Why does my central heating boiler keep cutting out?
We don’t generally give much thought to our central heating boiler, we just expect it to work. Even more so during the long winter months and when we need it the most. But what happens when your heating cuts out and without any prior warning? From frozen pipes to low water pressure here’s why your central heating boiler may be switching off.
Frozen pipes
Although it’s not cold enough yet, frost in winter is generally a given and frozen pipes could well be one of the reasons your boiler is turning off. Clues that suggest your condensate pipe has frozen include gurgling noises and of course the boiler cutting out. Thawing the pipes and then insulating, however, will prevent this from happening frequently.
Low water pressure
Low water pressure is another common reason why a central heating boiler may cut out. This can often be caused by a faulty boiler valve or more typically, a leak in the system. You can check the pressure of your boiler by looking at the gauge – an ideal reading would be around 1 bar. If you’d also like to learn more about why boilers can lose pressure take a look at this handy guide.
Faulty thermostat
If you have a broken thermostat, your central heating boiler won’t be able to recognise the temperature of the water. It will, therefore, shut itself off to prevent overheating or because it thinks it has already reached temperature. Fixing or replacing the thermostat will prevent the boiler from going again. It could even reduce your energy bills, saving you money in the long run.
Fault with central heating boiler pump
A fault with the pump can be another common reason why a boiler would start to malfunction. The purpose of the pump is to move water around the system and should this become faulty, the water cannot go anywhere. Problems can start to arise because hot water is left sat in the boiler and this could, therefore, be the trigger of the boiler tripping out.
Air in the system
A central heating boiler may also shut down if air becomes trapped in the system. One good way of resolving and releasing the air is by bleeding all of the radiators. Before you get started you can check for trapped air by inspecting any radiator cold spots. It’s also really easy to do and a great way of maintaining optimal heating efficiency.
Still no luck with your central heating boiler?
Thank you for reading our latest heating guide outlining why boilers can switch off. Any of the above points could be the reason your boiler is cutting out but the simplest way to avoid this completely would be having it serviced annually. If you’re still unsure and require a second opinion we offer repairs for homeowners in Leeds. With a combined experience of 35 years, not one boiler has beaten us yet.
