A majority of UK households rely on gas combi boilers to provide hot water and heating. In addition to being efficient and affordable, they are known for being highly reliable. However, being the equipment is usually in use 24/7, 7 every day of the week, it’s likely that, from time to time, issues could arise. One issue that is most frustrating is when heating is functioning but there isn’t hot water or you have hot water, but the boiler isn’t providing heat to your residence. Learn more about the common causes for these issues and the best way to handle these issues.
1. Verify that you have electricity as well as gas and water.
The first step to solve issues that arise with the boiler would be to begin with the most basic possible cause. Before you do anything else it is crucial to ensure that your boiler is working properly. Always start at the boiler’s control panel. If there is a digital monitor and there is nothing to be seen it could be because there is no electricity to the boiler because of the power being cut. Try switching on your lights and sockets to confirm or resolve a problem that is affecting the electricity supply. It is also possible to check all the fuses inside your box of fuse are placed in proper location.
Similar to that it is equally crucial to ensure that you have both water and gas. You can check these through a tap, and then switching on another gas appliance, such as your cooker.
If you’ve completed everything above, and are satisfied that your gas, electricity and water supply is functioning, then it’s time to look for malfunctioning codes.
2. Is there a fault-code being displayed?
A lot of boiler issues will result in a fault message being displayed on the control panel. If you have your operating manual in your possession it is the ideal location to find out what the fault code on your boiler is indicating.
Keep in mind that boiler fault codes are different between boilers. If you don’t have an explanation for the fault code, or if you are given a manual to follow it may be necessary to call an Gas Safe engineer for assistance.
3. Make sure you check the boiler’s controls.
If you are still not getting heating or hot water after completing the steps above If you still have no heating or hot water, you should to make sure that the boiler’s settings are correct. The boiler has separate controls for turning on the heating as well as hot water. It’s possible that the heating or hot water could be switched off accidentally or the setting has accidentally changed.
Verify the timer
Certain boilers might contain a timer for controlling your hot water. If the timer in your boiler regulates your hot water it could be the reason for the issue. The timer could have been affected by changes in the clocks, battery backup batteries, power supply not working or perhaps someone changing the settings with no knowledge. Modifying your timer can fix the issue.
Verify the thermostat
The temperature of your heating system is normally controlled by thermostats. The majority of boilers is a dial that can be manually that is mounted on the wall of the living room or hallway. Modern boilers are often fitted with thermostats that are digital. Check that the thermostat hasn’t been set incorrectly to off. Adjust the thermostat for a greater temperature , with the timer turned on and check to see whether the boiler starts to fire. If it does not respond then there could exist a issue with your thermostat. This requires the attention of a qualified engineer.
4. Verify the valve that diverts your flow.
If you’ve eliminated any other possible causes mentioned above, but you find the boiler working but no hot water or the boiler’s heating isn’t working, however the water is working, then it’s likely there is a problem in the valve that diverts heat. It is an open valve that closes to supply heating to radiators or to warm your water.
If your heater is operating however you are experiencing heating and hot water but not hot, or the reverse, it’s likely to be stuck. You’ll need to talk to an Gas Safe engineer to solve any issue with the diverter valve.
The boiler is functioning, however I don’t have heating or hot water.
If you’ve followed the step 1 to 4 above but you still are not experiencing hot water or heating, it is most likely that there is a problem in a part that needs attention from an experienced engineer. We suggest that you get your boiler checked at the earliest opportunity.
