What Does A Full Boiler Service Include?
What exactly happens during a boiler service & what's included?
If you’re wondering what a boiler service includes or what happens during a boiler service, a full boiler service is a thorough safety, efficiency and performance check carried out by a Gas Safe registered heating engineer.
Most homeowners only think about their boiler when something goes wrong, such as no hot water, cold radiators, leaks, banging pipes, or unusual noises. However, many boiler problems and emergency callouts can be easily avoided with regular servicing and maintenance.
What Happens During a Boiler Service?
During a boiler service, the engineer will begin with an initial visual inspection to ensure everything appears safe and in good condition. They will check inside the boiler and the wider heating system, including:
- Flue integrity and ventilation checks
- Gas pressure testing and combustion analysis
- Safe operation of boiler and system controls
- Inspection of internal components for wear and tear
- Check of the central heating system, including radiators
- Inspection for water or gas leaks
- Operational test to ensure the boiler is working efficiently
The engineer will test that everything is functioning correctly, both inside and outside the boiler unit, and that the system is operating safely.
If any blockages, sludge or corrosion are identified with the boiler or connected pipework, a
power flush may be recommended to restore efficiency and prevent further damage.
Does a Boiler Need to Be Cold for a Boiler Service?
No, the boiler does not need to be cold overnight, but it should be switched off and allowed to cool somewhat before the engineer begins work. This prevents burns and ensures safe access to internal components and accurate testing.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
You should always follow the boiler manufacturer’s guidance, but as a general rule:
- Your first boiler service is required 12 months after installation
- Boilers should be serviced annually thereafter
Annual boiler servicing is usually required to maintain your boiler warranty and ensure faults are identified early before they become expensive repairs.
How long does it take to service a boiler?
A standard annual boiler service typically takes 30 minutes to 1 hour for most modern boilers, and up to 1.5 hours for older or more complex systems.
At
Assett Plumbing, we understand that taking time out of your day isn't always convenient, so we do our best to work around your family and work schedules and complete the service as efficiently as possible.
Is a boiler service worth it?
An annual boiler service is absolutely worth it as it:
- Improves boiler and heating efficiency
- Reduces the risk of breakdowns
- Helps prevent costly emergency callouts
- Identifies safety risks such as carbon monoxide leaks
- Keeps your manufacturer’s warranty valid
Just as a car needs regular servicing, a regularly serviced boiler will usually last many years longer than one that is neglected.
Can You Service a Boiler Yourself?
The simple answer is no. A boiler service must be carried out by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer, such as Assett Plumbing. Attempting to service a boiler yourself without the correct training and equipment is unsafe and could invalidate your warranty.
However, there are a few simple checks you can carry out between services:
- Check the pilot light (if visible): a blue flame is normal, yellow or orange indicates a problem
- Check boiler pressure: typically between 1 and 1.5 bar
- Look for water leaks: puddles or drips should be addressed immediately
- Install carbon monoxide alarms in rooms with fuel-burning appliances
If anything seems wrong, always contact a professional rather than attempting DIY repairs.
Book your annual boiler service
Assett Plumbing plumbing services cover boiler servicing for homes and businesses throughout Northamptonshire, including:
We are approved and fully vetted by Northants County Council under their Trading Standards Approved “Buy with Confidence” scheme, and all of our plumbing and heating engineers are all Gas Safe registered.
Book your annual boiler service today to be carried out by qualified engineers who have your best interests at heart. Or to find out more, simply give us a call on 01604 372395.
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