Boiler grants have a short lifespan. Like a fridge or washing machine, they can become damaged with age. Components age, items malfunction, and issues emerge—and that is entirely to be expected.

If your boiler might not be heating as it once did, producing unusual sounds, or displaying error codes, all of these indicate that something is off.

The positive aspect? Consideration of what to watch out for can prevent unexpected breakdowns, expensive repairs, and cold mornings. How to fix common boiler issues with the ECO4 scheme. If you meet the criteria, you could get a free replacement boiler that will improve your home’s warmth, energy efficiency, and operating costs — all without any upfront cost.

Got an issue with your boiler? The chances are you’re dealing with one of these common boiler faults. Here are some potential problems and their solutions.

Boiler Losing Pressure

Signs:

• No heating or intermittent hot water
• The boiler display shows a pressure below 1 bar

Common Causes:

• Water leaks in the system
• Recently bled radiators
• Faulty pressure relief valve

Solutions:

Check for visible leaks around pipes or the boiler. Repressurize the boiler using the filling loop (refer to the manufacturer’s guide). If low boiler pressure causes dropping, consult a Heat1 engineer.

No Heat or Hot Water

Common Causes:

• Faulty thermostat
• Low water levels
• Broken diaphragms and airlocks
• Failed motorized valves

Solutions:

First, check the situation on your thermostat. Ensure that it is switched on, configured to the right mode, and that the temperature is sufficient for heating to commence. If it is, it may require repressurizing. If the intermittent heating and hot water issues are caused by a problem with your thermostat, check the device’s manufacturer’s guide for a possible solution. If any components need replacing, contact a Heat1 Gas Safety certified professional eco provider.

Boiler Leaking or Dripping

Common Causes:

• Corroded pipes or seals
• Faulty heat exchanger
• High pressure inside the boiler
• Boiler leaking water

Solutions:

Switch off the boiler at the main switch. Place the towel or container underneath the leak to collect the water. Contact our heat1 qualified engineer.

Boiler Making Strange Noises

Common Causes:

• Air in the system
• Kettling (caused by limescale build-up)
• Pump failure

Solutions:

Bleeding the radiators solves this issue. Check and adjust the pressure if it’s low. For gurgling sounds, bleeding your radiators might help remove trapped air. You need to call a heat1 gas-safe engineer to locate the frozen pipe and resolve the issue. That should fix the noise.

Frozen condensate pipe

Signs:

• Boiler stops working in cold weather
• Error code on the boiler display

Causes:

• Gurgling sounds from the boiler when you try to use it
• Boiler won’t fire up
• External condensate pipe frozen due to low temperatures
• Central heating not working

Solution:

Cold weather can be a boiler’s worst nightmare, and a frozen condensate pipe is one of the leading causes of winter boiler breakdowns prevention. Try thawing it yourself by applying hot (but not boiling) water and a warm compress – like a hot water bottle – directly to the pipe. We have a detailed guide for dealing with frozen pipes here.

Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

 Causes:

• Faulty thermocouple

• Broken gas valve

• Draughts are blowing the light out

• Deposits on the pilot light

Solutions:

Check for obvious draughts and clean the pilot light. If the issue persists, call a heat1 Gas Safe engineer to replace the faulty boiler with a new boiler grant.

Boiler Keeps Switching Off

Causes:

• Boiler not turning on
• Thermostat issues
• Closed valves or blockages
• Pump failure

Solutions:

If necessary, check the boiler and replace it. Ensure the temperature controller is working properly. Open any closed valves. Have an engineer check for blockages or faulty parts of the boiler.

Boilers can emit carbon monoxide, which is a poisonous gas. Therefore, you should avoid attempting to repair your boiler. ECO4 helps you with free boiler replacement at no cost. This ensures you haven’t compromised your boiler’s safety. If you experience a boiler issue, the safest action is to contact our Heat1-certified boiler engineer registered with the Gas Safe register under ECO4. Our team assists you in replacing a broken boiler with a new condensing boiler through the ECO4.

Boiler problems can be messy. They will not appear all of a sudden if you maintain your boiler regularly. This maintenance advice might be helpful:

Observe the Pressure

Over time, boilers lose pressure. Check the boiler’s pressure. It should be between 1 and 1.5. If the needle is below 1, top up the water. Refer to the manual to learn how to increase the boiler pressure.

Keep the Boiler Ventilation

Your boiler might be placed in a confined space. If there are other objects around the boiler, it could cause a problem. Some boilers need proper ventilation. Placing objects around them restricts the airflow. Consequently, the unit will experience oxygen deprivation and a drop in efficiency. Ensure your boiler is installed in a good and safe place. 

Replace the boiler that needs an Engineer

You cannot fix all boiler problems on your own. Some intense problems demand a Gas Safe-certified heating engineer. So you can contact our engineer. If you face any issues when you encounter the following boiler problems:

1. The diaphragm or airlock is broken, and there is no heat or hot water
2. A part of the boiler is broken, which is causing a water leak
3. The radiators are not working because there is sludge or air built up in the system
4. The boiler is making strange noises

Sometimes repeated breakdowns, rising energy bills, or irreparable parts make replacement the smarter long-term decision. Here is the time to replace. If you or anyone in your household receives any of the following benefits, you may be immediately eligible to apply for an ECO4 grant:

• Child Tax Credit
• Employment and Support Allowance (ESA) – Income-Based
• Housing Benefit
• Income Support
• Jobseeker’s Allowance (JSA) – Income-Based
• Pension Credit (Guarantee Credit)
• Pension Credit (Savings Credit)
• Universal Credit
• Working Tax Credit

• If your home has a low EPC rating of D or poor insulation, you may qualify. 
• Your house should have a gas meter, or you should be open to having one installed. 
• If your boiler is over 15-20 years old, inefficient, or frequently breaking down, you might qualify for a free replacement.
• You have your own home.

Many homeowners can identify signs that their boiler needs repair or replacement. Now, get a free boiler grant and insulation upgrades through the ECO4 grant. The heat1 team can help you check your eligibility and improve your home’s energy efficiency — for free!

If you’re on ECO4 or considering applying, here’s how to proceed when a boiler problem arises:

Document the Fault

Take photos, error codes, dates, and descriptions of issues. This helps with claims or disputes.

Contact the heat1 Installer

If you’re eligible, we’ll arrange a free property survey. One of our qualified engineers will visit your home to evaluate your current boiler and determine what is needed for the upgrade.

Check Eligibility for Replacement

If you believe you qualify for a 100% cost-covered ECO4 grant, simply fill out our online form in just 60 seconds, confirm your eligibility to replace under the ECO4, and request a quote for a new high‑efficiency boiler.

Most boiler issues occur during winter—when you need heat and hot water the most. A boiler is one of the most crucial appliances in the house, so it’s important to become familiar with common problems.

Having a boiler troubleshooting guide and understanding how to fix common causes of boiler issues can help you prevent unexpected boiler breakdowns. If your boiler keeps showing fault messages, learning about boiler error codes can give you a head start before calling an engineer.

The ECO4 scheme is an excellent solution for a free boiler replacement. It can help you reduce your energy costs while also controlling your carbon emissions.

Need help with your boiler grant?

Contact the Heat1.co.uk website today for expert advice, emergency repairs, and annual servicing across the UK.