FAQ
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Frequently Asked Questions
If you are ever in doubt about a technical issue, please consult a professional rather than attempting a DIY fix. This FAQ is for informational purposes and not a substitute for expert on-site diagnosis.
What should I do if I smell gas?
If you smell gas or notice a leak either in your home or in the street, call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 at any time, day or night, 365 days a year. The call will not cost you anything, and you will be put through to a trained operator who will deal with it.
IF YOU SMELL GAS:
DON’T smoke
DON’T turn electrical switches ON or OFF
DO extinguish naked flames
DO turn off the gas at the meter
DO open doors and windows
DO seek medical advice if you feel unwell
DO call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999
Check if the power supply is on at the mains and that a fuse hasn’t blown.
Check the gas supply, the stopcock should be open.
Check the pilot light is lit. Instructions on how to do this should be in the boiler manual, or printed on the inside of the boiler door. If it won’t ignite you will need to call an engineer.
Check that the programmer is switched on, and that the thermostats are turned up high enough.
If it is a combi or sealed system, check that the pressure is high enough (usually 1 – 1.5 bar). If not it can be manually topped up using the filling loop. Instructions on how to do this should be in your boiler manual.
Hissing or banging noises from your boiler usually indicates that there is a build up of sludge in the heating system. Give us a call and a suitably trained engineer will powerflush it for you.
The water from combi boilers is heated directly from the mains and when it is released millions of bubbles of carbon dioxide are formed. This is not sediment and is not harmful. The water will clear if left to stand.
When air enters the central heating system, pockets of air rise to the top of the radiator preventing it from heating up. The radiator will need to be bled. First turn off the heating system, and with a cloth underneath to catch any water, use a radiator key to slacken the bleed valve (located at the top edge of the radiator) by a half turn anticlockwise. There will be a hissing sound as the air is released. As soon as water begins to flow close the valve, being careful not to overtighten. If the radiators need frequent bleeding then you will need to call an engineer.
This indicates a build up of iron oxide sludge in the bottom of the radiator, which prevents the bottom from heating up. This can be remedied by powerflushing the system, which forcibly removes the deposits by pumping a solution of chemical cleaner through the system.