10 DIY Tips to Help You Maintain Your Boiler At Home

Last Updated on August 5, 2021 by Kimberly Crawford

Looking after big appliances in the home can sometimes seem like a never-ending task. However, performing routine maintenance checks can help to prevent breakdowns and problems, not to mention save you hundreds of dollars on repairs and your heating bills. Here are ten simple DIY tips to help maintain your boiler at home.

1. Keep air vents and flues cleaned

If your air vents and flues are blocked with dirt, then it doesn’t matter how good the condition of your boiler is, it won’t work properly. Take some time to inspect the vents and take care of any blockages so that air can pass through the boiler in a trouble-free manner.

2. Is the boiler’s water level ok?

Once a fortnight, test the water level in your boiler. Check that the pilot light is on and then look into the chamber to check the water.

If it is below the level it should be at, then it may be worth calling in a professional to look, as there may be an issue with your boiler. Making sure the water level is correct is essential, as running a boiler without water can seriously damage it.

3. Check for gas/fuel leaks

Believe it or not, a fuel leak is often not as serious as people would assume. A gas leak on the other hand, can be incredibly dangerous for anyone living in the home or using the space it is housed in.

If you suspect a gas leak, it may be a simple case of making some adjustments to the boiler and replacing worn-out parts. You may need professional help for this.

4. Get rid of any limescale

If your boiler does not have a soft water filter, there is a chance you could experience limescale build-up in your appliance. Limescale, while not dangerous, can affect your boiler’s ability to function properly over time because it won’t heat water quickly or efficiently. Descale the boiler if you notice any build-up. There are products on the market that can help with this.

5. Make sure pumps and fans are lubricated

It may seem like a simple task, but making sure that the fans and pumps in a boiler are lubricated can really help with how efficiently the system runs and how quickly it heats up water (and your home) It will also help improve how long parts last so that they don’t need replacing as often.

6. Is your boiler room clean?

Wherever your boiler is kept, be it in a room on its own or somewhere else in the house, should be kept clean dust free and not full of other debris or junk. Boilers need a lot of space and ventilation room. Anything extraneous should be moved elsewhere.

7. Twice a year, flush the water from the boiler

Twice a year, completely flush the boiler by getting rid of the water that’s in there and replacing it with fresh. This helps remove dirt, grime, bacteria, and debris and helps the boiler run more efficiently. Once it’s flushed, replace the gaskets and put clean, fresh water in the chamber.

8. Check to make sure there’s a blue flame

What color is the pilot light? It should always be bright blue. If it has turned yellow or has even taken on a smoky looking color, you may need to call in a professional plumber to take a thorough look at your system.

9. Keep your Rads in check

If there is trapped air in your boiler, then it needs to be replaced so that radiators can heat themselves properly. To bleed a radiator, turn the heat off and open the valve using a radiator key. Turn this counter clockwise for roughly a quarter of a turn. You should start to hear air making a hissing sound. When water begins to drip out, make sure there is a towel or container to catch it and turn the key in the opposite direction.

10. Finally…call the professionals in

Get your boiler looked at once a year by a professional plumbing service. They can make sure everything is running as it should and offer solutions if there are problems.