How to Deal with a Boiler Emergency

Boiler emergencies, although rare, unfortunately, can and will happen. Even with proper maintenance, there are instances where issues or breakdowns occur, forcing you to take action. Thankfully, with the right plan and some foresight, you can make dealing with a gas boiler emergency and protecting your central heating system as painless as possible. 

Signs of Boiler Distress or Breakdown

The first part of dealing with a boiler emergency is becoming aware that there is an issue to deal with in the first place. Since working boilers operate quietly, how can you tell if there is a boiler emergency happening?

• Heat Loss in Your Home: Andy from Homeglow Gas Services said “if your home is losing heat and the thermostat is not responding to your adjustments in temperature, that is a good indication that there may be a problem with the boiler.”

• Water Leaking: when there is water leaking near the boiler, you should take caution and inspect to see if you can see where the leak is coming from. Leaking water is another sign that there may be a boiler emergency.

• Water Pressure Issues: you may notice water pressure issues if there are major malfunctions with your boiler system.

• Strange Noises: if any odd noises are coming from your boiler, such as banging or hissing, you may have major problems. Boilers typically work silently and if noises are present, there may be a serious issue with the boiler itself.

• No Hot Water: lack of hot water is another immediate sign of boiler issues. If you do not have hot water, check your boiler for signs of distress.

• Suspected Gas Leak: if you suspect a gas leak, you must take imminent action. Gas leaks and carbon monoxide issues can be fatal and must be dealt with swiftly and effectively.

• Pilot Light Issues: if your pilot light is unlit or if it goes from yellow to blue and fluctuates, you may also have a problem with your boiler system.

Tips to Protect You During a Boiler Emergency

• Turn off the boiler. This should stop the flow of gas, reducing the chance of a continued leak and preventing air contamination. There should be an emergency shut-off directly on the boiler or near the gas input.

• In the event of a suspected gas leak (if you smell gas) or carbon dioxide issue, evacuate your home. Open any windows or doors that would help ventilate the area but remove yourself from the danger and contact a gas safe registered gas technician. Carbon monoxide poisoning is fast and fatal and there is no need to put yourself at risk.

• Contact the emergency boiler repair service to inspect your boiler system. With professional assistance from qualified heating engineers, you can sleep with peace of mind, knowing that the gas supply and the boiler itself are well maintained.

Boiler Emergencies Happen: Be Prepared

It is especially important to be prepared for a boiler emergency in areas where the cold weather of winter makes the strongest impact. The long and chilly winters of the UK mean that properly operating boilers are necessary and are required to do their job. By being vigilant and watchful, you may not be able to avoid the emergency altogether, but you can make the process of getting back to normal simple and safe for everyone involved.