Boiler FAQs

• No heat or hot water - could be broken diaphragms and airlocks, failure of motorised valves, issues with the thermostat or low water levels.
• Leaking and dripping - a variety of issues could cause your boiler to leak water. It will depend on where the water is leaking from to determine the cause.
• Strange banging, whistling or gurgling noises - air in the system is a common cause, alternatively it could be that the water pressure is too low or it’s kettling. Pump failure, particularly in older systems, could also be responsible for strange banging noises.
• Pilot light goes out - could be a broken thermocouple which is removing the gas supply to the pilot light, a draught blowing the pilot light out or a deposit built up in the pilot light.
• Losing pressure - a water leak in the system is the most common reason for a loss of pressure. But it could also mean that the pressure relief valve needs replacing.
• Frozen condensate pipe - thawing a frozen pipe Sould ideally be done by a qualified engineer.
• Thermostat issues - if the thermostat is losing accuracy or turning the heating on/off when its’ not supposed to it might be time to invest in a newer, more energy efficient one.
• Radiators not getting hot - corroded pipework can cause sludge to gather in the system, preventing the free flow of hot water to the radiators. Chemically cleaning or flushing the system will remove these deposits.
• Boiler keeps switching itself off - could be low water pressure, a problem with the thermostat or a lack of water flow due to a closed valve, air or the pump not circulating the water in the system properly.
• Kettling - hearing a strange rumbling noise? When lime scale builds up on your boiler’s heat exchange you get kettling.

Call The Italian Plumber today for some expert advice - 0208 9 457457