How to Avoid Paying for a Heating System Repair

Finding the money for a heating system repair can be difficult. A heating system repair is usually necessary at the most inconvenient time, and often at an unexpected time to boot.

Of course, if there is a fault with your heating system that requires an engineers attention, you should absolutely have it dealt with as soon as possible. If your heating system needs a repair, leaving it too long will end up costing you even more money, and it certainly won’t make the problem go away.

However, it pays to become a little more knowledgeable about your heating system. Engineers are often called out to heating system repair jobs that could have been easily resolved without their (often expensive) intervention.

Listed here are some common heating system faults, and how they can be attended to at home.

Leaky Pipes

Leaking pipework can be alarming, but is fairly easy to resolve. It is easier to spot leaking pipes on the first floor and above of a building, as you may see dark patches on the ceiling. Damp flooring is also a sign, as is a drop in boiler pressure.

If you identify the leak as coming from a joint in the pipework, you can turn off the central heating and tighten the joints manually. After you’ve dried the pipework, wrap tissue or a towel around the joints so you will be able to see easily if they are still leaking. If the leak is due to a damaged or cracked pipe, it’s not automatically necessary to call in an expert – many of us are handy enough to replace a length of pipe. However, you shouldn’t attempt this if you don’t know what you’re doing – it’s better to call in an expert.

Drop in Boiler Pressure

This is a common problem, and is usually indicative of some underlying problem within the heating system, so it should always be checked out by an engineer. However, in the meantime, you will be able to restore heating and hot water in your home very simply. All boilers are different, so be sure to check your own boiler manual for the re-pressurising method, though many homeowners will find it’s as simple as turning the correct under-the-sink tap in order to re-fill the boiler. Once you have re-pressurised your boiler, call an engineer for further advice.

Central Heating Failing to Work

If your gas central heating won’t switch on at all, the chances are that the pilot light has blown out. There will be instructions for relighting it within your boiler manual. If your boiler still won’t work after this, check the thermostat (which may be too low) and the timer (which may be interfering).

Above all, if you suspect the need for a heating system repair, and you are unsure as to whether you have the knowledge and skill needed to resolve the problem yourself, you should always call an expert for advice.