Winter is the season when our boilers are tested to their max and though our boiler system is an important part of the home, it does come with some serious dangers. Faulty boilers have been known to cause fires and explosions, as well as releasing deadly carbon monoxide into homes.
Experts say there are indicators that you can look out for that could mean serious safety problems.Joshua Houston, Boiler Expert atGreenMatchhas identified five signs that your boiler is dangerously unsafe.
Joshua said: ‘’We all want to be safe in our own home. But some times this safety can be compromised due to faulty equipment, particularly the boiler system.
“Make sure to take note of the signs that I have revealed. Ignoring any issues can result in them becoming worse, making the situation more dangerous. If you are unsure about the safety of your boiler, then call a professional to come for a service. The £80 – £120 bill is worth the peace of mind and avoidance of potential health risks.’’
1: Boiler Leaks
Boiler leaks are relatively common and can be caused by gas or water. Gas is detected by its strong odour, and is a big risk because one spark can cause a deadly explosion.
Water is another simple problem to spot. Regular inspections of your boiler should let you know if it’s leaking water. If there are any electrics nearby, this can be a fire hazard. If you spot either of these, you should immediately call a gas-safe registered engineer to come out and have a look. You shouldn’t attempt to fix it yourself.
2: Carbon Monoxide Detection
Carbon monoxide poisoning is one of the biggest dangers when it comes to a faulty boiler. It is known as the silent killer as it can’t be seen and is odourless. The only way to identify carbon monoxide is via detectors. By law, these detectors are required in all rooms with fuel-burning appliances. So one of these alarms being alerted is a sign for you to quickly evacuate your home, before calling the gas emergency number (0800 111 999) for further support.
3: Weird Noises
An obvious sign that your boiler is unsafe is strange sounds coming from it. Unusual noises can include kettling, wooshing, humming and rattling. These are caused by multiple different factors, like limescale build-up, a blockage in the air filter, trapped air, and loose components. A blocked air filter is particularly dangerous, as it can cause the boiler to overheat and a fire to start. This can be avoided by getting your boiler regularly serviced. The engineer should give it a clean, as well as check for any loose components.
4: Warning Lights
A warning light indicates whether there is a problem with your boiler or not. If it flashes, it could be for an abundance of reasons. These range from a faulty thermostat to a clogged flue. The latter is particularly dangerous as the flue system’s job is to get CO gas out of your home safely. If this is clogged then it could risk carbon monoxide being released into your property.
5: Lukewarm Water or Radiator Cold Patches
If you notice that your radiator has cold patches, or that your hot water is only lukewarm, then this is a sign of low boiler pressure. This is caused by either internal damage to your boiler, or a leak. The reason this could be dangerous is that it can cause the boiler to overheat, which is a big fire risk. So ensure your boiler is regularly serviced by a trained engineer.