Common Problems with Boilers
Boiler Lockout
If a boiler’s start sequence is interrupted for any reason, or the photocell fails to detect the flame on ignition, the control box may go to ‘lockout’. This may happen when there is a genuine fault with the boiler, but on occasion can happen for no apparent reason. You can try to reset the boiler by pushing the red or orange lit button on the boilers control box, which is normally found on the oil burner itself. If the boiler does not fire after three attempts, call for a service engineer to visit, and make no further attempt to re-set the lockout button.
No Fuel
Very often the boiler has gone to ‘lockout’ because the oil supply has run out. It is advisable to check the oil level before calling an engineer. If checking a tank with a plastic sight tube, please remember to push the green button or pull the brass lever (depending on make of gauge) to obtain the correct level. If there is no oil in the tank, please arrange a fuel delivery. You may need to also book an engineers visit to bleed the oil through the oil line to the boiler and re-start the appliance.
Low Pressure
Combi and system oil boilers may have a built-in pressure gauge to monitor the water pressure in the boiler and radiator circuits. Some Heat only boilers may have a pressure gauge sited external to the boiler, alongside/above the boiler, or maybe in the hot water cylinder airing cupboard. Low pressure in the boiler may cause it to overheat, or activate a low-pressure switch, both of which will prevent the boiler from firing. if you find low pressure in the boiler/system this is normally topped up via a flexible filling loop (this is a metal braided hose with ¼ turn valves at each end, and should only be attached whilst in use) Boiler pressure is normally set to 1 bar when cold, and the pressure increases to approx. 11/2 bar when hot.
No Demand
Quite often our engineers attend ‘boiler breakdowns’ only to find there is no demand from the controls for the boiler to fire. Please check the timeclock is turned on and the room stat is set high enough. It may just save an expensive engineer callout!
Service Intervals
Many breakdowns our engineers attend is due to lack of regular servicing. An oil boiler does require oil filters and boiler baffles to be cleaned. The oil nozzle replaced annually; flexible oil hoses replaced as per date stamp. Photocell, electrodes, blast tube inspection and cleaning.
Capacitor test.
An annual service in the summer will improve the boilers efficiency and greatly reduce the chance of it breaking down when you need it most.