When the heating starts playing up in October, the question we hear most is whether the boiler needs a service or a repair. The two visits do different jobs, and booking the right one saves you time and money.
Key points
- A service is annual maintenance on a boiler that works. It keeps the warranty valid.
- A repair is for a boiler with a fault: no heat, a fault code, leaks, noises or pressure loss.
- Check the pressure gauge and the condensate pipe yourself; leave everything else to a Gas Safe engineer.
- If the boiler is 12 to 15 years old and failing every winter, replacement is usually better value.
What a boiler service is for
A service is planned maintenance on a boiler that is working. Our Gas Safe registered engineer checks the gas pressure and flue gas readings, cleans and inspects the burner and heat exchanger, checks the seals and safety devices and makes sure the flue is clear.
Manufacturers require an annual service to keep the warranty valid, and it is the best chance to catch a fault before it leaves you without heating in January. Book one through our boiler servicing in St Albans page.
Signs you need a repair instead
- No heating or hot water, or only one of the two
- A fault code on the display or a flashing light
- The pressure gauge keeps dropping below 1 bar
- Banging, whistling or gurgling noises
- A yellow flame instead of a blue one
- Water dripping from the boiler or the pipes underneath
Any of these means something is wrong now, and a service is not the right booking. Our boiler repair engineers carry the common parts for the main brands, so most faults are fixed on the first visit. If it happens at night or at the weekend, call our emergency plumber line.
What you can safely check yourself
Before you call, check the pressure gauge. If it is below 1 bar, follow our guide to repressurising your boiler. Check the thermostat and timer, and in freezing weather check the white plastic condensate pipe outside. If it is frozen, pouring warm (not boiling) water over it and resetting the boiler often gets it going again.
How we price each visit
We tell you the cost of a service or a repair call-out on the phone and agree the price of any repair with you before we start, so there are no surprises on the invoice.
When repair becomes replacement
If your boiler is more than 12 to 15 years old, breaks down every winter or needs a major part such as a heat exchanger, a new boiler is often the better investment. We will give you an honest view and, if it makes sense, a quote for boiler installation in St Albans. Cold radiators on an otherwise healthy boiler are often fixed with a powerflush instead.
Not sure which visit you need?
Call us and describe the problem. We will tell you straight away whether it is a service or a repair.
Frequently asked questions
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Once a year. Most manufacturer warranties require an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and landlords need an annual gas safety check.
Can a service fix a boiler that is not working?
No. A service is maintenance on a working boiler. If there is a fault, book a repair so the engineer comes prepared to diagnose it and carries the right parts.
How long does a boiler service take?
Usually around 45 minutes to an hour, depending on the boiler and how easy it is to reach.
Is it worth repairing an old boiler?
If the boiler is over 12 to 15 years old and needs an expensive part, a replacement is often better value. We will give you an honest recommendation either way.
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