Important but simple boiler maintenance tips

Your boiler system is one of the most expensive investments that you as a homeowner can make, so it is understandable that you would like to avoid replacing it for as long as possible. Regular maintenance is key to keeping your boiler efficient in the long run. Here are our top 11 smart yet simple boiler maintenance tips that will save you both money and future headaches. Check them out below!

1. Get Your Boiler Serviced Annually

A professional service every year will keep your boiler working at its best and subsequently keep heating bills low, prevent any breakdowns, and even maximise the boiler’s lifespan. A boiler service MUST to be carried out by a Gas Safe engineer who can check each element is in safe working order as well as identify any issues before they turn into unwanted and costly fixtures. If you think your boiler is due for a service, get in touch with a member of our team.

To learn more about boiler servicing and how many times it should be done, click HERE.

2. Check The Boiler System Pressure

We can't stress this enough, your boiler must be set at the right pressure to be able to circulate hot water around the radiators and pipes. You can check your boiler pressure by simply checking the pressure gauge to ensure it is in working order and at the level suggested by the manufacturer’s user instructions. This is typically between 1 and 2 bar. If the pressure is incorrect, you can adjust this yourself.

For advice if your boiler is losing pressure, click HERE.

3. Bleed The Radiators Every Year

Over time, air can get trapped in your radiators; these small pockets of air can prevent the radiator from heating up fully, which often creates cold patches at the top of the radiator. Bleeding your radiators should release this air, however, you will need to top the pressure up on the boiler once you have done this.

For help bleeding a radiator, just click HERE.

4. Make Sure Your Boiler Flame is Blue

NOTE: If your boiler is a condensing type the following would not be applicable. Your boiler should always burn with a strong blue flame. If the flame in your boiler is either yellow or orange, there could be a risk of carbon monoxide – in this case, you must call a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately. You should have a carbon monoxide alarm, but if you spot that your boiler flame is no longer blue and the alarm hasn’t rung, call an engineer straight!

5. Be Aware of Potential Radiator Problems

You might find that your radiators feel hot at the top but much cooler at the bottom. This is quite a common heating problem and is caused by a magnetic sludge that accumulates at the bottom of the radiators. Having a sludge build-up will often result in higher energy bills (costing you more money than it should), and damage your boiler over time - so it’s definitely something to keep an eye on. The best way to remove sludge is with a power flush.

If you need a power flush, give us a call on 01604 372395 today.

6. Keep An Eye Out For Drips Coming From The External Pipe

If you notice your system pressure dropping, one of the first places to check is the PRV (Pressure Release) pipe may be dripping. and this will need attention from a Gas Safe engineer.  This can easily be rectified during an annual boiler service via a registered Gas safe installer/engineer.

To fix a leak like this from your boiler, give Assett Plumbing a call now on 01604 372395.

7. Put Lagging On Your External Pipes

Minimise the likelihood of a boiler breakdown this winter with some lagging. Before temperatures drop, you can pick up some exterior lagging called Type O lagging. This lagging will lessen the chance of the pipes freezing in the colder months of the year. You must ensure the joints are taped together and there are no gaps on the external pipework.

For more information on this and other ways you can prepare your plumbing for the winter/colder months, click HERE.

8. Allow Your Boiler to Be Well Ventilated

Give your boilers space! Try to avoid covering or surrounding your boiler with clutter. If your boiler is in a cupboard, don’t worry a gap of 700 mm between the wall and boiler will suffice. Just ensure you never allow clothing or linen to be in direct contact with boiler or the boiler flue.

9. Check for leaks from radiators

If you notice water below any of the radiator valves, or even some staining around joints or on the floor below it may mean that one or more of your radiators has a slow leak, and it may only occur when the heating is on, so you may not always see the water itself dripping out unless it's a substantial leak.
This may just need the valve tightening, but be very careful and it's usually best to get a trained plumber or heating engineer to check and fix this properly than trying to do so yourself.

10. Never Attempt To Repair Your Boiler Yourself

The only people LEGALLY allowed to repair your boiler are Gas Safe registered heating engineers. It’s incredibly dangerous to work on boilers if you aren’t qualified to do so and can even lead to fires, explosions, carbon monoxide poisoning and more. Minimise the risk and simple contact an expert.

11. Call your local plumbing experts to do the job properly

We are local, friendly and fast, we can check, service and repair your boiler, radiators or heating system if required, we have the qualifications, the tools and the experience to do the best job to keep your boiler properly maintained and prevent any plumbing emergencies in the future.