My Boiler Keeps Turning Itself off!
The boiler is pivotal in keeping your home warm and cosy in winter. A broken boiler will leave you freezing in the cold. The most common problem many people face is that their boiler keeps turning off. Is this a question you’ve been asking yourself? No need to worry anymore! In this blog, I will tell you the most common reasons your boiler turns itself off and the necessary actions that you must take.
However, we suggest you try to repair it only if you have the required competencies and qualifications. It is illegal for unregistered people to work on gas appliances, flues, and fittings, even if they own the defective property.
Attempting to repair a boiler without the necessary qualifications can be extremely dangerous, potentially leading to gas leaks, fires, or even explosions. These risks far outweigh any potential cost savings from a DIY repair. We strongly recommend you contact a Gas Safe Engineer.
Reasons That Cause Your Boiler To Turn Itself Off:
1- Low Water Pressure
One reason your boiler might turn off is low boiler pressure, which is caused by leaks in your boiler. Check the pressure gauge. If it’s below 1, then it needs to be repressurized. You must contact a gas-safe engineer and get your boiler serviced immediately.
2- Thermostat Problems
If your thermostat has broken, your boiler will not be able to recognize the temperature of the water, and the boiler will be switched off to prevent the appliance from overheating or overflowing causing the pipe to leak because it assumes it has already reached the required temperature. You will need to replace your thermostat.
By purchasing a newer, more energy-efficient thermostat, you could save money on your energy bills in the long term, potentially offsetting the cost of the new thermostat within a few years. This intelligent investment can make you feel financially savvy while keeping your home warm.
3- Frozen Condensate Pipes
Another primary reason your boiler gets switched off can be a frozen condensate pipe. Condensate pipes are waste pipes that drain excess acidic water from your boiler.
Cold temperatures can freeze these pipes in winter, causing blockage and acidic water to flow back into your boiler. In this situation, your boiler turns itself off and displays a fault code to prevent damage.
4- Short Cycling
Short cycling in boilers causes them to turn on and off. The reason might be that your boiler is either oversized or too powerful, meaning its heat output exceeds your household’s needs. Short cycling can damage your boiler heavily and cost you a lot of money.
If you need more help determining the ideal size of boiler for your home, read our article “What Size of Boiler Do You Need” for an in-depth explanation.
5- Lack of Water Flow
If the boiler keeps shutting off, it could be due to closed valves, air caught in the system or a broken pump. The boiler is switching off due to in-built safety mechanisms – if it did not shut down, it could overheat.
If air is in the system, bleeding your radiators could resolve the problem. Check to see if your radiators are as warm as they should be—if some of them seem cold, bleed them out. If there is enough air in the system to cause your boiler to switch off, it should be obvious when you start bleeding your radiators, as plenty of air will gush out of them.
A closed valve can also prevent water from flowing correctly within the boiler. Check the valves on the underside of the boiler – you may have closed one accidentally. However, the broken valve may be inside the boiler, which you cannot fix if you are not Gas Safe Registered.
You cannot repair a broken boiler pump and must contact an engineer. Ensure you check all your gas appliances annually using a Gas Safe registered engineer. This proactive approach to maintenance can prevent potential issues and keep your home safe and warm.
24|7 Home Rescue works with over 3000 Gas Safe registered engineers and can cover everything from boiler breakdowns to boiler service and boiler repairs. Contact us today for more information.
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What’s Next?
If you need more clarification, you must avoid touching any part of your boiler or central heating system. Did you know? It’s illegal for anyone to use a gas appliance if they think it’s unsafe. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, as you could worsen things and put yourself at risk.
Instead of taking risks, call us on 0345 3192 247, and we will assist you. Our technical team will guide you through some simple troubleshooting to see if your problem can be resolved over the phone, or they can book one of our friendly and knowledgeable Gas Safe registered engineers to get you back up and running as soon as possible. Your comfort and safety are our priority.
Boiler Service
Ensure your boiler runs efficiently and safely with our professional boiler servicing. Regular maintenance will save you money in the long run and potentially prevent breakdowns.
FAQ’s
Why is my boiler clicking on and off?
Boilers typically click on and off due to short cycling, where the boiler turns on, heats up quickly, and then shuts off before reaching the desired temperature. Common causes include incorrect thermostat settings, a faulty thermostat, or an oversized boiler.
It may also be due to blocked or frozen pipes, low water pressure, or a malfunctioning pump. We recommend getting a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect your system and identify the root cause.
What is the typical lifespan of a boiler?
A well-maintained boiler can last between 10 to 15 years on average. However, regular servicing is crucial to prolong its life and maintain its efficiency. Factors like water quality and usage patterns can also influence the lifespan. Over time, wear and tear, especially in older models, can lead to breakdowns and inefficiencies.
Upgrading to a newer, more energy-efficient boiler after 10-15 years may be more cost-effective than continuing with repairs.
How much does repairing a boiler that keeps turning off cost?
The cost of repairing a boiler that frequently turns off depends on the underlying issue. Common repairs, such as fixing a thermostat or valve, may cost between £100 to £300. More serious problems, like replacing a heat exchanger, could exceed £500.
For example, repairing a faulty thermostat is generally less expensive than replacing a broken pump. Regular maintenance can prevent costly breakdowns, so scheduling annual servicing is wise. For more specifics, refer to our article on boiler repair costs.
Can I fix a boiler that keeps turning off?
In most cases, it’s not advisable to attempt boiler repairs yourself, as it is illegal to work on gas appliances without the proper Gas Safe certification. Even seemingly minor issues can lead to significant risks, such as gas leaks or explosions.
However, you can perform a few basic checks before calling a professional, like checking the thermostat batteries or ensuring the boiler is not in an energy-saving mode. If the problem persists, it’s best to call a Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose and repair it. Safety should always be your priority.
What are common boiler noises, and what do they mean?
Different boiler noises can indicate various issues. For example, a banging noise might suggest a problem with the expansion vessel, while gurgling sounds could indicate low water pressure.
If you hear unusual noises, contacting a Gas Safe registered engineer for inspection is essential.
How can I improve my boiler’s efficiency?
Several steps can help improve your boiler’s efficiency and reduce energy consumption. These include regular servicing, bleeding radiators, insulating pipes, and ensuring the boiler is the right size for your home.
What is a typical boiler maintenance schedule?
Regular boiler maintenance is essential for optimal performance and longevity. It’s recommended that you service your boiler annually, ideally in summers before the heating season starts.
During the service, a Gas Safe registered engineer will carry out visual inspection to see whether everything related to your boiler is working optimally or not.
24|7 Home Rescue accepts no liability for any injuries or damages you sustain following the advice on this website. If in doubt, seek professional assistance.
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