Quick Tips if your Boiler Cuts Out!
Kristen Lackajis • December 19, 2025
A few quick fixes to try if your boiler cuts out over the festive period!
If your boiler cuts out over Christmas, first check for common, simple issues like low pressure or a frozen condensate pipe, which you may be able to fix yourself. If these quick checks don't work, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately, as more complex issues require professional attention.
Immediate Checks & DIY Fixes:
- Check the Power and Thermostat: Ensure the boiler is switched on at the wall and the fuse box hasn't tripped a switch. Check your thermostat and programmer settings, making sure the temperature is set high enough and the timer is correct (especially if clocks changed recently). Also, check the thermostat batteries.
- Inspect the Pilot Light: If your boiler has a pilot light, check it's lit and burning a steady blue flame. If it's out, follow your manufacturer's instructions in the boiler manual to safely relight it. If it won't stay lit, call a professional.
- Check the Boiler Pressure: The pressure gauge should ideally be between 1 and 1.5 bar when the boiler is off. If it's too low, you can often re-pressurise the system yourself using the boiler's filling loop, but consult your manual for specific instructions on how to do this safely.
- Thaw a Frozen Condensate Pipe: In freezing weather, the external plastic (condensate) pipe may freeze (indicated by gurgling sounds or a fault code).
- Locate the pipe outside your home.
- Gently pour warm (not boiling) water over the frozen section to thaw the ice. A hot water bottle or warm cloth can also work.
- Once thawed, you may need to press the reset button on your boiler control panel for a few seconds to restart it.
- Bleed Radiators: Cold spots at the top of radiators indicate trapped air. You can release this air using a radiator key. Turn off the heating, use a key to open the valve until you hear a hiss and water starts to drip, then close it. You may need to check the boiler pressure afterwards.
If the above steps don't resolve the issue, do not attempt to fix the boiler yourself! If you smell gas (rotten egg smell), open windows, leave the house, and call the gas emergency services on 0800 111 999.
Quick and easy ways to keep the cold out this winter!
The months of November to February are the busiest for UK plumbers!
An annual boiler service is so much more than just a tick box – it’s an essential household maintenance task, and there’s never been a better time to book in to get it done! The autumn months are the ideal time to have your boiler serviced as it ensures that your system is running safety and efficiently ahead of the colder months, which helps prevent a heating breakdown when you most need a warm home. September/October is also a great time as it beats the winter rush for busy engineers, and can also help keep your energy costs down as your boiler and heating system will be running at its maximum efficiency. At Harnce Heating and Plumbing, we’re only ever a phone call away and our team of dedicated, gas certified engineers are committed to ensuring your home is safe, warm and as cost effective as it can possibly be. Signs You Need A Boiler Service: Radiators are taking longer to heat up or not getting up to temperature Boiler is making funny noises Low system pressure Boiler pilot light goes out frequently Boiler locking out or showing fault codes on panel You’ve moved into a new property and don’t know the last service date It has been 12 months or longer since your last boiler service Whether you require a one-off service, or regular maintenance through our popular Members’ Club subscription, Harnce is always on-hand to help. Contact the office on 01543 330 555 or book online via the website www.harnce.co.uk. Find out more about our Members’ Club benefits at www.harnce.co.uk/membersclub .
As a community focused business, we love working with exceptional local talent and supporting other family businesses, like ourselves.
As a community focused business, we love working with exceptional local talent and supporting charities wanting to good for our community
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