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My Boiler Isn’t Igniting, Now What?
A malfunctioning boiler can be a major inconvenience, leaving you without heating and hot water until the issue is resolved. However, before you panic, there are some simple checks you can perform to determine the cause of the problem and potentially fix it yourself.
If you are unable to fix your boiler issues by yourself with safe DIY methods, it may be necessary to call in a professional.
If you need help because your boiler is not igniting, Warmable has access to over 1,000 registered engineers across the UK, Scotland and Wales. Simply enter your email address below and you will receive a fast call back to arrange an on-site appointment.
Reasons Your Boiler Is Not Igniting:
There are a number of reasons your boiler might not ignite. In some cases there are ways that you can fix common ignition issues, however sometimes you will need to find a local boiler engineer near you to get your boiler back working safely and efficiently. A few reasons your boiler is not igniting could include:
Tripped Fuse Box
If your boiler refuses to fire up, the problem might not lie with the boiler itself. Before jumping to conclusions, inspect your fuse box to see if any switches are pointing down.
A tripped switch could be the culprit behind the boiler’s failure to ignite. If you find a tripped switch, simply flick it back up to get your boiler running again.
Blocked Burner
Boilers produce carbon while burning gas, and this gas can accumulate and clog the burner, preventing it from igniting. Unfortunately, this is not a DIY-fixable issue, and it requires the attention of a registered engineer.
An engineer will clean the carbon build-up and assess if the burner needs replacement. While burner replacement might be an expense, it’s generally more cost-effective than replacing the entire boiler, especially if your current boiler is old, out of warranty, or prone to breakdowns.
Trapped Air in Radiators
If you notice that the top part of your radiators is not heating up as it should, trapped air might be the culprit behind your boiler’s ignition failure. Radiators can accumulate pockets of air, causing the boiler to malfunction.
Fortunately, you can fix this situation by bleeding the radiators. This task can be performed by yourself or left to a professional if you prefer.
Faulty Fan
Your boiler’s fan is responsible for expelling harmful gasses from the system to ensure safe operation. If the fan malfunctions, your boiler won’t ignite and might go into lockout mode.
Older boilers are particularly prone to lockouts, and a faulty fan could be one of the reasons. If you do not hear the fan operating, avoid attempting to start the boiler as it could be hazardous. Instead, call a registered engineer to inspect and repair the fan.
Faulty Gas Valve
A faulty gas valve can disrupt the flow of gas to the burner and pilot jet, leading to boiler ignition failure. The gas valve is controlled by the boiler’s PCB (printed circuit board) along with other electronic components.
Issues such as blockages, seizures, or damaged wire connections can cause interruptions in the gas supply, affecting boiler ignition. Find a trusted engineer to diagnose and mend the gas valve problem.
Pilot Light Problem
The pilot light is crucial for igniting the gas in your boiler. If it does not light up or repeatedly goes out, the cause might be dirt or debris blocking the pilot light jet.
Modern boilers typically display error codes in such cases. A qualified engineer can remove and clean the jet to resolve this issue or replace it if necessary, as pilot light jets are small and relatively inexpensive.
Frozen Condensate Pipe
The condensate pipe is responsible for carrying acidic wastewater away from the boiler and into a drain. In cold weather, the condensate pipe can freeze, causing blockages and preventing the boiler from igniting.
Strange gurgling sounds from the boiler and error codes on the display are indicators of a frozen condensate pipe. You can thaw it yourself using heat packs or a hot water bottle, but avoid using boiling water to prevent damage to the pipe. After thawing the pipe, reset the boiler to get it working again.
Insufficient Gas Pressure
Insufficient gas pressure can also lead to boiler ignition problems. If your boiler is not igniting, a gas engineer should test the pressure to identify the cause of the issue.
The boiler will likely go into lockout mode and display a fault code if the gas pressure is incorrect. In cold weather, the gas metre might be the culprit, as it can freeze up, affecting the gas supply to the boiler.
Can I Reset My Boiler If It Does Not Ignite?
You can reset your boiler in some cases which may resolve the ignition issue. Check your user manual to learn how to perform a reset on your specific boiler model.
However, bear in mind that resetting the boiler is often a temporary fix. If the boiler continues to lock out after the reset, it’s essential to call a registered engineer to carry out a boiler repair. They can diagnose the underlying problem and carry out the necessary repairs to ensure your boiler functions safely and efficiently.
Choose Warmable For Your Boiler Repair, Service or Installation
Fill in our simple online form today to take advantage of our free quote service. We can match you with an engineer in your local area as soon as possible. Let us get your home heating system running as efficiently as possible.
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What Should I Do If My Boiler Needs a Repair If It Does Not Ignite?
When faced with a boiler repair, Warmable is here to guide you through the process seamlessly. If your boiler is showing signs of trouble, prompt action is key to preventing further complications.
Contact Warmable as soon as you notice any issues with your boiler. Our dedicated team will swiftly connect you with a skilled local engineer who specialises in boiler repairs. With our vast network of professionals across the UK, you can trust that we’ll find the right expert for the job.
Once connected, the local engineer will arrange an on-site visit to assess the condition of your boiler. This assessment is crucial in understanding the extent of the problem and providing an accurate quote for the repair. The best part? We understand the urgency of heating and hot water issues, which is why many of our engineers are prepared to start the repair work the very same day.
Want To Get Your Boiler Fixed ASAP?
At Warmable, we believe in transparency and delivering the best service possible. By contacting us at the first sign of trouble, you’re taking a proactive step towards a well-functioning boiler and a comfortable home.
Do not let boiler issues linger – reach out to Warmable today, and we’ll ensure your heating system is back on track in no time. Consider an annual boiler service to get ahead of problems before they arise.
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