Boilers are one of the core appliances that contribute to the functioning of a modern home. They’re constantly working behind the scenes, keeping the place warm, but eventually, boilers will always need servicing.
If you’re wondering what that process entails, then you’re in luck. Here, we go through a basic explanation of standard boiler services and the steps they involve, from a visual inspection to the issuing of a report.
Visual inspection
The first stage of most boiler services will be a visual inspection. Here, a boiler engineer from somewhere like Able Plumbing will start to look for obvious potential issues, such as water damage or any serious corrosion.
They’ll look at the connections in and out of the boiler, and check that the electrical components (including the fuses) are all looking good.
Functionality test
Next, the engineer will do a functionality test, to see how long the boiler takes to get water up to the appropriate temperature. If the boiler is off, this might mean turning it on; otherwise, they can program it to isolate the test as they see fit.
Internal inspection
Once the engineer has carried out their initial checks, they’ll move on to a more thorough internal inspection. During this inspection, they’ll likely also clean any internal parts that need cleaning in order to function properly.
This will entail taking of the outer casing, and then looking at key points such as the spark probe, the main injector, the burner, and the heat exchange.
If they spot any serious weaknesses or worn-out parts, then they might decide to replace them. They’d likely check with you first so that you can confirm any costs.
Boiler flue check
The boiler flue is essentially the exhaust pipe from your boiler. It’s designed to carry the byproducts of combustion outside, keeping your house safe and clean.
The engineer will make sure that the flue is fitted well, with no obvious weak points or potential leaks. Not only could any damage to the flue be dangerous to occupants of the house, but it could also affect the normal functioning of the boiler.
They might also test the gasses coming out of the flue, as this will provide insights into how well the boiler is functioning.
Providing a report
Once the service has been finished, the engineer will write and provide you with a report. This will detail all of the checks that they’ve carried out, what they found, and what measures were necessary to rectify the situation.
They may also make recommendations, such as about whether the boiler might need replacing for either safety or efficiency-related reasons.
It’s recommended that you get your boiler serviced regularly, ideally once a year. Regular check-ups help to ensure that your boiler is working as efficiently as possible, which will likely end up saving you money on your energy bills in the long run. They’re also crucial to ensure that the boiler is running safely, and that you’re not exposed to dangerous gasses like carbon monoxide.
