What Happens During a Boiler Service?

When you schedule an annual boiler servicing, it’s a thorough process that involves a detailed examination and maintenance of your boiler to ensure not only its efficiency but also its safety.

Full Visual Inspection

The process typically begins with the engineer conducting a visual inspection.

During this stage, the boiler casing is removed to closely examine the external parts of the boiler, including its pipes and radiators.

With a full boiler service, the heating engineer is looking for any signs of damage, wear and tear, leaks, or corrosion. This initial visual inspection is very important as it can reveal external issues that might indicate internal problems.

Full Operation Check

Following the visual check, the engineer will proceed to test the operation of the boiler.

This typically involves checking all the controls and components to ensure they are functioning correctly.

They’ll pay close attention to the thermostat, pressure gauge, and timer, among other controls. This step is to make sure that the boiler not only turns on and off as it should but also responds accurately to user commands.

Thorough Internal Inspection

The next stage is the internal inspection, which is one of the most important parts of an annual boiler service. The boiler engineer will start by examining all internal components.

Even minor internal issues can lead to bigger problems if left unattended, so what this typically includes is the heat exchanger, burner, main injector, and the spark/sensor probe. The purpose here is to identify any signs of damage or malfunction that could impact boiler performance or safety.

Cleaning the Boiler

Cleaning is also a key part of an annual service.

Over time, some internal components have the potential to accumulate dirt and debris. This build-up can negatively impact the efficiency of the boiler, making it work harder and potentially increasing your energy bills. So, ensuring that these boiler parts are thoroughly cleaned will help maintain efficiency and longevity, minimising the chances of expensive boiler repairs.

Flue and Emissions Test

If it’s a gas boiler service, the gas safe engineer will examine the flue to ensure it’s not blocked and is safely venting exhaust gases away from the boiler.

They will also conduct an emissions test to check for the presence of carbon monoxide. This step is really important from a safety perspective, as carbon monoxide poisoning can be deadly if a gas leak from a faulty appliance goes undetected.

Gas Pressure and Safety Check

A gas pressure check is another important aspect for gas boiler services.

The gas safe registered engineer ensures that the boiler operates at the correct gas pressure. Incorrect pressure can be a threat to safety and can also affect the efficiency and performance of the boiler.

Safety Devices Check

Next, any safety devices will also be thoroughly investigated.

The engineer checks components such as the pressure relief valve and the thermostat to ensure they are in good working order. These devices are critical for the safe operation of the boiler, as they prevent a boiler breakdown or dangerous situations from happening, such as over-pressurisation.

Full Report and Advice to Homeowner or Occupant

After completing the inspection and maintenance work, the engineer usually provides a detailed service report of their findings.

This report may include any recommendations for repairs or further maintenance and often includes advice on how to use your boiler more efficiently. This feedback can be invaluable in helping you understand the condition of your boiler and any actions you may need to take to ensure its longevity and safe operation.

Issue of Certificate or Record

In some cases, heating engineers will issue a service record or a boiler service certificate. This documentation is important for maintaining your boiler warranty.

In most cases, a certificate is specifically required for landlords following a yearly boiler service. This is often referred to as a Gas Safety Certificate or CP12. It also serves as proof that you have undertaken proper maintenance of the central heating system, which can be important for home insurance claims.

When you get your boiler serviced, there are a few things that usually aren’t included in the standard check-up.
For example, big repairs are not typically part of a routine annual boiler services. If the heating engineer finds a big issue, they’ll usually be quoted a separate price to ensure it’s properly fixed. Also, replacing large parts does not tend to be included in a standard boiler service.

Then, there are other tasks involved in ensuring that your heating system is working as it should be, such as pipe unblocking, bleeding your radiators (which means getting air out of them) or doing a deep clean of your heating system (called power flushing). These are not usually part of the annual boiler servicing.

Lastly, getting a boiler serviced annually doesn’t typically include cosmetic work on your boiler, such as painting or fixing external rust. Remember, every service might be a bit different in terms of what’s included in the boiler service cost, so it’s always good to ask what’s included in yours.

We hope you’ve found our article on what happens during a boiler service useful.
If it’s coming up to the time where you need to schedule your yearly boiler service to make sure it’s working properly, get in touch with us today on 0151 203 3771.