Adige Blog

Towel radiators are an excellent addition to any bathroom or living space, providing warmth and a sense of luxury to your daily routine. While many towel radiators operate on central heating systems, it's also possible to convert them to a standalone electric-only type. If you're looking to make this switch, here's what you need to know. A Comprehensive yet simple 8 steps to follow;

Check Compatibility:

Almost all our bathroom towel radiators can be used as electric only including our Horizontal Towel Radiators, it's essential to note that not all towel radiators are compatible with electric-only conversion. Before you start, ensure that your radiator is one and you have an empty space/allowance at the bottom of the radiator. Depending on the element model, you will need approx. 200mm space from floor level to the bottom of the radiator. This will allow for the inclusion of an electric element, which is required to heat the water inside and generate heat.

Decide on Heating Element Type, Wattage & Finish:

Once you've confirmed your radiator's compatibility, the next step is to purchase an electric heating element and a blanking plug. All elements are designed to fit standard British BSP sized towel radiators, ranging from 200 mm to 1600 mm in length. The wattage required will vary, depending on the size of your radiator, amount of water intake and the intended room use. You will also have the option of a basic/standard heating element or a more sophisticated thermostatic one where you can control the heat output, run it on timer, use boosters etc.

Check the Required Parts & Tools:

As well as the main parts, you will need the correct amount of de-ionized water and a radiator inhibitor. These will be mixed as per inhibitor’s recommended dilution/mix level and used to fill the radiator manually during installation. You will also need all the usual tools, a funnel and a bucket for the mix. Before you begin, ensure all items, parts, tools below are in hand;

1. Towel Radiator
2. Electric Heating Element
3. A Blanking Plug (2 if your towel radiator did not come with one and it has 4 inlet points)
4. De-ionized Water & Inhibitor
5. Funnel, Bucket, Cloth or Old Towels
6. Basic and Common Tools to Complete the Job
   Screwdriver set, drill, spirit level, 8mm allen key, spanner, plyers etc. and a cup of tea.

Step-by-Step Installation:

When it comes to installation, you will need to take your time and follow these steps in the same order listed below. Missing one, or not completing each step properly may result poor performance from your electrically heated towel radiator and you may need to remove the radiator off the wall, drain it and do it all again from step 1.

1. Turn the radiator upside down and decide where the element will be. i.e., left or right and install the element to your selection and make a note (say right). While all our heating elements come with a rubber O ring, it is still recommended to use a generous amount of PTFE tape to ensure no leaks from joints.
2. Install the blanking plug purchased to the other side (left). Again, use plenty PTFE tape to ensure no leaks from joints.
   
   
3. Turn the radiator correct way up and fill it up manually using the funnel with de-ionized (distilled) water and inhibitor mix. All our radiators do have their water intake levels listed on product details page.
   
   Tip: You should fill the radiator as slowly as possible avoiding sudden gush of water blocking the air around or inside the tubes. It is also advisable to tilt the radiator left and right a few times while filling to make sure water mix goes through and fill ALL the bars.
   
   Important: Make sure that the radiator is NOT filled all the way to the top by leaving 1 or 2 inches of space for water to expand when heated.
   
   
4. Once filled, insert and secure the blanking plug (supplied with the radiator) to the same side of the radiator as the element. i.e., if element installed on bottom right, install the blanking plug on top right.
   
   
5. Affix the towel rail on to the wall using wall brackets supplied while keeping it level to avoid spillage.
   
   
6. Wire the heating element to your fused spur on the wall. Put a few towels over the radiator and turn the element ON to its maximum power.
   
   Tip: ** please note that at this stage the top left inlet point is still open to air **
   As the water heats up, it will expand and if the radiator is filled too much earlier, some water may spill out. (Have some old towels nearby to soak up any spillage)
   
   
7. Once the towel rail recaches its max temperature, insert and screw the bleed valve to the top left inlet point.
   Important: ** it is important to install the element and the bleed valve on opposite sides ** (i.e., element on bottom right would mean bleed valve on top left)
   
   
8. Check that all inlet points secure and air-tight and there are no leaks or hissing. Wipe clean any damp or spillage and enjoy your stand-alone Electric Towel Rail many years to come.

Depending on the electric element you've purchased, there will be different installation instructions, but most require you to wire them into a fused spur either inside or outside the bathroom. If you opt in for a thermostatic one, you can try and use various settings till you find the best settings suits you most and works well with your daily routine.

Inconclusion, converting your towel radiator to an electric-only type is a straightforward process. However, if you're not confident working with electric appliances, it's best to consult a professional plumber and an electrician to the wiring. That said, this conversion will provide you with efficient and effective heating, allowing you to enjoy the luxurious warmth of your heated towel radiator all year round.

Are you looking for the best vertical radiators to heat up your kitchen? Vertical radiators are an excellent choice for kitchens because they can be installed in any corner of the room, providing an efficient and stylish heating solution. In this blog, we will discuss about some kitchen radiator ideas, the types of vertical radiators, their benefits, factors to consider when choosing the best kitchen radiators in UK, and tips for installing and maintaining them.

What are Vertical Radiators?

Vertical radiators are a type of heating system that is tall and thin, with a series of vertical columns that radiate heat. They are designed to be space-saving and can be installed into a corner or wall of the room. They come in various of styles to suit any décor, and they are an excellent way to add a contemporary look to your kitchen.

Types of Vertical Radiators

There are a variety of vertical radiators available on the market today. They come in different sizes, shapes, materials, and colours. Here are some of the most popular types of vertical radiators:

Steel Vertical Radiators: Steel radiators are the most popular type of vertical radiator. They are durable and efficient and come in a variety of designs and sizes.

Aluminium Vertical Radiators: Vertical aluminium radiators are a great choice for kitchens because they are lightweight, energy-efficient, and stylish. They come in various of colours, and some models even come with a timer for convenience.

Glass Vertical Radiators: Glass radiators are a great choice for kitchens because they are stylish and modern. They come in a variety of designs, and they are energy-efficient and heat up quickly.

Benefits of Vertical Radiators

Vertical radiators offer a variety of benefits for your kitchen. They are energy-efficient, space-saving, and can be installed in any corner of the room. They also come in a variety of designs, so you can find one that fits your kitchen’s décor. Here are some of the benefits of vertical radiators:

Energy-Efficient: Vertical radiators are energy-efficient because they heat up quickly and evenly. They also use less energy than other types of heating systems, which can save you money on your energy bills.

Space-Saving: Vertical radiators are a great choice for small kitchens because they take up less space than other types of radiators. They can be installed in any corner of the room, which frees up valuable floor space.

Stylish: Vertical radiators come in a variety of styles, so you can find one that fits your kitchen’s décor. They are also a great way to add a modern look to your kitchen.

Tips for Choosing the Best Vertical Radiators

When choosing the best vertical radiators for your kitchen, there are a few factors to consider. Here are some tips for choosing the best vertical radiators:

Size: Choose a vertical radiator that is the right size for your kitchen. Measure the area where you will be installing the radiator, and make sure to choose one that is the right size for the space.

Material: Choose a radiator that is made from a durable material. Steel and aluminium radiators are the most popular choices, but you can also find glass, wood, and other materials.

Design: Choose a vertical radiator that has a design that you like. There are a variety of designs available, so you can find one that fits your kitchen’s décor.

The Best Materials for Vertical Radiators

When choosing the best vertical radiators for your kitchen, it is important to consider the material they are made from. Here are some of the best materials for vertical radiators:

Steel: Steel is the most popular material for vertical radiators. It is durable and efficient and comes in a variety of designs.

Aluminium: Aluminium is an excellent choice for kitchens because it is lightweight, energy-efficient, and stylish. It also comes in various colours, so you can find one that fits your kitchen’s décor.

Glass: Glass radiators are an excellent choice for kitchens because they are stylish and modern. They come in a variety of designs, and they are energy-efficient and heat up quickly.

Factors to Consider when Buying the Best Vertical Radiators

When choosing the best vertical radiators for your kitchen, it is essential to consider a few factors. Here are some factors to consider when choosing the best vertical radiators:

Heat Output: Make sure to choose a vertical radiator with enough heat output to heat your kitchen effectively.

Installation: Make sure to choose a vertical radiator that is easy to install. Some models come with installation instructions, while others require professional installation.

Maintenance: Make sure to choose a vertical radiator that is easy to maintain. Some models require regular cleaning and maintenance, while others are more self-sustaining.

Style: Choose a vertical radiator that has a style that you like. There are a variety of styles available, so you can find one that fits your kitchen’s décor.

Buy the Best Vertical Radiators for Kitchens at a Reasonable Price

If you are looking for the best vertical radiators for your kitchen at a reasonable price, you should consider towelradiator.co.uk. We offer a variety of vertical radiators in different sizes, shapes, materials, and colours. We also offer competitive prices on our products, so you can find the best vertical radiators for your kitchen at a reasonable price.

Tips for Installing Vertical Radiators

Installing vertical radiators can be a bit tricky, so it is important to follow the instructions carefully. Here are some tips for installing vertical radiators:

Read the Instructions: Make sure to read the instructions carefully before you start installing the radiator. This will ensure that you install the radiator correctly and safely.

Check the Connections: Make sure to check the connections before you start installing the radiator. This will ensure that the connections are secure and that the radiator is properly connected to the power source.

Level the Radiator: Make sure to level the radiator before you install it. This will ensure that the radiator is evenly heated and that it heats up quickly and efficiently.

Maintenance and Care for Vertical Radiators

Vertical radiators require regular maintenance and care to ensure that they are working properly and efficiently. Here are some tips for maintaining and caring for vertical radiators:

Check the Connections: Make sure to check the connections regularly to ensure that they are secure and that the radiator is properly connected to the power source.

Clean the Radiator: Make sure to clean the radiator regularly to remove dust and dirt. This will ensure that the radiator is working properly and efficiently.

Inspect the Radiator: Make sure to inspect the radiator regularly to check for any signs of damage or wear. This will ensure that the radiator is in good condition and that it is working properly.

Conclusion

Vertical radiators are an excellent choice for kitchens because they are energy-efficient, space-saving, and stylish. When choosing the best vertical radiators for your kitchen, make sure to consider the size, material, design, and heat output. You should also make sure to choose a radiator that is easy to install and maintain.

If you are looking for the best vertical radiators for your kitchen at a reasonable price, you should consider towelradiator.co.uk. So if you’re looking for the best vertical radiators for your kitchen, make sure to follow these tips above.

With the right radiator, you can enjoy a stylish and efficient heating solution for your kitchen at a reasonable price. Buy the best vertical radiators from towelradiator.co.uk and enjoy a warm and cozy kitchen all year round.

With winter upon us, the nights are growing colder and you can no longer avoid turning the central heating on. If your central heating is in good condition, this will be a seamless process, but if your boiler is feeling its age, there is every chance that you might run into problems in the very near future. So how can you reduce your risk of ending up with no heating as winter approaches?

In a wet system, central heating boilers heat the water that circulates around your network of radiators. If the boiler is working correctly, you turn the heating on and within a few minutes the radiators will begin to heat up. There are other types of heating, but in the UK, a central heating boiler powered by gas, electricity or oil is the norm.

Annual Boiler Service

Boilers need servicing every year. Some boilers are less complicated than others – oil boilers have relatively few working parts – but even so, they still need checking over once per year if they are to remain in good working condition. If you buy a new central heating boiler, it will be covered by a warranty for parts and/or labour. This will give you peace of mind for the first twelve months or so, but you do still need to have it serviced.

Servicing a boiler helps to ensure that any faults are picked up before they become major problems. It also means your boiler will work more efficiently, which will save you money on fuel in the long term. However, there is little point in having your central heating boiler serviced if you don’t use a suitably qualified engineer. Engineers lacking experience or qualifications are not going to do a good job and under certain circumstances could even put your life in danger.

Gas Safety

Gas boilers need to be serviced by a Gas Safe registered gas engineer. Registered engineers are listed on the Gas Safe register; they also carry a Gas Safe registration ID card, which you can check. These are the only people who are legally allowed to work on gas appliances, including gas central heating coilers, so if you are not sure of an engineer’s qualifications, ask him to show you his Gas Safe ID card.

Simple Reasons Why the Heating Isn’t Working

If your central heating is not working, it is worth checking to see if there are any ‘quick fixes’ before you call out an engineer after hours.

If radiators are coming on, but not getting very hot, there may be air in the system so try ‘bleeding’ your radiators. If the radiators upstairs are hot, but the ones downstairs are stone cold, your pump might have stopped working. Another common problem is where the waste water pipe from the boiler to the outside freezes in very cold temperatures – using better insulation on the pipe can prevent this problem from recurring. Other possible issues include:

Gas boilers

• Has the pilot light gone our? If it has, try re-lighting it.
• Have you run out of gas – this is only applicable if you are on LPG rather than mains gas.

Oil boilers

• If the water pressure has dropped below safe level, the boiler will automatically lock out. To correct this, top up the water pressure and then press the restart button (check the manual for details on where to find this button).
• Have you run out of oil? This is unlikely if your oil tank has a sensor, but it can still happen if the sensor is faulty.

Central Heating in Rental Homes

Landlords are responsible for fixing central heating problems as quickly as possible. Having no spare cash to pay an engineer won’t cut it, so if your landlord drags their feet and you have been without heating and/or hot water for more than 72 hours, give your local housing officer a call and explain the situation.

Most central heating problems can be fixed fairly easily, but if your heating is off more than it is on, it might be time to replace the system with a new one.

Leaking taps are hardly an emergency, but if left to drip incessantly they can drive a person insane. A constantly dripping tap is also a tremendous waste of water, which if you are on a water meter, could prove to be rather expensive: a leaky tap can quite easily drip away up to 24,000 litres of water over a twelve month period. So why do people ignore leaky taps? A DIY Fix Most people put up with a leaking tap because they mistakenly think it is difficult to fix and if they have to call out a plumber, it will cost them a fortune. But really, sorting out a leaky tap is well within the capabilities of a competent DIY enthusiast and if you have the right tools to hand, there is no reason why you can’t fix the tap yourself.

The Right Tools for the Job

To fix a leaking tap you need a few basic tools:

• A set of spanners
• A screwdriver
• Some clothes to protect the chrome tap fittings
• Replacement tap washer

Fixing a Leaking Tap

Before doing anything, make sure you turn the water off at the mains stop tap. Do make sure the water is off before you remove the problem tap or you will end up soaked and standing in a foot of water, which won’t do either the kitchen or bathroom much good. To do this, turn the taps on and leave them to drain out until there is no more water in the pipes.

Remove the top of the tap and the screw beneath. This will enable you to take the tap head off. If the tap head is stuck, spray some WD-40 into it to loosen it up (you may need to leave it for ten minutes or so to work).

Remove the body of the tap using a spanner. Do this very carefully and protect the chrome surface with a soft cloth. The washer is the circular rubber donut at the end of the tap body. Replace it with a new washer and re-assemble the tap, making sure you don’t over tighten any of the parts.

Turn the water back on and test the tap (if no water comes out, make sure you have closed off all the other taps). Does it still leak? If so, the washer was not the underlying issue and you need to go back to the drawing board and start again.

When the Washer isn’t the Problem

More often than not, a worn out washer is not the cause of a leaking tap. A more likely root cause is the valve seat upon which the washer sits. Over time, this becomes worn, often as a result of lime scale in hard water. The surface develops fine grooves and etched lines, which break the seal of the washer and allow water to seep through. Grinding down this surface with a purpose made seat grinder will solve the problem by creating a smooth surface for the tap washer to adhere to.

Help! I Can’t Fix My Tap!

In theory it should take no more than 20 minutes to fix a leaking tap, but if the mechanism is worn or you have tried all of the above and you still have a leak, then it is probably time to call on a plumber to do the job for you. Most plumbers will charge for one hour’s work, even if the job takes them less than five minutes, including a cup of tea and a chat. If you want to pay as little as possible, try and be flexible about when the plumber can visit – if he is able to call in on his way home, for example, he might charge you less. Or wait for a few weeks and call him to install your new stainless steel towel radiator and replace your tap at the same time.

Don’t forget to get a couple of quotes before engaging a plumber and ideally go with someone you know or who comes with good references. 

Blocked drains of any description can be a total nightmare. Nobody likes standing in a foot of soapy water every time they have a shower and a blocked toilet is deeply unpleasant, particularly if it’s the only one available and you all ate curry last night. Blockages are one of the commonest plumbing problems. They affect most home and business owners at one time or another, but what not many people realise is that there are two types of blockage: hard and soft. So what is the difference and how should you deal with each type of blockage?

Do I Have a Blocked Drain?

Drain problems often develop slowly. In the beginning when all is right with the world and your drains, water disappears instantly down the plughole and you don’t give the matter a second thought. After a while, though, you have standing water in the sink, shower or bath and curious ‘glugging’ noises are emanating from the plughole as the water slowly drains away. In the case of toilets, you might find that it doesn’t always flush properly and you have to flush several times before the contents of the bowl disappear.

What Causes Blockages?

There are many reasons why drains become blocked and not all of them are within your sphere of control. In answering the question of what causes blockages, I will also address the difference between soft and hard drain blockages.

Soft Drain Blockages

Soft blockages are the most common type of material clogging up drains. Hair mixed with soap scum is a very effective material for gluing up bathroom drains. In the case of toilets, excessive amounts of toilet paper, sanitary towels and even disposable nappies can do a great job of causing a pile-up in the U-bend. In the kitchen, blocked drains are usually caused by a build-up of cooking fat and food residue: deeply unpleasant and difficult to shift if it has been allowed to accumulate over a long period of time.

Clearing Soft Blockages

For minor blockages, your best bet is to try a drain cleaner from your local supermarket. They are usually effective when the blockage is relatively near the sink drain. However, if a lot of material has built up and the blockage extends deep down into the pipe system, you will require professional assistance in the form of a plumber and a plumbing snake. Toilet blockages can often be cleared with the aid of a large plunger. Alternatively, strap some rubber gloves on and go on an exploratory mission down the u-bend. It won’t be pretty, but it could save you time and money. If this doesn’t work, call a plumber.

Hard Drain Blockages

A hard blockage is more serious and expensive to fix. In this instance you are dealing with objects blocking the drain, usually outside. Tree roots are a good example of a hard drain blockage. Over time tree root systems can infiltrate external drains and sewer pipes causing all kinds of mayhem. Mineral build-ups are another example of a hard blockage, although this is more common in hard water areas and doesn’t happen overnight.

Clearing Hard Blockages

A bottle of drain cleaner is not going to get rid of a tree root in your drainpipe. In fact not even a plumber with his trusty sink plunger and plumbing snake is going to have much luck clearing a hard blockage. You may also need to hire a specialist drain camera inspection company to work out exactly where the blockage is.

For blocked drains, leaky towel radiators and any other plumbing emergencies, use your common sense: if you don’t have the skills or tools to fix the job, call in a plumber!

The bathroom is considered one of the most private rooms of the home, and certainly the most important to proper hygiene. We all have heard about the value you can add to your home by remodelling your bathroom, but what many people fail to realise is the potential cost a bathroom can add to your credit card if small issues are not caught and fixed promptly. Between plumbing systems and heating systems that run throughout the area, small problems can quickly turn into costly ordeals that impact the quality and value of your house. While there are quite a few different issues that could potentially arise in any bathroom, we will be covering three major issues that are the most common problems in any bathroom. If you act quickly when the symptoms are spotted, then you'll be able to get one step ahead of the problem and avoid massive remodelling or repair bills.

Check Your Water Pressure

While a bathroom radiator or an ECO heated towel rail can help provide air comfort in the cold winter months, your water is usually heated by a water heater or boiler. This device contains all sorts of equipment that individually are quite simple, but all work together to ensure proper functioning of your plumbing and hot water. The pressure regulator is one of these parts, and it's designed to keep the water flowing properly while not causing damage to your plumbing. If your pressure indicator states that the water pressure in your pipes is above 550 kPa, then you are in danger of causing a pipe rupture. These costly occurrences become astronomically expensive if not easily accessible, so be sure to regularly test your pipe pressure.

Install a Powerful Bathroom Radiator

The winter months can be difficult on your body and spirit, but pipes don't complain until it is too late. The cold climate of winter will in some cases cause weakened pipes to rupture. If your bathroom is adjacent to the exterior of the home, then a risk of ruptured pipes in your bathroom increases. One way you can help prevent this is by installing one of our bathroom radiators. Not only will this keep the ambient temperature in the room high enough on the coldest of nights to prevent a rupture, but it is also useful for avoiding those freezing winter mornings when you have to jump into the shower. A couple of hundred pounds of investment today makes a lot more sense than a couple of thousand pounds of plumbing bills tomorrow.

Install Above-Floor Plumbing

Did you know that many toilets now exist with above-floor plumbing to help minimise repair problems in the bathroom? These macerating, above-floor units take water in from the sink or shower, and use a very powerful pump to liquefy any contents that are expelled before they are sent back the same way, into the sewer or septic tank. A leaky toilet can cause untold number of problems, including smelly bathrooms and rotten floors. An above-floor plumbing system for your toilet (these can also be used on sinks and showers) will prevent these issues from occurring, since the toilet's bond with the floor becomes structural and not plumbing-related. No more replacing toilet seals or worrying about maintenance costs whenever a leak springs up!

Nobody wants to deal with costly plumbing problems. Sometimes, the solution to this is to have a proactive approach. Whether you are keeping an eye on your existing plumbing systems or replacing them with a less-liable alternative, you can certainly minimise the likelihood of any problems tomorrow by acting today. With this information in hand, you can now decide whether or not you are doing everything you can to keep your bathroom – and plumbing – in great shape!

Plumbing emergencies come in all shapes and sizes, from blocked toilets and leaking radiators to burst pipes and broken taps. However, some problems are more urgent than others. For example, you shouldn’t ignore a blocked toilet or a burst pipe whereas a leaking radiator could be left for a bit longer as long as you placed a container under the leaking section of pipe. So if the worst happens and you end up dealing with a plumbing emergency, what do you need to do?

Turn the Water Off Immediately

Hopefully you will know where the stop tap is in the event of a plumbing emergency. In most houses the stop tap is either under the kitchen sink or where the water meter is. However, it could be outside or in a basement if you have one. If you don’t have a clue, it is a seriously good idea to find out well in advance where the stop tap is, or you could end up with a larger than necessary flood should the worst happen and a pipe bursts.

Do Some Damage Limitation

Once water starts spewing everywhere, you need to try and contain the mess as quickly as possible. Grab bowls and place them under the leak to catch as much water as you can. If this isn’t practical for whatever reason, use towels to soak up the water until you are able to disconnect the water supply. If the water is leaking out faster than you can cope with, find someone to empty pots and bowls, or help you scoop water out and into the nearest drain.

Move Furniture and Valuables Out of the Way

Water can wreak havoc as anyone affected by flooding will be all too aware. Water soaks into soft furnishings and carpets very easily, and therefore causes a lot of damage in a short space of time. Water can also damage electrical goods, so it is a good idea to move any vulnerable items well out of the way. If the leak is perilously close to electrical outlets or has already affected electrical equipment, be very careful before you move these items. To be on the safe side, turn off the electricity supply first.

Call the Emergency Plumber

Once you have done some damage limitation, if you are not in a position to fix the problem yourself, you need to contact an emergency plumber. Hopefully you already know a good plumber, but if you are forced to go looking online for someone local, do make sure you are clear about what their call-out fee is before you ask them to come and fix the damage. Don’t forget to check whether you have emergency cover under an insurance policy—some bank current accounts offer this kind of extra as part of their package.

Deal with the Aftermath

De-humidifiers are very useful for drying out damp rooms in the aftermath of a leak. Sodden carpets and furnishings can take a while to dry out, particularly in the winter. A de-humidifier can speed up the process and make the room habitable a lot quicker. And if the damage is extensive, consider claiming on your home insurance policy to replace your old leaky radiator for new ADIGE towel radiators.

There are very few things more annoying in life than a broken down central heating boiler. Boilers invariably break down at the most inconvenient time—typically when the temperature outside is below zero and your bank account is running on empty. But before you call out a heating engineer, there are a few things you should check.

No Fuel

Mains gas boilers don’t run out of fuel because the gas supply is continuous (unless you have been cut off for any reason), but if you have an oil or LPG boiler, check that you still have fuel in the tank.

Water Pressure is Too Low

If the water pressure inside the boiler falls below a certain level, the boiler will stop working. This can happen for many reasons, but recent plumbing work is a common cause of low water pressure. For example, if you have removed a radiator from the system or you had a leak, you should always top up the water pressure inside the boiler. A failure to do so will cause the boiler to lock out. A noisy boiler is an early warning sign of low water pressure, so be alert.

Boiler Lock-Out

Is the boiler lock out light on? If in doubt about what you are looking at, check the manual, but if the lock out light is on, press the reset button to get the boiler going again. All being well the boiler should resume normal service without any problem, but if it keeps locking out you need to call a heating engineer to identify what the underlying problem is.

Pilot Light

Gas boilers have a pilot light, so check whether this is lit. If it isn’t, try re-lighting it.  Sometimes a strong draft can blow the pilot light out, but should the problem recur, you have a more serious problem to contend with.

Check the Power

It may sound obvious, but is there any power to the boiler? Check to see if there are lights on and if there is no sign of life, try replacing the main fuse.

Dodgy Thermostat

The room thermostat is supposed to tell the boiler when to come on. If your boiler has failed to fire up even though it would normally be on at this time, check the thermostat control panel. If it is a wireless unit, try replacing the batteries, and if all else fails, press the re-set button.

Frozen Condensate Pipe

This is a problem associated with exceptionally cold weather. A condensate pipe removes waste water from the boiler, usually into an outside drain. Unfortunately, condensate pipes are prone to freezing when the temperature drops too low. When the pipe freezes it creates a blockage and water backs up inside the boiler, triggering a lock down. The condensate pipe will need to be thawed out, but this must be done very carefully. Use warm water or a heat pad to gently thaw out the pipe, and if in doubt, call a qualified heating engineer.

Call the Engineer

Boilers are tricky things and there are many things that can go wrong with them. Once you have checked all the obvious things and the boiler still isn’t working, it is time to call out an engineer. Hopefully you have a maintenance contract and the visit won’t cost you a thing, but if you don’t, make sure you know exactly what the call-out charge is so you don’t have any nasty surprises later.

Regular Servicing

One way to prevent boiler breakdowns is to have an annual service. Regular servicing will help to prevent minor problems from snowballing into major issues, as well as make sure your boiler is safe to use.