Everything you need to know about emergency boiler repairs

When your boiler stops working, it can feel like disaster has struck; but don’t panic. There are plenty of reasons for your heating or hot water not working, and sometimes the fix can be much simpler than you might think. Keep reading to find out what you should do when your boiler stops working…

Is repairing a boiler considered an emergency

There are some circumstances in which a broken boiler may be considered an emergency, particularly when the issue could cause harm to people or the property. For example, if you have no heating in winter or if there are young children, elderly people, or other household members classed as vulnerable.

If you can smell gas or, for any reason, suspect that a gas leak is an issue, then call 0800 111 999 immediately and do not try to fix it yourself. 

What to do if your boiler stops working

If your boiler has stopped working, don’t worry. The first thing to do, if it is safe to do so, is try resetting the boiler yourself. How to reset your boiler can vary depending on the manufacturer and model, so check your user manual to find exactly how to reset yours and follow the instructions given.

Once you’ve done the reset, if your boiler fires back up again, then you can get back to your day. If not, then keep reading to find out what to do next. 

Identifying error codes on a boiler

Many boilers now have a digital display that will show an error code if something goes wrong to help diagnose the issue. The causes of a broken boiler can vary greatly so this extra insight helps an engineer get to the root of the problem more quickly. If your boiler isn’t working, make a note of any error code that is showing when you speak to your boiler provider or a heating engineer, as this will help them know what they need to do.

Your boiler’s user manual will usually have an explanation of what the different error codes mean, and we’ve explained some of the more common ones for Worcester Bosch boilers, and Ideal boilers.   

Calling your boiler provider/heating engineer

 Who you gonna call? It may not always be clear who’s best to get in touch with to get the problem sorted, and the answer depends on what warranties and cover you have on your boiler.

If your boiler is still under warranty, you should contact your boiler provider or manufacturer, and they can give you advice on what next steps you should take, and arrange for an engineer to visit under the terms of the warranty.

If your boiler is out of warranty but you have boiler cover, either as part of your home insurance or a separate policy, contact the provider to find out if your particular agreement covers the issue you’re experiencing. If it is, they can arrange for a Gas Safe registered engineer to come and inspect your boiler to find and fix the problem.

Getting a diagnosis and getting the issue fixed

To get to the root of the problem, a heating engineer will visit your home to inspect the boiler and advise on what repairs are required, including whether this will involve new or replacement parts. They will also give you details on the additional cost of any work or parts that are needed if they’re not covered under warranty or a boiler or home cover policy. 

Not covered? Booking a boiler repair through BOXT couldn't be simpler – simply answer a few questions about your boiler and what the problem is, and we’ll show you available dates for an engineer to visit. With 70% of issues covered within the £89 fee, you can be confident you’re not going to be hit by loads of hidden charges.

Prevent boiler breakdowns

To avoid any serious boiler trouble, it is always best to get a regular boiler service to help spot any potential issues early on and avoid them getting worse and turning into a more expensive problem further down the line. Taking out a boiler cover policy helps to alleviate the costs involved in fixing a broken boiler, as well as covering the cost of your annual service too.