure builds up, your boiler won’t be able to heat water up properly. When pressure drops and becomes too low, then water flow will be greatly reduced.

This means that your boiler won’t be able to provide enough hot water. Check the pressure gauge to see if pressure levels are sub-optimal. If so, then you will need to call in a professional repair service. For that purpose, you can visit https://iheat.co.uk go through their content. First, make sure they can assess what you need to solve, and then start asking the important questions.

2. Thermostat of a Boiler Not Working

If you’re dealing with a boiler furnace not working, it could be because the thermostat has gone haywire. The thermostat monitors the temperature of the boiler and will regulate the boiler accordingly.

If it breaks, then your thermostat could incorrectly think that your boiler is too hot and automatically shut it off. The easiest way to fix this is to simply buy a new thermostat from the hardware store and install it yourself. 

3. Pilot Light Malfunctioning

The pilot light is simply the flame that is needed to heat up the water inside a boiler. If you are dealing with a pilot light not working on a gas boiler, then the boiler will not function at all. It is possible that the pilot light simply blew out on its own by accident.

If this is the case, you can usually reignite the flame by pressing the pilot light switch. However, if this does not work you will need to call a repairman. 

4. Boiler Leaks 

Boiler leaks will cause the boiler to lose water, meaning that it simply cannot function. There are many reasons why a boiler might spring a leak. It could be due to corrosion of the pipes, or poorly installed boiler parts, or eroded boiler seals.

Some of these causes can be fixed by you. Sometimes the source of a leak is too complex, meaning that you will need to call a professional. 

5. A Broker Diverter Valve 

The diverter valve inside a boiler is responsible for directing the flow of hot water around your house. It will usually ensure that hot water is getting to your taps before it gets to your radiator.

A broken diverter valve can cause a lot of problems. If your boiler only works when the heating is switched on, then your diverter valve is broken. Call a professional to fix this quickly. 

DIY Lifestyle Hacks to Save You Money 

A boiler not working can be a cause of major stress. However, simply knowing the quicky and easy fixes can make the world of difference. The same applies to just about any home DIY issue.

If you are looking for more simple advice and hacks to take the stress out of home maintenance, we have got you covered. Make sure to check out our Lifestyle section for all of the latest lifehacks for stress-free living.