An efficient and functioning boiler is essential for modern life.
Yours works hard to keep your home warm, and ensures you have a readily available supply of hot water when you need it.
Most of the time, we take our boilers for granted, and with regular servicing and maintenance, they will keep working as expected.
However, boilers can and do break down, and when they do it’s usually a priority to get them working again as quickly as possible. This is particularly true in the winter when having to suffer a cold home can be challenging.
When a boiler does break down, emergency boiler repair can usually get it working again relatively quickly.
If you have an older boiler, you may be wondering if one-off boiler repair is really worthwhile, or whether it might be better to replace your boiler.
What are some of the factors to consider if your boiler breaks down? Can you fix it yourself?
What will emergency boiler repair cost, and when should you consider replacement?
Troubleshooting your boiler
If your boiler has stopped working, some basic troubleshooting may be able to rectify the issue.
This includes checking the thermostat, power supply and pilot light, reviewing any error codes and checking the gas supply.
Many modern boilers have a reset button that restarts the system. Details of how to do this should be available in the manufacturer’s instructions.
Many boilers operate within a specific pressure range. If the pressure is too low or too high, it may affect the boiler’s performance.
If you identify any leaks of gas or water, you should turn off your gas supply immediately and contact a Gas Safe Engineer.
But beyond basic troubleshooting, what further steps can someone take to rectify a boiler breakdown?
Can I fix a boiler myself?
Anyone who considers themselves to be handy around the house and able to carry out minor repairs and maintenance might wonder if it’s possible to repair a boiler themselves.
The internet gives us access to a wide range of instructional videos on every subject under the sun, so it might be tempting to try and repair a broken-down boiler yourself.
However, when it comes to gas boilers, there are some very good reasons why doing it yourself could be a very bad idea.
First, the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 states that only gas professionals or a Gas Safe Engineer can install, remove, repair, or service boilers and other gas-related appliances.
As well as being illegal, any home repairs are likely to immediately invalidate your warranty.
Aside from the legal and warranty issues, attempting to repair a gas boiler without the necessary training, qualifications and experience can be highly dangerous.
Not only are most people unlikely to be able to identify and amend the problem, but any repairs that are incorrectly carried out could leave you open to a gas incident. It’s also likely that you may end up making the initial problem even worse.
For that reason, emergency boiler repair should always be carried out by a qualified gas engineer.
Who do I call for boiler problems?
If your boiler isn’t working properly, or has completely broken down, then any problems must be looked at and resolved as quickly as possible.
After carrying out basic troubleshooting and turning off the gas supply (if necessary) your next step is to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
The Gas Safe Register is an official list of qualified gas engineers who are legally allowed to work on gas appliances in the UK. They are required to be professionally trained and up to date with the latest safety regulations.
Failure to use an engineer who isn’t Gas Safe-registered could invalidate your warranty.
It might also result in the problem not being correctly rectified, running the risk of further breakdowns and potential safety issues.
Although it may be tempting to try and rectify the problem yourself or to hand the job to someone who isn’t qualified, it’s never a good idea and could end up costing you more in the long run.
The best way to ensure that any repairs and maintenance are carried out professionally and safely is to call a Gas Safe registered engineer to carry out emergency boiler repair as quickly as possible.
How do I find a good engineer?
If you’re looking for emergency boiler repair near me, then there are a number of ways you can ensure that the professional you hire is competent and reliable:
- Gas Safe Register
Any engineer you hire to fix your boiler should be Gas Safe-registered.
You can find a qualified engineer close to you by searching your postcode on the Gas Safe Register.
There you’ll find the registration for the team at Bumblebee Plumbing & Heating.
If an engineer doesn’t appear on the Gas Safe Register it’s important to verify their status, and if necessary find an alternative professional who is listed.
- Reviews
Seek recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours who have had similar boiler issues. Additionally, check online reviews to assess the experiences of other customers with the engineer or company.
- Insurance and guarantees
Does the engineer have insurance to cover the work they do and what guarantees do they offer? This protects both parties in case of any accidents or further damage during the repair process.
- Transparent pricing
Your engineer should provide transparent pricing and detailed quotes. Quotes that seem much cheaper than alternatives may indicate hidden charges. Always ask what will be included in the price.
How much does it cost to fix a boiler?
Anyone wondering whether to replace or repair a boiler will want to consider the likely cost of any repairs.
The cost of fixing a boiler and emergency boiler repairs can vary significantly based on several factors.
Here’s a breakdown of some of the potential costs involved in emergency boiler repair:
- Diagnostic fee
Boiler engineers may charge a call-out or diagnostic fee to assess the problem and then provide a quote for any repairs. This fee can range considerably depending on the engineer, company policy and location, and may range from £50 to £100.
- Boiler repairs
There are a range of common boiler repairs that are relatively straightforward for engineers to rectify. This might include fixing faulty valves, replacing thermostats, or addressing problems with the ignition problem. These repairs vary considerably in price, ranging from £100 to a few hundred pounds, depending on their complexity.
- Replacing major components
Costs for boiler repair can soon add up if major components such as the heat exchanger or the pump need to be replaced. The cost of replacing a heat exchanger could cost anywhere between £500 to £1,500, and a pump replacement could range from £200 to £400 or even more.
During the initial assessment, your engineer should tell you what’s required to get your boiler working again.
In most cases, repairs are fairly minor and can be carried out quickly.
However, if major components need to be replaced, then this can extend the amount of time it takes to get your boiler working again.
It’s important to check your warranty to see what it covers. In many cases, boiler warranties can last for 10 years and cover you for major breakdowns and repairs.
If your boiler is no longer covered by a warranty, then it may be time to consider a boiler replacement.
Should I repair or replace a boiler?
A boiler breakdown can be highly frustrating. If your boiler is older and it keeps happening, or it’s no longer protected by a warranty, then you may be considering replacing it.
What factors should you consider when deciding whether to repair or replace your boiler?
- Age of the boiler
If the boiler is relatively new and the repair is a minor issue, it may be cost-effective to have it repaired. If the boiler is approaching the end of its typical lifespan, usually around 10 to 15 years, and requires a significant repair, then it might be more cost-effective to invest in a new boiler. New boilers tend to be more energy efficient so the initial outlay could be at least partially recouped by reduced energy costs.
- Frequency of repairs
If your boiler is generally reliable and hasn’t been prone to breakdowns, then repair for an isolated incident may be the most sensible option. This is particularly the case with boilers that have been installed within the last few years. However, if your boiler has a history of frequent breakdowns and expensive repairs, it will usually be more cost-effective to replace it.
- Energy efficiency
Older boilers tend not to be as energy efficient as more recent boilers. Manufacturers have been prioritising energy efficiency innovations over recent years meaning that upgrading to a new boiler could deliver long-term energy savings. Newer boilers tend to be better for the environment than older boilers due to their increased efficiency.
- Repair costs
The cost of repairing the breakdown should be considered against the cost of installing a new boiler. If your boiler needs major components replaced this can be expensive. Add to that the costs of labour, and it may be more cost-effective to simply replace the boiler with a new one. If your boiler is older and needs expensive repairs, then replacement will usually be the best option.
- Safety concerns
If the boiler poses safety risks and repairs cannot adequately address them, then you should have a new boiler fitted. Any gas appliance needs to be safe and regularly serviced due to the potential consequences of any safety problems.
Deciding whether to repair or replace a boiler will usually depend on a variety of factors. As a general rule, new boilers presenting with a minor issue that is cheap and easy to rectify can usually be repaired. Older boilers, and those no longer protected by a warranty, that require expensive or frequent repairs, will generally be better replaced.
Emergency boiler repair near me from Bumblebee Plumbing & Heating
At Bumblebee Plumbing & Heating, we understand how important it is to get your boiler up and running again as quickly as possible.
We will assess the problem, and where possible rectify it as quickly as possible.
With our transparent pricing, there are no nasty surprises.
We also provide a comprehensive boiler servicing service that can identify any issues before they have a chance to become a problem. This can minimise the risk of breakdowns and keep your boiler working efficiently for longer.
Combining experience and expertise with competitive pricing, our team can be on hand in Warrington and across the North West in no time at all.
If you’re looking for reliable and affordable boiler repair near me, then the team at Bumblebee Plumbing & Heating are ready to help.
Contact us today for a quote or to find out more about an annual boiler service or repairs.
