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Stay Calm and Follow These Essential Steps

There's never a good time for your boiler to break down, but it always seems to happen on the coldest day of the year, doesn't it? Over 27 years in the heating industry, I've taken countless emergency calls from understandably stressed homeowners. Here's exactly what you should do when your boiler stops working—including some simple checks that might even get it running again before I arrive.

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Safety First: Know the Warning Signs

When to call immediately

If you smell gas, don't investigate—get everyone out of the house, call the Gas Emergency Services on 0800 111 999 from outside, and don't re-enter until given the all-clear. Never take chances with gas leaks.

If you notice a strong smell of fumes, sooty marks around the boiler, or the pilot light burning yellow instead of blue, switch off the boiler immediately and call a Gas Safe registered engineer. These could indicate dangerous carbon monoxide production.

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Quick Checks You Can Do Yourself

Check your thermostat

It sounds obvious, but I've been called out more than once to find the thermostat accidentally turned down or switched off. Ensure it's set above current room temperature and switched to heating mode. If it's battery-powered, try fresh batteries.

Check your boiler pressure

Low pressure is the most common cause of boiler breakdowns. Look at the pressure gauge on your boiler—it should read between 1 and 2 bars. If it's below 1, you'll need to repressurise the system. Your boiler manual will show you how, but if you're uncertain, wait for professional help rather than risk making things worse.

Reset your boiler

Many modern boilers have a reset button (often marked with a flame symbol). Press and hold it for a few seconds. If a temporary glitch caused the shutdown, this simple step might get you back up and running. Don't repeatedly reset—if it doesn't work after one or two attempts, there's an underlying problem.

Check the power supply

Ensure the boiler's switched on at the isolator switch (usually near the boiler) and check your fuse box for any tripped switches. Sometimes, power surges trip the circuit.

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What Information to Have Ready

Help your engineer help you faster

When you call for emergency help, having key information ready speeds up diagnosis. Note your boiler's make, model, and age (usually on the front panel). Describe exactly what's happening—no heat or hot water? Strange noises? Error codes displayed?

Mention when you last had the boiler serviced and any recent issues or repairs. This context helps me bring the right tools and parts.

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Temporary Measures to Stay Warm

Staying comfortable while waiting

Close doors to unused rooms and focus heating alternatives on one or two rooms. If you have an electric heater, use it safely (never leave unattended). Layer up with warm clothing and blankets. Ensure vulnerable family members—elderly relatives, young children—stay warm.

Keep cupboard doors under sinks open if temperatures are freezing to prevent pipe freezing. Let taps drip slightly if you're worried about frozen pipes.

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Why Immediate Professional Help Matters

Attempting DIY repairs on gas appliances is illegal unless you're Gas Safe registered—and for good reason. Gas work is dangerous. Even boiler problems that seem minor can indicate serious underlying issues that worsen rapidly.

With 20 years of self-employment and comprehensive Worcester Bosch accreditation, I carry extensive spare parts and can diagnose problems quickly. Most emergency callouts are resolved the same day.

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Prevention Is Better Than Cure

Regular annual servicing catches problems before they become emergencies. A well-maintained boiler rarely breaks down unexpectedly, and you're far less likely to face a cold house in January.

Boiler breakdown in Selsey, Chichester, Bracklesham Bay, West Wittering, East Wittering or surrounding areas? Call Selsey Heating for fast, professional emergency callouts Monday-Friday, 8am-7pm.