We’re coming to the end of the cooler months of the year and about to go into spring and summer in the northern hemisphere. And for that entire time, the boilers in our homes have been working hard, providing the heat we need to remain comfortable.

Because of this, many of our furnaces are starting to suffer. They’re in great need of some TLC.

In this post, we take a look at some of the telltale signs your boiler is on the blink and when you should call out boiler repair specialists.

Frozen condensate pipe

A frozen condensate pipe isn’t actually a problem with the boiler itself. It’s just something that can happen when temperatures plummet below 0°C.

The condensate pipe is something that the boiler uses to drain all of the excess condensation created when heating water. In cold weather, the water in this pipe can freeze, interrupting the operation of the boiler.

Telltale signs of a blocked condensate pipe include random gurgling sounds and the furnace switching itself on and off without you telling it to.

If you notice either of these symptoms, try dislodging the ice inside the pipe by thawing it in warm water. Don’t make the water too hot, or you may crack the pipe.

Cold radiators

Cold radiators are another sign that your boiler is on the blink. If they won’t heat up, it could indicate that you need to service them, replace worn parts, or even replace the entire unit with a new Bard furnace.

Often, though, cold radiators are merely an indication that there’s air in the system. If you notice that radiators are hot in the corners where the water enters, but cool to the touch everywhere else, then it’s a sign that you need to release trapped air from the system.

Fortunately, this is a DIY job. All you need to do is use a radiator key to bleed the radiator just until the moment water starts coming out, before shutting it off again.

If you’re not sure how to do this, then call out a qualified engineer.

Pilot light keep flickering

The pilot light is a flame that burns continuously, ready to ignite the boiler when you need warm water. It should remain alight the whole time. But sometimes it can start flickering, and eventually, go out entirely.

If this happens, it could be because of a couple of things. For starters, you could have a broken thermocouple stopping the supply of gas to the pilot light. If that’s the case, you’ll need to call out an engineer.

There could also be residue deposited behind the pilot light. Again, if that’s happening, then you’ll need to call an engineer to clean it up.

Weird noises

Furnaces should make a regular humming noise while in operation, and be silent when not. However, sometimes, they can go bump in the night, which usually indicates an issue with the interior.

The most common problem is excess limestone deposits. Bleeding the boiler usually solves this problem.

Related posts:

Signs your boiler needs help before it’s too late The guide to choosing a new boiler for your home Top tips to save money on your heating bills 5 signs you may have electrical problems in your home