The winter months are when you need your boiler the most, but sadly the colder weather can wreak havoc on our trusty boilers, causing them to splutter or fail altogether. At Tim Reynolds, we’ve seen and solved every boiler problem imaginable, and have used our knowledge to explain the most common winter boiler problems and how you can best address them. Just read on for our low-down!
Freezing pipes
Frozen pipes are your worst enemy in winter, and can even cause the pipe to burst, spilling water and spelling disaster throughout your home. Most commonly, the condensation pipe situated at the back of many modern boilers can freeze. Because it drives water away from the boiler, it can easily freeze when temperatures are cold. When this happens your radiators will not heat up… at all! Luckily it’s simple to resolve by pouring warm water (ensure it’s not boiling or too hot) over the pipe to thaw it out.
To prevent your pipes from freezing during the winter, it can also help to keep your heating on low, even when you’re out. This stops the temperature dropping to extremely cold levels where your pipes are at risk of freezing.
Thermostat trouble
If your radiators aren’t heating up it can be difficult to know why. Often, though, if your boiler is working it can be down to your thermostat. The parts in your thermostat are quite fragile, and over time can wear out and send your heating system out of whack. If your thermostat isn’t working correctly it can’t tell that the room needs heating and therefore your radiators won’t kick in. It’s something that you will need to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer about, who will be able to identify the issue and get it sorted.
Pilot light out
If your pilot light is out your boiler is off, not working and wholly unable to produce hot water and heat. While there can be a few reasons for this, your pilot light will switch off if there is a build-up of gas, in order to protect you from potentially very dangerous consequences. If your pilot light has gone out, it’s best to call us ASAP so we can assess the issue and ensure everything is safe.
Noisy boiler
If your boiler is making unusual noises - usually loud or banging ones - it’s a sure sign that something isn’t right. It may be to do with the pressure of your boiler or a build-up of air. Again, it’s a matter for an engineer to deal with, although it can usually be resolved quickly.
In Dorset and need boiler care?
Whether you have a boiler issues that need resolving or are looking to prepare your boiler for the winter months ahead, we’re always happy to help. Here at Tim Reynolds we serve the areas of Verwood, Alderholt, Hampshire, Ringwood, West Moors, Ferndown, Ashley Heath, Fordingbridge, Bournemouth and Poole, and promise to deliver nothing short of excellent service. You can contact us by: Calling 01202 802281, emailing tim@timreynolds.co.uk or completing our contact form here on our site.
