Frequently asked questions

Explanation

Boilers can leak or drip water for so many different reasons from faulty pipe installations and corrosion to simpler issues such as incorrect pressure within the system.

Potential fix

First, you should check the pressure in your system. If your boiler is off and the gauge is below 1, your pressure is low which could be the cause of this issue. You can find our solution to this problem on this page.

If your pressure isn’t low, the problem could be much more serious and difficult to solve. We wouldn’t recommend attempting to solve issues relating to corrosion or faulty installs yourself and always advise to contact us online here or call us on 0800 138 2223.

Explanation

Your boiler making funny noises such as whining, banging or gurgling can relate to a whole host of issues which can be simple, or much more serious and potentially dangerous to your system. With so many complex parts and mechanisms at play in a heating system, it can be difficult to diagnose this kind of issue and any one of these parts can be the cause of a noisy boiler.

Some of the more common reasons for a whistling boiler are a build up of limescale, trapped air in the system, a frozen condensate pipe or sediment in the system. Each of these issues have varying complexity and can greatly reduce the lifespan of your boiler if not fixed promptly.

Potential fix

As with many boiler problems, the first thing you should check is the boiler pressure, we have a guide on this page under ‘My boiler is losing pressure/pressure is too low or high.’

If this doesn’t solve the issue, it’s likely one of the problems mentioned above. We wouldn’t recommend attempting to fix this kind of problem yourself as it can be potentially dangerous. At ProTech, we provide both emergency repairs and general boiler cover plans. If your boiler is being noisy, you can contact us online here or call us on 0800 138 2223 and we’ll diagnose your problem and provide a fixed price quote.

Explanation

A less common issue to have with a boiler is a boiler that works, but doesn’t appear to be heating your water. The most common reason this happens is due to a problem with your gas, water or electric or an issue with your diverter valve in the system. The first thing to do is to diagnose exactly which of these is the culprit.

Potential fix

The first step is to check if this actually is the problem you’re having. More often than not, a boiler not heating your water is down to something else such as a power cut, tripped switch and other electrical issues, or an issue with your water.

You should check the boiler is getting electricity by seeing if the controls are working, check the gas works by running your gas hob and finally turn a tap on to check your water system is working. If any of these aren’t working properly, that’s most likely the cause of your lack in hot water.

If your gas, water and electricity is working correctly and you still see the issue, it’s most likely an issue with the diverter valve inside your system being stuck and not functioning properly. In order for this to be fixed, you’ll need to contact your local boiler company or reach out to us and we’ll be able to provide a fixed price repair quote. 

Contact us online or call us on 0800 138 2223.

Explanation

Heating systems are complex machines with plenty of moving parts. This means there are plenty of places a fault can occur and a whole load of reasons why your boiler might not function properly or at all. We can only go so far in diagnosing a problem without checking the system out ourselves, so we’ll cover some of the more common reasons for a malfunctioning boiler.

Potential fix

First, you should check the rest of this page to see if any of the other issues better describe the issue you’re having. Then, cover the basics, check your gas, electricity and water. If any of these are not functioning properly, this is likely the main reason your boiler is failing to function. Finally, take a look at your thermostat and any controls you have for the system, is it set up correctly? Your boilers manual should help you properly setup your thermostat and any controls you may have. 

If none of these are the problem, then there’s likely an issue with a component within the system itself which will require a trained, Gas Safe engineer to solve. You can contact us online or call us on 0800 138 2223 and we’ll diagnose your problem and provide a fixed price quote.

Explanation

If your boiler is overheating, make sure it is turned off immediately. Most boilers will automatically turn off if they begin overheating as it can be dangerous, make sure yours is not on if overheating occurs.

As with almost all boiler issues, there are several things that could have happened to cause this issue. Some untrustworthy engineers may remove pressure release valves if they are found to be leaking, which are crucial in order to stop overheating issues. There could be a build-up of limescale of or a blockage in the system causing improper flow. You could have a faulty thermistor telling your system to create more heat than it needs to.

Potential fix

Unfortunately, when it comes to an overheating boiler, you will need a professional Gas Safe engineer to carry out a proper diagnosis and provide the fix. As an overheating boiler is a complex issue and can be dangerous, we would never recommend attempting a fix yourself. You can contact us online here or call us on 0800 138 2223 and we’ll diagnose your problem and provide a fixed price quote.

Explanation

If you suspect a gas leak in your house, evacuate the premises immediately and contact the gas emergency service at 0800 111 999. A gas leak can be extremely dangerous and a fix should never be attempted by anyone that is not a professional Gas Safe engineer.

Some of the more common causes for a gas leak are poorly fitted appliances, such as your gas cooker, or corroded pipes. All of these issues need to be fixed by trained engineers.

If you smell gas

• Do not use anything electrical, including light switches or mobile phones.

• Do not ignite anything such as a match or cigarette and put out all naked flames.

1. Call the Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999.
2.  
3. Turn your gas supply off at the meter. In newer houses, you should find this emergency control valve outside your house. It could also be under your stairs, beneath your kitchen sink or in the garage.
4.  
5. Open all doors and windows to allow gas to escape and fresh air to enter the house.