Winter is when your boiler works hardest to keep your home warm and comfortable, which also makes it the time when boiler issues are most likely to arise. There’s nothing worse than waking up to a cold house, or worse, no hot water during the winter chill. Understanding the reasons why a boiler might fail can help prevent breakdowns and avoid the need for costly repairs. Here are the top six reasons why your boiler may break down during winter and how ASP Plumbing and Heating can help with boiler breakdown repair in North London, Muswell Hill, and Hampstead.

1. Frozen Condensate Pipe

One of the most common causes of boiler breakdowns in winter is a frozen condensate pipe. Condensing boilers produce waste gases, which are expelled through the condensate pipe. In freezing temperatures, this pipe can become blocked with ice, causing the boiler to shut down. If this happens, you may notice gurgling sounds or a warning light on the boiler. ASP Plumbing and Heating’s expert team can quickly identify and resolve this issue as part of our boiler breakdown service, ensuring your home is back to being warm and cozy in no time.

2. Low Boiler Pressure

If your boiler pressure is too low, it may not function correctly, leading to a breakdown. This can be caused by a variety of factors, including leaks in the system or a faulty pressure relief valve. If you find yourself wondering what to do if your boiler breaks down, the first step is to check the pressure gauge. Our technicians at ASP Plumbing and Heating can assess your system and restore the correct pressure levels for efficient heating across North London and beyond.

3. Thermostat Issues

A faulty or miscalibrated thermostat can lead to your boiler not working as it should. If the thermostat isn’t accurately measuring the temperature or isn’t communicating effectively with the boiler, your home could feel colder than it should be. Sometimes, simply recalibrating the thermostat can fix the issue, but if not, ASP Plumbing and Heating offers comprehensive boiler breakdown repair services to identify and fix thermostat problems in Muswell Hill, Hampstead, and nearby areas.

4. Faulty Circulating Pump

The circulating pump is responsible for moving hot water from the boiler to the radiators and taps. If this pump is damaged or malfunctioning, the boiler may not be able to heat your home effectively. Common signs include unusual noises or a lack of hot water. At ASP Plumbing and Heating, we specialise in diagnosing and repairing circulating pump issues as part of our boiler breakdown repair services across Muswell Hill, Hampstead, and the wider North London area.

5. Limescale Build-Up

Hard water is common in North London, leading to limescale build-up inside the boiler’s heat exchanger. This limescale can obstruct the flow of water, causing the boiler to overheat or shut down. Known as “kettling” due to the noise it makes, this is a frequent problem during winter. ASP Plumbing and Heating can perform a professional power flush to remove limescale and ensure your boiler operates efficiently again.

6. Age and Wear

Like any other appliance, boilers have a lifespan. As they age, the components can wear down, making them more susceptible to breaking down, especially when under the increased demand of winter. If your boiler is over 10-15 years old, it may be time to consider a replacement. If you’re ready for that step, ASP Plumbing and Heating can provide full central heating installations and upgrades, whilst still providing boiler maintenance and breakdown service to keep your system running smoothly for as long as possible.

A man with a broken heating system in winter

Don’t Get Left in the Cold

Boiler breakdowns can be stressful, but with ASP Plumbing and Heating, help is always at hand. We provide expert boiler breakdown repair services across North London, Muswell Hill, and Hampstead, ensuring that your home stays warm and your hot water supply remains uninterrupted. If you’re wondering what to do if your boiler breaks down, don’t hesitate — contact us today for reliable and fast solutions.

Get in touch

We repair and install boilers and heating systems across North London

Use our contact form or call now on 020 3858 0277 to get a quote.
Get in touch