Boiler problem? Let’s sort it
Whatever your boiler issue, our engineers will be able to put things right in no time. Just click here if you’re a HomeCare customer – or here if you don’t have cover and you want a one-off repair.
Some things to try before you call
A surprising number of boiler problems are actually quick and easy to fix yourself. Before calling in a British Gas professional, why not see if one of these simple tips gets things working again?
Get expert tips from an engineer
Tip 1: Check your condensate pipe isn’t frozen
The condensate pipe is the thin pipe that goes from your boiler to an outside drain. In icy temperatures, the pipe can freeze – which stops your boiler working properly.
This is one of the biggest reasons for boiler breakdowns in the winter, but it’s simple to fix by thawing the pipe with warm water or a hot water bottle. Watch our video at the top of this page to find out exactly what to do. Or get even more help with frozen pipes here.
Signs to look out for:
- Gurgling sounds from the boiler when you try to use it
- Boiler won’t fire up
- No water coming out of your taps, or just a trickle
- Freezing temperatures outside
Tip 2: Check your boiler pressure
You can fix some boiler problems by re-pressurising your heating system. Luckily, this is much simpler than it sounds!
First, check the pressure gauge, which will either be on the boiler itself, or somewhere near your hot water tank. If it reads less than 1 bar, you need to increase it to between 1 and 1.5 bar. To find out how, read our in-depth guide to fixing boiler pressure issues here.
You might need to reset your boiler once you’ve re-pressurised the system, so check your manufacturer’s guide for details. If your boiler keeps losing pressure, it might indicate a pipe leak in the system. You’ll need an engineer to check this for you.
Signs to look out for:
- Boiler switches itself off
- Radiators make banging sounds
- Radiators furthest from your boiler aren’t heating up
- No hot water
Tip 3: Check your boiler and thermostat settings
If your boiler has a timer, check the settings haven’t been accidentally changed – by a power cut, for example. Make sure any other settings on the boiler are in the right position too.
Next, check your thermostat settings. If your target temperature is set too low, your boiler might not fire up, so turn it up to at least 18C to see if this helps.
Blank thermostat screen? You probably need to replace the batteries if your thermostat uses them.
Signs to look out for:
- Heating doesn’t always come on when it should
- Boiler doesn’t fire up
- Error message (or a blank panel) on your thermostat