Boiler not igniting?

Common Issues and How to Fix Them

Is your boiler not igniting? You will be without heating and hot water, which in the colder months can be extremely frustrating. Several breakdowns may contribute to a boiler not igniting. Before calling a Gas Safe registered heating engineer, we will discuss some quick fix tips you can try. Remember, if you suspect there is a major fault requiring boiler repairs it is crucial to contact a fully Gas Safe registered heating engineer.

Why Is My Boiler Not Turning On?

There can be various reasons that may contribute to a boiler not igniting. Here are some of the common causes:

• Temperature Setting: This can be the most common; your home may have already reached the temperature set on your smart thermostat. For instance, if your thermostat is set to 18°C and your home is at 19°C the boiler won't ignite as it is already up to temperature. To get the boiler to ignite, simply turn up the temperature on the thermostat and the boiler should turn on. If it does not, check for other issues.

• Electrical Problems: The boiler installation requires electricity to ignite it, a lack of power can be the culprit. Check if other electrical appliances are working okay in your home to make sure there is no power cut. Also, if you have had a power cut this may have reset your boiler's programming. Make sure to check the control panel settings are correct.

• Tripped Fuse: This can prevent your boiler installation from working. Double check your electrical board to make sure none of the fuses have tripped. Also check the boiler's fuse spur to make sure it is on.

• Gas Supply Issues: If you have low or insufficient gas pressure, this can potentially lead to ignition failure. Check your oven or hob to make sure gas is coming through to the gas appliances.

• Pilot Light Problems: A blown pilot light can be a common issue that may contribute to a boiler not igniting. If the jet is blocked this can cause the pilot light to extinguish. You can have the jet replaced or cleaned by a fully Gas Safe registered heating engineer.

• Blocked Burner: Blocked burners can be a common issue. If the burner is in decent condition it can be cleaned, however if it is badly blocked you may need it replaced.

• Faulty Fan: It is the boiler fan that expels the combustion gasses. If the fan fails on the boiler, the boiler installation will not ignite. If you think the fan on your boiler is faulty do not try to use the boiler and seek a professional Gas Safe registered heating engineer.

• Faulty Gas Valve: It is the gas valve that controls the flow of gas to the boiler. If the gas valve is faulty or if it is blocked the boiler will not ignite. You must contact a Gas Safe registered heating engineer to replace or rectify a faulty gas valve.

Common Fixes Before Calling an Engineer

Before contacting a professional, there are a few safe checks you can perform. Here are some quick guides to help identify some common issues with your boiler installation:

• Boiler Pilot Light Out. If the pilot light is out you can relight it using the manufacturer's instructions. Modern, condensing, energy efficient boilers do not have pilot lights.

• Why Is My Boiler Not Responding To My Thermostat? It is the thermostat that controls your boiler's operation. If it is not working correctly it will not heat your home adequately.

• Why Is My Boiler Losing Pressure? You need to make sure the pressure is correct in your central heating system. If the pressure is too low the boiler will not fire up or ignite. Between 1 and 1.5 bar is the recommended pressure in a heating system.

• How to Reset Your Boiler in 3 Simple Steps. You can try resetting the boiler if the boiler installation is not working. If it still fails to ignite, call a Gas Safe registered heating engineer out to investigate the issue further.

• How To Thaw A Frozen Condensate Pipe And Prevent It From Freezing. Any frozen pipes will restrict water flow. Blocked condensate pipes during winter can be a common issue. If they freeze they can be thawed out but it is highly recommended to get a Gas Safe registered heating engineer to address the issue and check their suitability.

Why You Should Never Attempt to Fix a Boiler Issue Yourself

You must use a fully Gas Safe registered heating engineer to fix a major fault on a boiler installation. Boilers operate under high heat and pressure with gas components. You must always seek professional help when you need boiler repairs or a replacement boiler.