What To Do If Your Boiler Stops Working

When your boiler suddenly cuts out without warning, this is a serious issue. Typically with regular service, a boiler should last between 15 to 20 years. Though most repairs would need to be performed by a professional plumber, there are a few things you can check that could be causing your boiler to shut off.

Power Supply

Without power, your boiler will be unable to run. Generally, a loss of power will be apparent such as by causing your lights to shut off. However, check your fuse box to see if the circuit breaker for your boiler alone may have been tripped. If one of the circuit breakers is in a different position from the rest, then chances are this is it. Flip it back and see if your issue is resolved. If so, just consider having an electrician check your systems for faults down the line.

Water or Gas Shut Off

Cutting the water off generally will not stop your central heat from running. However, it will affect your hot water. Check to ensure you still have cold tap water, and if not, then that is likely the problem. It is possible that you may have a frozen pipe, or it has been shut off due to construction.

Another issue could be that the boiler is not receiving gas. If you have a gas cooktop, try turning it on and seeing if it remains lit. If it shuts off after only a few moments, then there is likely an issue with your gas supply. Call your gas supplier to see if it has been shut off for some reason or if it is a widespread issue.

Water Pressure

Look at the gauges on your boiler, and depending on its age, these may either be analog or digital. If the pressure is below 1 bar, then the boiler will likely automatically shut itself off. If this is the case, you should be able to consult your boiler’s manual and top off your boiler using its filling loop.

Alternatively, if the pressure appears too high, this could also cause the system to automatically shut itself off unless overfilling was the cause. Then, it is quite possible it is a mechanical problem at fault that will need professional maintenance. In the short term, depending on the pressure, you may be able to bleed a radiator to reduce the pressure level.

Radiators Turned Off

If you have hot water yet no central heating, then make sure your radiators are not shut off. In some cases, homeowners may shut them off in warmer weather, though it is best to leave at least a bit of water circulating.

Reboot the System

In modern boilers, the system is controlled by a computer that generally is quite simple and dependable. However, in some cases, they may crash and need a system reset. This generally involves poking a small button set into the control panel; however, check your boiler’s manual for the exact procedure. However, if all else fails, you can shut the boiler off and on, and this will reboot the system.

Final Thoughts

There are a number of problems that may be at fault if your boiler suddenly stops working, and we cannot cover all of them here. However, these are some of the most common issues that a homeowner may be able to diagnose. Keep in mind that in most cases, a professional will be needed to address the root causes of most boiler issues.

Contact Us

If you need help with a faulty boiler, then don’t hesitate to call J Griffin Heating & Plumbing. Our team has over thirty years of experience helping homeowners with all of their heating and plumbing issues. Call us at 781-520-1212 and connect with us on Facebook.