Why do boilers break down?

In the main, modern combi boilers are strong, sturdy, and resilient appliances that provide central heating and hot water with no fuss for many years. But behind the boiler cover is an array of complicated technology and advanced engineering, and it’s not to say you won’t encounter a time when your boiler broke down.

There are dozens of important components in a condensing boiler, all of which need to work with each other in harmony, and if one of these components fails or stops working effectively, this can lead to a chain reaction of failures across the rest of the boiler.

Older Boiler Breakdowns

Frequently, age is an issue in boiler breakdowns. Corrosion and rust can rot through internal components and cause leaks and mechanical failure. Debris and gunk can accumulate and stop the mechanics of the boiler from working, or stop water from properly flowing through it.

But the increased risk of a broken gas appliance is not the only reason people should consider investing in a newer appliance. Modern combi boilers boast energy efficiency ratings of over 100% – far greater than that offered by older boilers – and replacing your boiler with an A-rated appliance could see your gas bill fall by up to a third.

Mechanical Boiler Breakdown – Interconnecting Pipework

Mechanical boiler breakdowns aren’t all necessarily caused by a problem within the boiler, but might instead be because of a problem in the interconnecting pipework, such as the plumbing and radiators.

Air, gunk and other debris can become caught up in your plumbing and stop water from circulating properly, or can infiltrate the boiler and damage its internal components. For this reason, people should consider flushing their central heating system out before they receive a boiler replacement.

Cold Weather and Frozen Plumbing

Boilers are more likely to break down in winter than in the summer, and this isn’t solely because boilers work overtime in the cold weather! When the temperature drops below zero, standing water in pipes and in the boiler itself can freeze solid.

The condensate pipe, which removes steam and condensation from your boiler, can freeze shut, preventing the boiler from working.

Read more about: How to defrost frozen condensate pipes

Annual Gas Boiler Services

Because boilers are so complicated, they should be serviced annually. A gas boiler service is not too dissimilar to a car service; in both instances, professional and qualified specialists will look at every component to ensure it is working properly and effectively. Annual boiler service greatly increase the life expectancy of a boiler and significantly reduce the likelihood of a boiler breakdown.

Gas boiler services also have energy-efficiently implications – a malfunctioning boiler is likely to burn through gas far more rapidly than it should do, which can see energy bills skyrocket.

So what do you do when a boiler breaks down? With a boiler breakdown cover and annual service plan from us, you can enjoy an excellent level of protection that will ensure you won’t have to deal with a central heating breakdown for a moment longer than necessary, and that will minimise the likelihood of your boiler breaking down in the first place!

Has Your Boiler Broken Down?

Don’t attempt to touch any part of your boiler or central heating system if you’re unsure. 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 make things worse.

Instead, call us on 0345 3192 247 and we can help. Our technical team will run 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.

247 Home Rescue accepts no liability for any injuries or damages you sustain following the advice on this website. If in doubt, seek professional assistance.

Need help? Contact us today!