Signs your boiler needs repair
Boilers usually give you warning before they fail completely. Spotting the signs early can save you a cold house and a bigger bill.
Warning signs to watch for
Common signs a boiler needs looking at include: banging, gurgling or whistling noises; a pilot light or flame that burns yellow or orange rather than crisp blue; radiators that stay cold or heat unevenly; and a boiler that keeps switching itself off.
Also watch for pressure that keeps dropping on the gauge, water or damp around the boiler, a persistent smell, or a noticeable jump in your gas bills without a change in use.
When to call an engineer straight away
If you smell gas, feel unwell with headaches or dizziness, or see a yellow flame and sooty marks around the boiler, treat it as urgent — turn the appliance off and get a Gas Safe registered engineer out. A yellow flame can indicate incomplete combustion and carbon monoxide.
If you smell gas, call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999.
What to do next
For non-urgent issues, it's best to book a repair before the problem gets worse — many faults are cheaper to fix early. We'll diagnose the fault clearly and explain your options before doing any work.
If your boiler is older and repairs are adding up, we'll give you an honest view on whether a repair or a replacement makes more sense.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my boiler keep losing pressure?
Common causes include a leak in the system, a failed pressure relief valve, or a fault in the expansion vessel. It's worth having it checked rather than just repressurising repeatedly.
Is a yellow boiler flame dangerous?
It can be. A healthy gas flame is crisp blue. A yellow or orange flame can indicate incomplete combustion and possible carbon monoxide — turn the appliance off and call a Gas Safe registered engineer.