We understand the importance of keeping your home warm and safe, especially during the colder months and cosy Christmas time. A boiler breakdown can be stressful, particularly if you’ve got young children, elderly relatives, or a house full of guests to look after.
Here’s a handy guide to help you know what to do if your boiler stops working this winter.
Why Do Boiler Breakdowns Increase in Winter?
Boiler issues are more common in winter because your boiler works harder during these months. Any minor problems developed over the year can worsen when the system is under increased strain. Regular servicing can help avoid this, but if a breakdown does happen, our gas engineers are here to help.
What to Do If Your Boiler Breaks Down
Step 1: Don’t Panic
When your boiler stops working, the temperature in your home will drop, and you’ll lose access to hot water. It’s important to stay calm and follow these steps to get things back on track.
Step 2: Confirm the Boiler Is the Problem
Check for signs that your boiler has indeed broken:
- A loss of both heat and hot water.
- A yellow or uneven flame (it should be blue and sharp).
- Strange banging or clunking noises.
- Unusual water pressure.
- Higher-than-usual gas consumption on your meter.
If you notice any of these issues, turn the boiler off immediately for safety. Note any error codes on the display, as this will help the engineer identify the problem.
Step 3: Check the Basics
Before calling an engineer, ensure your boiler has access to water, gas, and electricity. Check your gas supply by testing another appliance like your hob. If you suspect a gas supply issue, contact your Gas Network Provider.
If your boiler is plugged in and the supply looks fine, but it still isn’t working, it’s time to call Brays Pipeline.
Who to Contact
We’ve got a team of Gas Safe registered engineers ready to assist. You can rely on us to diagnose and fix the problem promptly and professionally.
If your boiler is under warranty, check the terms to ensure an authorised engineer carries out any repairs, as unauthorised maintenance could void your cover.
Staying Safe While Your Boiler Is Down
Boilers have safety features, but a fault can still pose risks. Be mindful of the following:
- Smell of Gas: If you notice a gas smell, turn off your boiler, leave the property, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
- Carbon Monoxide Risk: Carbon monoxide is an odourless, invisible gas that can be deadly. Symptoms include headaches, dizziness, and nausea. Ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector installed.
If you suspect carbon monoxide exposure, leave your home immediately and contact an engineer to assess the boiler.
Keeping Warm Without Central Heating
If your boiler breaks down in the middle of winter, here are a few tips to stay warm:
- Wear plenty of layers and use hot water bottles or blankets.
- Close curtains to retain heat.
- If the cold becomes unbearable, consider staying with friends or family or book a hotel if needed.
How to Prevent Future Boiler Breakdowns
The best way to avoid boiler breakdowns is through regular servicing by a qualified engineer. At Brays Pipelines, we recommend scheduling a service annually to ensure everything works as it should.
If your boiler is over 10 years old, consider upgrading to a modern, energy-efficient model to save on energy bills and reduce the risk of faults.
Need Help? Contact Brays Pipelines
Whether you need a quick repair or advice on replacing an older boiler, we are here.
Check our contact page for our office and emergency call-out numbers.
Stay warm and safe this winter with Brays Pipelines.