5 Signs It’s Time to Replace Your Boiler

Knowing when to replace your boiler isn’t always easy. Boilers are complex units, and it is not unusual for them to suffer breakdowns, leaks, or worse. Whether or not those problems call for a full replacement depends a lot on your specific boiler, and the best way to know is to get it looked at by a professional. With that in mind, there are still some warning signs you should watch out for.

M.J. Burt’s Gas Safe registered engineers are the South’s top boiler specialists. In this guide, we’ve laid out 5 of the most common signs your boiler will need replacing soon.

1) No Heating or Hot Water

This is the most obvious sign something’s not right with your boiler. If your home won’t warm up or your water won’t turn hot no matter how long you run the tap, you’re looking at a complete boiler breakdown.

Although this sounds serious (and it can be, if it’s cold outside), it can usually be fixed with some simple repairs. If the problem keeps recurring, however, it’s probably time for a replacement.

2) Leaking Water

Leaking water could be a sign that a component inside your boiler has failed. Turn off your boiler if you spot a leak, as the water could cause the electrics to short circuit or damage your flooring.

A leak doesn't necessarily mean your boiler has given up the ghost, but if another leak appears not long after the original has been patched up, it could indicate a more serious problem.

3) The Pilot Light Flame Has Changed Colour

The pilot light is a key component in older furnaces and boilers. It is the flame that lights the gas provided by the main burner.

If you’ve noticed the pilot light of your boiler has changed from blue to yellow or red, it could be an indication of poor combustion. This can be very dangerous to both your health and your home. Turn your boiler off immediately and get it looked at by an engineer as soon as possible.

Other warning signs include a smell of gas, scorching on the boiler, and an unusual amount of condensation on your windows.

If you suspect you’ve got a carbon monoxide or gas leak, take action straight away by following these steps:

• Open windows and doors to ventilate the gas and let in fresh air.
• Turn off your Emergency Gas Control Valve.
• Call the free 24/7 National Gas Emergency Services Line on 0800 111 999. They will arrange for a gas specialist engineer to inspect your property.
• Do not use electrical switches or naked flames until the engineer gives you the all-clear, as these could ignite an explosion.

Problems with your pilot light are usually due to old pipework or a poorly fitted and serviced boiler. Although some cases can be repaired, it’s often a sign that a new boiler is in order.

4) Loud Noises

Those gurgling, whistling, or knocking sounds you hear probably aren’t a sign your house is haunted, but they could mean something’s wrong with your boiler. 

Loud noises coming from your boiler are usually due to a drop in the water pressure or a build-up of air or limescale. These could lead to a boiler breakdown in the future.

Although loud noises don’t necessarily mean you’ll need a new boiler, they could be a sign that your old one is on its way out. An engineer will be able to diagnose the severity of the problem.

5) Your Boiler Is Over 15 Years Old

The exact lifespan of your boiler depends on a few things: its model, the amount it’s been used, and how many issues it has had in the past. In general, however, you can expect a boiler to last between 10 to 15 years.

If your boiler is over 15 years old, it’s likely working at a much lower efficiency than it once did. This could be costing you a lot more on your heating and hot water bills. A replacement may be the most cost-efficient option in this case.

Get a quote for expert boiler installation

At M. J. Burt, we offer a comprehensive boiler replacement service, covering everything from removal to installation.

Our engineers can assess the current condition of your boiler and identify whether it needs to be repaired or completely replaced. If a replacement is needed, they can offer expert recommendations on the best model to replace it with.

Get a quote online or by calling our friendly team on 01202 721955!