When your boiler suddenly stops working, it can feel like an emergency, especially during cold weather when your heating and hot water are essential. Whether it’s a tripped fuse, low pressure, or something more serious, there are several steps you can take to diagnose the issue before calling for professional help.
Steps to Take When Your Boiler Stops Working
1. Check for Power Issues
Your boiler relies on electricity to operate. If the display screen or control panel is blank, start by checking the power supply. Look at your fuse box or consumer unit to see if any switches have tripped. Resetting a tripped fuse might restore power to your boiler. If power is still not returning, check whether other appliances in your home are affected to rule out a wider electrical problem.
2. Inspect the Boiler Pressure
Boilers are designed to shut down if the pressure drops too low, as this can prevent safe operation. Check the pressure gauge, most boilers should read between 1 and 2 bars. If it’s lower, your system may need re-pressurising. You can do this using the filling loop, which connects to your cold-water supply. Open the valves slowly to let water into the system and close them once the pressure returns to normal. Always refer to your boiler’s manual, or contact an engineer if you’re unsure.
3. Reset the Boiler Safely
Modern boilers often shut down when they detect a minor fault. Many have a reset button or function, which can clear temporary errors. Press and hold the reset button for around ten seconds, then wait a few minutes to see if the boiler restarts. If an error code appears again, make a note of it—this helps engineers quickly identify the problem during a repair visit.
4. Check for Gas Supply Problems
If your boiler runs on gas, a supply issue could be to blame. Check if your other gas appliances, like your hob or oven, are working. If not, there may be a wider gas outage or a problem with your meter. If you smell gas, turn off your supply immediately and contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Never attempt to fix gas-related issues yourself, it’s both unsafe and illegal without Gas Safe registration.
5. Review Thermostat and Timer Settings
It’s worth checking whether your thermostat is working properly or whether the timer has been accidentally reset. Power cuts or flat batteries in wireless thermostats can cause your heating schedule to stop working. Make sure the thermostat is set above the current room temperature and that the heating timer is active.
6. Inspect for Frozen Condensate Pipes
In colder months, one of the most common causes of a non-working boiler is a frozen condensate pipe. This pipe carries condensation from the boiler to an outside drain, and if it freezes, the boiler will automatically shut down. If you suspect this, gently pour warm (not boiling) water along the pipe or wrap it in a warm towel to defrost it. Once thawed, reset the boiler to see if it restarts.
7. Look for Error Codes or Warning Lights
Most modern boilers display fault codes when something goes wrong. Refer to your boiler’s manual or manufacturer’s website to find out what the code means. Some errors can indicate simple issues like low water pressure, while others point to internal faults that require an engineer’s attention.
8. Check for Unusual Noises or Smells
Unusual banging, gurgling, or whistling sounds can suggest trapped air, limescale build-up, or pump failure. Similarly, any burning or metallic smells should be taken seriously and treated as a sign to turn off your system and seek professional assistance immediately.
9. Bleed Radiators to Remove Air
Sometimes, your boiler might be working but unable to circulate heat efficiently due to air trapped in the radiators. If your radiators are cold at the top but warm at the bottom, bleeding them can help. Use a radiator key to release trapped air until water begins to flow evenly.
10. When to Call a Professional Engineer
If none of the above steps resolve the issue, it’s best to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer. Persistent faults, recurring pressure loss, or continuous lockouts often indicate an internal component issue that only a qualified professional can diagnose safely. Trying to repair your boiler yourself can be dangerous and may invalidate your warranty.
Expert Boiler Repairs in Southampton
If your boiler has stopped working, T P Watts Plumbing Services is here to help. Our Gas Safe engineers provide fast, reliable boiler repairs across Southampton, fixing pressure issues, faults, and frozen pipes quickly. Call 02380 601566 or 07732 785867, or fill out our contact form to book your boiler repair.
