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Troubleshooting: Central Heating Problems

Troubleshooting: Central Heating Problems

Instructions

It's unnerving when your central heating starts making funny noises and even more worrying when it stops working completely. But don't worry as here at Homeserve we have put together a quick and easy guide to common central heating problems and how to deal with them.

Step 1:
The most frustrating problem you can get with a central heating system is having no heating at all. Don't despair, here are some tips to work out what the problem might be. It may sound silly but check that the thermostat hasn't been set too low. The boiler will only work if the heating has been set higher than room temperature. There may also be a problem with the timer - make sure that the heating is coming on when you want it to and that you haven't set it for 4 in the morning instead of 4 in the afternoon. Finally, before phoning in the experts, check that the pilot light in your gas boiler hasn't gone out. If it has, there are usually instructions as to how to re-light it on the inside of the boiler door. Now, if none of this has helped, the best bet is to call in a professional to help sort it out.

Step 2: If your boiler makes all sorts of odd banging and bumping noises, then there may be a lack of water in the feed and expansion tank. Take a look in your loft, where you should find the tank, and make sure that the tank is topped up with water. If not, there may be a frozen pipe, airlock or even the mains water has been switched off.

If the feed and expansion tank seems OK, then another issue could be a build up of sludge and scale in your boiler. Air in the boiler can also cause similar banging noises. Don't try and tackle these problems yourself. The best option is to call in a professional heating engineer.

Step 3:
The first thing that most of us will do when we see a pipe leaking is panic - picturing the nightmare of the whole house flooding. But don't! Here are some tips on how to stop those leaks.

If the water is leaking from a connection or joint, it can be quite easy to tighten the joint with a spanner or wrench. Be careful though. If the joint has been soldered, you won't be able to tighten it and you may need the pipe replaced.

If the pipe is leaking from a section which has no joint or connection, then the pipe will need replacing. Call out a professional to do this but as a short term fix to stop the leak, tie a rag around it or use specialist sealant from a DIY store.

Step 4:
If you can easily hear water gurgling through the central heating system, then it is a clear sign that you have got air in the radiators. This problem can be easily resolved by bleeding the radiators. Take a look at how this is done in our film How to bleed a radiator. Good luck - soon your central heating should be working like a dream.