Frustrated homeowners with a boiler that is breaking down intermittently.

Intermittent boiler faults – what it means for you

Author: Michael

4th December 2024

10 mins read

Following your heating engineers visit your boiler has, in their expert opinion, been identified as having an: Intermittent Boiler Fault. Understanding what this means is important so the problem can be fixed properly, as it could affect the safety, reliability and efficiency of your central heating system and may cause bigger issues if not dealt with.

Why is this important to understand?

Living with a boiler that suffers from intermittent faults can be frustrating. It often leads to unpredictable hot water and heating, which is inconvenient, especially in colder months or for those with busy family lives. Furthermore, these faults can be a sign of potential major failures down the line, potentially leading to more costly repairs or even the need for a total replacement.

It’s important to note that diagnosing intermittent faults may require several visits from a boiler engineer. Sometimes, a boiler engineer may replace one part, only for a different fault to appear afterward, revealing an underlying issue that wasn’t initially evident. This is why weighing up your choices is important. Deciding what to do next, may just save you money.

If you’re a homeowner or landlord in Edinburgh, dealing with intermittent boiler faults can be a real headache. Not only can these faults cause disruption to your daily routine, but they can also lead to more significant issues if left unresolved. In this short guide, we’ll try and best explain what intermittent boiler faults are, how to identify them, and what they mean for you.

What are intermittent boiler faults?

Intermittent boiler faults are those annoying issues that happen now and then, not consistently enough to diagnose easily, yet frequently enough to cause significant inconvenience. They can be particularly frustrating because they might not present themselves when a boiler engineer is in front of your boiler to diagnose the problem.

There is nothing more difficult to diagnose at times than a boiler with an intermittent fault. And if the fault is not present when the boiler engineer attends, most of the diagnoses will be using the boiler engineer’s experience to try and guess what the likely cause of the fault could be.

Common intermittent faults could be the boiler turning off unexpectedly, failure to heat water properly, or unexpected noises. These problems are often caused by underlying issues that aren’t apparent during normal operation.

Why are we making you aware of this?

We are sharing this information with you so you have the knowledge about your boiler’s health.

Understanding the signs and causes of intermittent faults helps you make informed decisions about maintenance and repairs that you may have been quoted for. Being proactive can prevent minor issues from escalating into major problems, potentially saving you time, discomfort, and money.

Our goal is to ensure your heating system is reliable, efficient, and safe, keeping you comfortable in your home without unexpected disruptions or costly emergency repairs.

A customer dealing with intermittent boiler faults might think and feel:

Frustration: “Why does this always happen at the worst possible time? It’s so frustrating!”
Uncertainty: “Is my boiler going to completely break down soon? Should I be worried it’s something serious?”
Inconvenience: “I can’t rely on my heating or hot water, and it’s messing up my daily routine.”
Financial Concerns: “How much is this going to cost to fix? What if the engineer can’t figure out the problem straight away?”
Safety Worries: “Is my boiler safe to use when it’s playing up like this? Could there be a gas leak or something worse?”
Lack of Confidence: “Will the engineer even be able to fix it if the fault doesn’t show up while they’re here?”
Confusion: “What’s causing this? Why can’t it just work properly like it used to?”
Desperation: “I’m at my wit’s end with this. I just want it sorted for good.”

A worried home owner looking at his boiler showing an intermittent fault.

Overall, customers are likely to feel a mix of frustration, concern, and confusion when dealing with intermittent boiler faults, and this is why we want to provide clear communication and effective solutions from a professional boiler repair company like Celsius.

"I was having issues with an intermittent fault on my boiler, which was really frustrating as it kept cutting out at the worst times. The engineer came out promptly, explained the possible causes in simple terms, and got to work diagnosing the problem. They were very thorough and managed to fix the fault on the same visit. Since then, my boiler has been running smoothly, and I couldn’t be happier with the service. Highly recommend them for sorting out tricky issues like this!"

Ben | Homeowner | Leith

Why do intermittent boiler faults occur?

Several factors can lead to intermittent boiler faults. Common causes include electrical issues within the boiler’s components, pressure issues (pressure going up or down), or blockages in the pipes. Another culprit could be the thermostat not working correctly, which causes the boiler to turn off unexpectedly.

Age, poor boiler condition and general wear and tear on the boiler can also lead to these intermittent issues.

Let’s look into the most common reasons below.

1. Age of the Boiler

Older boilers are more prone to faults. As parts wear out, they can start to fail intermittently. Regular servicing can help extend the life of your boiler, but eventually, you may need a new boiler.

2. Lack of Maintenance

A boiler that isn’t regularly serviced is more likely to develop faults. Annual boiler servicing can catch potential issues before they become serious problems. A boiler that is not looked after properly, will not only require repair for the current issue, but it’s also crucial to address the underlying problem to prevent the fault from recurring.

A good example of this is when parts inside your boiler become blocked due to sludge build-up, caused by a lack of chemical treatment over the years. Replacing these parts without also chemically treating and flushing the boiler system before or during the installation of new parts can lead to recurring issues.

3. The Weather

It may sound obvious, but the cold weather can put extra strain on your boiler, making faults more likely. Also, issues like frozen condensate pipes can cause intermittent problems

The importance of regular boiler servicing

Regular boiler servicing is crucial for preventing intermittent faults. A boiler service engineer can identify potential issues and fix them before they become serious problems. During a service, the heating engineer will:

– Check the boiler for any signs of wear and tear.
– Clean components to ensure they are working efficiently.
– Test the system to make sure it’s operating safely.

Annual servicing not only helps prevent faults but also ensures your boiler is running efficiently, saving you money on energy bills.

How to handle intermittent boiler faults

Engineer Visit: Contact a professional boiler repair engineer to carry out a full diagnosis of the fault(s) you are experiencing. These can help pinpoint the exact cause of the intermittent fault(s). Our team at Celsius Plumbers is equipped to handle these assessments and guide you through the necessary repairs.
Replacing Parts: Sometimes, replacing faulty parts before they fail completely can save you from future disruptions. Our parts come with a 12-month warranty, ensuring that you won’t face the same issue soon after replacement.
Regular Maintenance: Annual boiler servicing and chemical treatment maintenance checks can help catch issues before they turn into intermittent faults. Check out our boiler service plans to keep your system running smoothly.

Should you repair or replace?

Intermittent faults often lead to a crossroads: Boiler Repair vs Boiler Replacement: Which is cheaper?

Repairs might seem less expensive in the short term, but an older boiler prone to faults might end up costing more in the long run.

If your boiler has been identified as being in poor condition or if your boiler is over 10 years old and the repairs for your boiler cost over £500, we would strongly recommend you consider replacing your boiler with a new boiler.

A new boiler costs around £2,000 to £4,000 and includes additional features like chemical treatment, energy efficiency and a full parts and labour warranty, so replacement could be more economical. Ultimately the choice is yours at the end of the day.

Family dbating whether to repair or replace a boiler with an intermittent fault.

Summary

This guide should help you understand why intermittent faults occur in boilers and what you can do about them.

Intermittent boiler faults can be a significant inconvenience, but with the right knowledge and approach, they can be managed effectively.

Regular boiler servicing, prompt repairs, and choosing a qualified boiler engineer in Edinburgh can keep your heating system running smoothly. Remember, addressing issues early can save you time, money, and stress in the long run. If you’re experiencing any of the problems discussed in this guide, don’t hesitate to call in a professional and get your boiler back to its best.

Looking for a reliable company to repair your boiler?

Celsius Plumbing and Heating has earned the trust of homeowners and landlords in Edinburgh with well over 1,000 positive reviews from satisfied customers.

Book An Engineer Today: From emergency boiler repairs to servicing, our team delivers professional boiler servicing and central heating services.

See Our Track Record: Check out our customer reviews on Trusted Trader and understand why we’re one of the top-rated plumber and heating engineers in Scotland.

Get in Touch: For straightforward, professional help with your boiler, the Celsius team are here to help:

Click here to book an appointment online.
Phone us on 0131 258 0848, our team are lovely!
Contact us on WhatsApp by clicking here.

What are the common signs of intermittent boiler faults?

Common signs of intermittent boiler faults include the boiler turning off unexpectedly, inconsistent heating or hot water or unusual noises such as banging, whistling, or gurgling. These issues can be particularly frustrating as they may not always be present when a boiler engineer is available to diagnose them.

Why does my boiler keep having intermittent faults even after repairs?

Intermittent faults can persist if the underlying issue is not addressed. For example, if sludge buildup in the system caused the initial fault, simply replacing blocked parts without flushing and chemically treating the system may lead to recurring problems. It is crucial to perform comprehensive maintenance and address all potential causes to prevent future faults.

How long does it take for a boiler engineer to diagnose and fix an intermittent fault?

Diagnosing and fixing an intermittent fault can take several visits from a boiler engineer. This is because intermittent faults may not always be present during the initial inspection, making it challenging to identify the root cause immediately. The engineer may need to replace parts and observe the boiler’s behavior over time to accurately diagnose and resolve the issue.