Combi boilers are a popular choice for many homes as they provide both heating and hot water in one compact unit. However, like any other piece of equipment, combi boilers can experience problems from time to time.
Here are the top 10 issues that can go wrong with a combi boiler and how to fix them.
No Hot Water or Heating
Causes: Lack of pressure, broken diaphragm or airlock, or faulty pump
Fix: Check the pressure gauge and refill if necessary. If that doesn’t work, try bleeding the radiators to remove any airlocks. If the problem persists, call a professional to check the pump and diaphragm.
Leaking
Causes: Loose connections, damaged seals, or corrosion
Fix: Check all connections and tighten any loose ones. Replace any damaged seals. If the problem persists, it may indicate internal corrosion and a professional should be called.
Kettling
Causes: Build-up of limescale in the heat exchanger
Fix: Flush the system to remove any build up of limescale. A professional can do this for you.
Pilot Light Goes Out
Causes: Dirty thermocouple or air in the gas supply
Fix: Clean the thermocouple or have a professional do it. Bleed the radiators to remove any air from the gas supply.
Strange Noises
Causes: Kettling, build-up of debris, or pump problems
Fix: Flush the system to remove any build up of limescale or debris. If the problem persists, have a professional check the pump.
Boiler Keeps Turning Off
Causes: Overheating, lack of pressure, or faulty thermostat
Fix: Check the pressure gauge and refill if necessary. If the problem persists, have a professional check the thermostat and heating elements.
Boiler Won’t Ignite
Causes: Faulty electrode, air in the gas supply, or thermostat problems
Fix: Clean the electrode or have a professional do it. Bleed the radiators to remove any air from the gas supply. If the problem persists, have a professional check the thermostat.
Boiler Loses Pressure
Causes: Leaks, broken seals, or constantly running hot water
Fix: Check for any visible leaks and tighten any loose connections. Replace any damaged seals. If the problem persists, consider reducing the amount of hot water you use.
Boiler is Making a Whistling Noise
Causes: Air in the system, faulty pressure relief valve, or blockages in the pipe work
Fix: Bleed the radiators to remove any air from the system. Have a professional check the pressure relief valve and pipe work.
Thermostat Problems
Causes: Faulty thermostat, broken wiring, or interference from other electrical devices
Fix: Check the wiring and replace any damaged sections. Have a professional check the thermostat. Make sure no other electrical devices are interfering with the signal.
In conclusion, these are the top 10 issues that can go wrong with a combi boiler and how to fix them. If you are unsure about any of the solutions or the problem persists, it is best to call a professional to avoid any further damage.