We often overlook the convenience of hot water, assuming it will always be readily available. If you’ve encountered a sudden lack of hot water, there are steps you can take to identify and resolve the issue promptly. Below are 10 troubleshooting tips to help restore your hot water supply quickly.
1 – Is your boiler working?
If your boiler encounters a fault, it typically signals this through a fault code on the main screen.
Many fault codes can be resolved through a basic boiler reset whilst others may require the expertise of a professional. If you’re unsure about addressing the fault code, it’s advisable to seek guidance from a certified engineer.
2 – Are the boiler’s settings correct?
A boiler features various settings, and it’s possible that someone, intentionally or inadvertently, has adjusted them. It’s advisable to check that the hot water temperature is set to a suitable level. For a hot water cylinder, the temperature should be set to a minimum of 60 degrees. However, for a combi boiler, the temperature can vary according to personal preference.
3 – Has it been programmed accurately?
Events like power outages and low battery levels can affect the timer settings. Therefore, it’s important to verify that the timer displays the correct time and date. Does your boiler has sufficient battery power, and is programmed accurately.
Make sure that the boiler is set to operate for both heating and hot water functions.
4 – Is your energy source functioning properly?
You can verify the status of your energy supply by testing other appliances. For instance, to assess the gas supply, try activating a gas hob or fire. To confirm the electricity supply, toggle your lights or test various plug sockets. Additionally, inspect your fuse box for any tripped fuses, as this could impact your hot water supply.
If you find a tripped fuse, you might consider resetting the boiler’s timer and programs.
5 – Is your water supply functioning properly?
While it may seem straightforward, it’s important to ensure your home has an adequate water supply. If there’s no water flowing from any taps, whether hot or cold, it could indicate a temporary interruption in the supply. You may want to reach out to your water provider for assistance, additional information, or simply wait for normal services to resume.
6 – Check if your pipes frozen?
The condensate pipe is responsible for removing waste water vapour from your boiler. Therefore, This is prone to freezing if not adequately insulated, especially at the point where it exits the house. If the pipe has frozen, ice can accumulate inside. To thaw it, you can use warm water and slowly defrost the affected area.
7 – Check the pressure
The ideal water pressure within the system is approximately 1.25 bar. You can monitor through the pressure gauge on the front of your boiler. If the pressure is too low, you should repressurize the system by opening the filling loop to allow more water in. Conversely, if the pressure is too high, you may need to bleed the system slightly to bring it back within the normal range.
8 – Do you have a water leak?
A leak in your heating system can cause a fall in pressure which, as we know from above, can cause your boiler to shut down. Check for signs of a leak, including water on the pipes around your boiler and damp patches on walls or ceilings.
9 – Is there a problem with the diverter valve?
The diverter valve is responsible for enabling your heating system to alternate between providing hot water and heating, based on its programmed settings. If the diverter valve malfunctions, it might become stuck in the central heating position or develop a fault, both of which can lead to a loss of hot water.
Should you encounter an issue with the diverter valve, it’s imperative to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to address the problem, either through repair or replacement of the part.
10 – Is your boiler the correct size?
If you’ve ruled out any faults within the system and continue to experience recurring issues with your hot water supply, it’s possible that your boiler is undersized and struggling to meet the demand for heat and hot water in your home.
In such cases, upgrading to a larger boiler might be a cost-effective solution in the long term. An expert can offer guidance on the ideal boiler size for your home, considering both your current requirements and potential future needs.
Still got no hot water? Contact Ability Today!
If you’ve ruled out the aforementioned issues and remain confident that they are not the cause of your hot water problem, it may be prudent to enlist the assistance of a qualified Gas Safe engineer.
You can contact Ability by filling out the form on our website, calling us at (+44) 01892 514495, or sending an email to info@ability.uk.com. We prioritise swift responses and will promptly get back to you. Our objective is to offer you the necessary support and guidance without any delay.
