If you’ve ever experienced a sudden heating failure, you’ll know how stressful it can be. Winter nights in Chepstow can feel particularly cold when the boiler stops working, leaving you without heating or hot water. While professional boiler repairs are often the only long-term solution, there are a few steps you can try before calling out an engineer. These simple checks may save you time and money, while also ensuring your system is safe.

Check the basics first

When it comes to boiler breakdowns in Chepstow, the issue is not always as serious as it first appears. Start with the basics. Is your boiler receiving power? A tripped fuse or switched-off isolation switch could be the reason your heating isn’t working. If the display is completely blank, check the fuse box and make sure the boiler’s switch is in the ‘on’ position.

Another common issue is gas supply. If your gas hob is also not working, the problem may be with the gas supply rather than the boiler itself. In this case, contact your supplier before arranging boiler repairs. 

Resetting the boiler

Many modern boilers have a reset button that can be used to restart the system after a fault. Always refer to your manufacturer’s manual for the correct procedure. If the fault code persists after a reset, then the boiler may need professional attention.

It’s important to only press the reset button once or twice. Constant resetting can cause further damage, and it’s best not to ignore a repeated fault.

Check the pressure gauge

Low water pressure is one of the most common causes of boiler breakdowns in Chepstow homes. Your boiler’s pressure gauge should typically read between 1 and 1.5 bar. If the reading is below this, you may need to top up the system via the filling loop.

This is usually a straightforward task, but always follow the manufacturer’s instructions to avoid over-pressurising the system. If the pressure drops repeatedly after topping up, that’s a sign of a leak or fault that needs professional boiler repairs.

If your current boiler is proving unreliable, you may want to consider getting a tailored boiler quote for a more efficient replacement.

Inspect the thermostat and controls

It may sound simple, but thermostat settings are often the culprit when the heating isn’t working. Check that the thermostat is set to a suitable temperature and that the timer is programmed correctly. Power cuts can sometimes reset these settings, so it’s worth a quick review.

If your thermostat uses batteries, replacing them may restore the connection and get your heating working again.

Frozen condensate pipe

During colder months, condensate pipes on condensing boilers can freeze, leading to shutdowns. This is particularly common in external or uninsulated pipes. You may hear gurgling sounds, or the boiler may display a fault code.

If you suspect a frozen condensate pipe, pour warm (not boiling) water over the pipe outside to thaw it. Once thawed, try resetting the boiler. If the issue persists, call an engineer for safe and reliable boiler repairs.

When to call a professional

While some of these checks are safe for homeowners, it’s important to know your limits. Gas appliances should only ever be worked on by a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. If you’ve tried the basic steps above and your heating is still not working, it’s time to arrange professional boiler repairs.

A trained engineer can diagnose the problem, source the correct parts, and carry out repairs safely. Attempting more advanced fixes yourself can put your household at risk and may invalidate any warranty. To learn more about our experienced local team, see our about us page.

Reliable boiler support in Chepstow

Boiler breakdowns can be inconvenient and stressful, but acting calmly and checking the basics can sometimes get your heating running again quickly. If not, you’ll need professional help from a trusted local team.

At AGW Gas, we specialise in expert boiler repairs across Chepstow and the surrounding areas. Whether it’s a pressure issue, a faulty part, or a more complex fault, our qualified engineers are here to get your system back up and running as soon as possible.

Get in touch today via our contact page to arrange fast and reliable boiler repairs.