Top 10 Boiler Maintenance Tips For Every Homeowner
Your boiler system is one of the most expensive investments that you 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 unit healthy and efficient in the long run. Remember, a faulty boiler is dangerous for you and your family.
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Boiler Maintenance Tips
Here are our top 10 smart boiler maintenance tips that will save you both money and future headaches.
1. Annual boiler service
Getting your boiler serviced annually is the easiest and best way to increase its lifespan, prevent damages, and make sure it runs well. Professional servicing keeps the manufacturer’s warranty valid. A Gas Safe Registered engineer carries it out, checking that all components work properly.
The specialist tries to detect slight issues early on before they turn into costly and dangerous problems later. Don’t delay and book your Gas Safe Registered engineer to get your boiler system checked.
2. Repressurise Your System
Once the boiler is running, check the pressure gauge to make sure it is within the manufacturer’s recommended values. Repressurise your boiler now and then to make sure it heats your home evenly and provides how water when needed. Work carefully to avoid damages and costly boiler repairs.
3. Bleed Your Radiators
Have you’ve noticed that your radiators are warm at the bottom and cold at the top? It means that there is trapped air inside, reducing their efficiency. Follow these simple steps to resolve the issue:
- Protect the carpet with plastic covers to prevent potential stains
- Put the key into the bleed valve and turn it anticlockwise, while holding an old cloth underneath to catch any droplets.
- The air comes out of the radiator under pressure, which creates a hissing noise.
- Once you release all the air, the hissing has to stop, and some water stars coming out. Use the cloth to soak up the water droplets.
- Turn the radiator key clockwise to close the valve.
Your radiator should be warm all the way to the top now. Don’t forget to check the boiler pressure after bleeding your radiators, since the procedure may lower it.
If you find that the radiator is not getting hot, even after bleeding, check the thermostatic radiator valve, which is the one with the temperature control numbers on it. Often the pin gets stuck and stops water from flowing into the radiator. Remove the cap of the thermostatic valve and use an adjustable wrench to move the pin up and down, thus loosening it and allowing water to flow.
It can be confusing to know how to bleed your radiators. Not to mention that when you handle the work on your own, the boiler pressure can drop drastically and cause you further troubles on the road. With the expert help of My Plumber radiator repair professionals, you skip this hassle and get your units bled safely in no time.
4. Check the Ventilation
Keep any items and clutter away from your boiler to allow for sufficient ventilation. Letting your boiler breathe is essential for it to work safely, as it naturally gets warm while working.
And If it is housed in an airing cupboard or box, make sure there is an access panel so you can easily maintain it.
5. Balance the Radiators
Balancing the radiators means adjusting their valves to create an even distribution of heated water to each one. Often, the radiators that are the furthest from the boiler are cooler.
While it is trickier than bleeding the radiators, it is worth doing because it helps the system heat the home more evenly. For larger properties, it might be a good idea to call a Gas Safe (Corgi) registered gas engineer to help.
6. Lag Your Pipes
When it gets cold, your pipes might freeze over, and that makes your heating inefficient. Even worse, it causes a boiler breakdown. The best way to prevent this is to lag them.
Lagging is a type of insulation used on pipes. You can purchase ready-to-use lagging from any handyman store for a relatively low cost. Furthermore, it is easy to install, since you just have to wrap the pipes. Doing this saves you a lot of hassle down the road.
7. Check if the Flue is Accessible
According to government regulations, the boiler flue must be easily accessible. This is important, because cracks or loose joints may leak carbon monoxide. But If your flue goes into the ceiling, a Gas Safe engineer can install flue access panels for you.
8. Check the Flame
You should call a Gas Safe Registered engineer immediately if the flame of your boiler is yellow or orange. This is a sign that the boiler doesn’t burn the fuel completely, so there might be a carbon monoxide leak. The flame should normally be blue.
Do the same if the boiler doesn’t fire up when the pilot light is out, as you may have troubles with internal parts or the gas supply.
9. Inspect for Leaks and Drips
Be sure to check regularly for water leaks or drips around the boiler and the pipes. Corroded pipes are prone to leaking and are the first sign that your boiler might be due for a change.
Also, your boiler might leak if the pressure is too high, so monitor the pressure gauge as well. In any case, there is little you personally can do to fix a leak or a drip, other than calling an expert.
10. Call a Heating Engineer
We do not recommend that you attempt any work on your gas boiler since it is dangerous. Incorrect handling of gas pipes and appliances can cause carbon monoxide poisoning, fires, and explosions.
Whether you need servicing, or it’s time for a boiler replacement, a Gas Safe Registered engineer is the only way to go. Only registered tradesmen are legally allowed to work on your boiler and heating systems. You should always check the engineer’s Gas Safe ID when they come to your property just for your own peace of mind.
How Can We Help With Your Boiler Maintenance?
My Plumber gladly helps with all of your boiler, heating, and gas appliances needs. Whether you are booking a boiler service, boiler installation or perhaps you need your radiators bled, rest assured that there are professional boiler services for all your troubles. The service comes with a 12-month guarantee on the labour to ensure your safety and comfort. Get your annual gas boiler boiler service, and you will increase your appliance lifespan, prevent damages, and make sure it runs well (slightly reworded).
Takeaways
Follow our 10 handy tips to keep your boiler and heating systems in shape. Keep in mind that regular boiler servicing and pipe maintenance are key to a safe and warm home.
It is important that you are always one step ahead of the issues, but should one arise, call a professional right away.
Top 10 Boiler Maintenance Tips For Every Homeowner
Need help? Hire the London Property Service experts today by giving us a call on 020 3078 5920.
