FAQs

• A visual inspection of the boiler, its pipework, and its flue system.
• A test to ensure the boiler is not leaking carbon monoxide.
• Checking that the boiler air-to-gas ratio is correct.
• Testing the boiler’s safety devices and controls.
• Identifying any signs of wear and tear.
• Cleaning the main heat exchanger (if required).

In most cases, yes. Older boilers can usually still be serviced, and annual servicing remains important regardless of the appliance’s age.

During the service, our heating engineer will assess the condition of the boiler and check for any signs of wear, corrosion, damage, or potential faults. However, with older boilers, replacement parts may no longer be available from manufacturers. If a component requires replacement and the part has become obsolete, repairing the appliance may no longer be possible.

Our heating specialist will advise you on the most practical and cost-effective solution.

If replacement parts are no longer available, our heating specialist will explain the available options.

In some cases, it may be possible to continue operating the boiler safely if no immediate repairs are required. However, if a critical component fails and replacement parts cannot be sourced, a new boiler installation may be necessary. A modern, high-efficiency boiler can also help reduce energy consumption and heating costs.

The work involved in a new boiler installation in Bromley depends on the existing heating system and property layout.

A boiler replacement may involve:

• Upgrading the flue system.
• Installing a plume management kit.
• Upgrading gas supply pipework.
• Altering heating and hot water pipework.
• Drilling access holes for new pipe routes.
• Gas tightness testing.
• Working and standing pressure tests.
• Gas pipe sizing calculations.
• Replacing radiators and radiator valves if required.
• Commissioning and testing the new boiler.

Our boiler installation engineers in Bromley will carry out a full survey and explain any recommendations before work begins.

Unusual boiler noises can be caused by several different faults, including:

• Limescale build-up within the heat exchanger (kettling).
• Trapped air within the heating system.
• A worn or failing circulation pump.
• A faulty fan assembly.
• A defective hot water cartridge.
• Incorrect system pressure.
• Restricted water circulation due to sludge and debris.
• Poor installation or inadequate gas supply.

If your boiler is making unusual noises, a Gas Safe registered engineer should inspect the appliance to identify the cause and recommend the appropriate repair. If you require boiler repairs in Bromley, it is advisable to have the fault investigated as soon as possible.

A power flush is a cleaning process that removes sludge, rust, debris, and other contaminants from your central heating system.

Over time, these deposits can accumulate inside radiators, pipework, pumps, and heat exchangers, reducing efficiency and causing components to fail prematurely.

Benefits of power flushing include:

• Improved heating performance.
• Better energy efficiency.
• Reduced boiler strain.
• Improved water circulation.
• Extended boiler and system lifespan.
• Reduced likelihood of breakdowns and costly repairs.

A clean heating system helps protect key components such as pumps, diverter valves, heat exchangers, and radiators.

You should consider a power flush if you notice:

• Radiators cold at the bottom but hot at the top.
• Radiators taking a long time to heat up.
• Boiler kettling or banging noises.
• Frequent boiler pressure issues.
• Dirty or discoloured system water.
• Repeated pump or valve failures.
• Blocked filters and sensors.
• Poor circulation throughout the heating system.

If you’re experiencing any of these symptoms, one of our heating engineers can assess the condition of your system and advise whether a power flush is appropriate.

Radiators are designed to be completely filled with hot water. Over time, air can become
trapped inside the system, preventing hot water from circulating properly.

You should bleed your radiators if you notice:

• Cold spots at the top of the radiator.
• Gurgling or bubbling noises.
• Reduced heat output.
• Rooms taking longer to warm up.

Bleeding radiators releases trapped air, allowing water to circulate correctly and improving
heating performance.

If you smell gas, act immediately:

1. Turn off the gas supply at the Emergency Control Valve (ECV), if it is safe to do so.
2. Open doors and windows to ventilate the property.
3. Extinguish all naked flames.
4. Do not smoke.
5. Do not operate electrical switches, plugs, or appliances.
6. Avoid using mobile phones inside the affected area.
7. Evacuate the property if necessary.

If the gas meter is located in a basement or cellar where gas is suspected, do not enter the area. Leave the property immediately.

Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately.

Gas appliances should be checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure they are operating safely and efficiently.

During a safety inspection, our heating engineer will:

• Check the condition of the appliance.
• Verify gas pressures and supply.
• Test combustion performance.
• Inspect flues and ventilation.
• Check safety devices and controls.
• Assess for signs of unsafe operation.

Warning signs of an unsafe appliance may include:

• Yellow or lazy flames.
• Soot or staining around the appliance.
• Unusual smells.
• Pilot lights repeatedly going out.
• Symptoms associated with carbon monoxide exposure, such as headaches, dizziness,
  nausea, or fatigue.

If you suspect an appliance is unsafe, switch it off and arrange for it to be inspected immediately by a Gas Safe registered engineer in Bromley.

A dripping tap is usually caused by worn internal components.

For traditional taps, common causes include:

• Worn rubber washers.
• Damaged valve seats.
• Seized cartridges.

For modern quarter-turn taps, the most common cause is a faulty ceramic cartridge, often due to wear, limescale, or debris.

Most dripping taps can be repaired by replacing the faulty washer or cartridge. In some cases, replacing the entire tap may be the most practical option.

Although a dripping tap may seem minor, it can waste a significant amount of water over time and increase water bills.

A blocked sink is usually caused by a build-up of materials inside the waste pipe.

Common causes include:

• Fat, oil, and grease deposits.
• Food waste such as rice, pasta, coffee grounds, and vegetable peelings.
• Soap residue and scale build-up.
• Foreign objects entering the drain.
• Blockages within shared drainage systems.

Signs of a blockage may include:

• Slow-draining water.
• Water backing up into the sink.
• Water returning to the sink when a washing machine or dishwasher is running.
• Unpleasant odours from the drain.

To help prevent blockages, avoid pouring fats, oils, and grease down sinks and use sink strainers where possible.

Before arranging an engineer visit, check the following:

• Boiler Pressure: Most sealed systems operate at approximately 1.0–1.5 bar when cold. Low
  pressure can cause the boiler to lock out.
• Power Supply: Check that the boiler has power and that any switches, fused spurs, or
  breakers supplying it are turned on.
• Gas Supply: Confirm that the gas supply is available. If other gas appliances are not
  working, the issue may be with the gas supply rather than the boiler.
• Heating Controls: Ensure thermostats, programmers, timers, and smart controls are set
  correctly and calling for heat.
• Frozen Condensate Pipe: During cold weather, condensate pipes can freeze and prevent a
  condensing boiler from operating.
• Boiler Reset: Many boilers have a reset function that can clear minor faults. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions before attempting a reset.

If the boiler still isn’t working after these checks, contact a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer and provide details of any fault codes, warning lights, or unusual symptoms. If you need boiler repairs in Bromley, our experienced heating team will be able to diagnose and repair the fault safely.