What to Do If Your Boiler Breaks Down

6 Jan

A broken boiler can be stressful—especially when it leaves you without heating or hot water. Whether it happens in the middle of winter or first thing in the morning, knowing what to do next can help you stay safe and minimise disruption. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide on what to do if your boiler breaks down.

1. Stay Calm and Check the Basics

Before assuming the worst, check a few simple things:

Power supply: Make sure the boiler is switched on and hasn’t lost power.
Thermostat: Check it’s set correctly and has working batteries.
Pressure level: Many boilers stop working if the pressure is too low or too high.
Error codes: Modern boilers often display a fault code that can help identify the issue.

If the problem is minor, these checks may be enough to get things running again.

2. Reset the Boiler (Once Only)

Some boilers can be reset using the reset button or by following the manufacturer’s instructions. Only try this once—repeated resets can cause further damage if there’s a serious fault.

3. Check for Water or Gas Issues

If you notice leaks, strange noises, or smell gas:

Turn the boiler off immediately
Ventilate the area
Do not attempt repairs yourself

Gas and heating systems can be dangerous if handled incorrectly, so safety always comes first.

4. Look at Your Boiler Manual or Manufacturer Guidance

Your boiler manual (or the manufacturer’s website) can help explain error codes and basic troubleshooting steps. This can also be useful information to pass on to an engineer.

5. Contact a Qualified Heating Engineer

If the boiler still isn’t working, it’s time to call a professional. At ADS Mechanical our qualified engineers can safely diagnose the issue and recommend the best solution—whether that’s a repair, replacement part, or system upgrade.

If your boiler is under warranty or covered by a service plan, contact the provider as soon as possible.

6. Keep Warm While You Wait

If you’re without heating:

Use safe alternative heating (like electric heaters)
Layer up with warm clothing and blankets
Keep doors closed to retain heat in occupied rooms

Never use unsafe heat sources indoors.

7. Prevent Future Breakdowns

Regular boiler servicing is the best way to avoid unexpected breakdowns. An annual service can:

Identify small problems early
Improve efficiency
Extend the lifespan of your boiler
Reduce the risk of emergency callouts

Need Help With a Broken Boiler?

If your boiler has broken down and you need expert help, getting professional advice quickly can make all the difference. A reliable heating engineer can restore your heating safely and efficiently—giving you peace of mind when you need it most.