Who to Call for Boiler Problems? A Complete Guide for UK Homeowners

The boiler is one of the most important appliances in the average UK home, especially during the colder months. It keeps our homes nice and warm, provides us with hot water, and offers a whole lot of comfort. However, the instant it stops working properly or begins to show signs of potential issues, your household can quickly turn into a stressful environment.

One of the most common questions we’re asked is: “Who should I call when I have boiler problems?”

In this article, we aim to answer all your boiler trouble questions and leave no stone unturned. From identifying the source of a problem and when to call an engineer, to more details like whether to call a Gas Safe registered engineer, a plumber, or contact your boiler manufacturer, we’ve got you covered.

We’ll also explore common boiler problems and provide you with step-by-step instructions on what to do when things go wrong. Finally, we’ll reveal all the information you need to know on how to prevent them from happening again.

But first of all, let’s look at the common problems that you can face with your boiler, and in each case, who you should call to get it fixed.

Common Boiler Problems You May Face

The first thing to consider is the type of issue you’re experiencing, as this will determine who you should contact. Problems can range from simple to complex and may require the help of a specialist to fix:

1. No Heating or Hot Water

Likely causes: Broken diaphragms, airlocks, motorised valves, or low pressure.

Who to call: Gas Safe engineer.

2. Strange Noises (Banging, Whistling, or Gurgling)

Likely causes: Air in the system, low water pressure, or kettling (limescale buildup).

Who to call: Gas Safe engineer.

3. Boiler Keeps Switching Off

Likely causes: Low pressure, thermostat issues, or pump failure.

Who to call: Gas Safe engineer.

4. Leaking and Dripping

Likely causes: Corroded pipes, broken seals, or pressure valve faults.

Who to call: Gas Safe engineer or qualified plumber (depending on severity).

5. Pilot Light Keeps Going Out

Likely causes: Broken thermocouple, gas supply issue, or draughts.

Who to call: Gas Safe engineer.

6. Frozen Condensate Pipe (very common in UK winters)

Likely causes: The external pipe freezes and blocks condensate flow.

Who to call: Sometimes you can thaw it yourself safely, but if the problem persists, contact a Gas Safe engineer.

7. Radiators Not Heating Properly

Likely causes: Sludge buildup or air in the system.

Who to call: A plumber for power flushing, or a Gas Safe engineer if it’s linked to the boiler.

Who Should You Call for Boiler Problems?

OK, so now that you have an idea of the most common boiler problems and their potential causes, the next logical question is: “Who’s the best person to call to fix them?”

1. Gas Safe Registered Engineers

Firstly, if the problem relates to the boiler itself, the gas supply, or the heating system in general, then you should call a Gas Safe registered engineer.

It is a legal requirement in the UK that anyone who works on gas appliances is Gas Safe registered. This means that they have been trained, qualified, and officially certified by the Gas Safe Register to work on:

• Boiler installation
• Boiler servicing and repairs
• Gas leaks and supply issues
• Safety checks and certificates

Tips on how to check that a company or person is Gas Safe registered:

• Ask them to show you their Gas Safe ID card
• Check using the official Gas Safe Register website

Tip: For issues such as a boiler breakdown, low pressure, ignition problems, or anything else to do with gas, you must call a Gas Safe engineer.

2. Plumbers

Not all boiler problems mean you need to call a Gas Safe engineer. Sometimes, the issue can lie elsewhere, with your plumbing system, rather than the boiler itself.

In many cases, a plumber may be the correct professional to call if you are dealing with issues such as:

• Leaking pipes or water damage
• Radiators that need to be bled or power flushed
• Water pressure issues
• General household plumbing problems

However, a plumber is not legally allowed to work on the gas components of a boiler unless they are Gas Safe registered.

3. Boiler Manufacturer or Warranty Provider

Your next port of call for any boiler problems should be your boiler manufacturer, if you have one.

If the boiler is under warranty or a service plan, your manufacturer will usually have a 24/7 helpline that you can call. The benefits of calling them include:

• Repairs will often be free or discounted.
• They have dedicated engineers who are familiar with the make and model.

Companies like Vaillant, Worcester Bosch, Ideal, and Baxi all have aftercare centres throughout the UK to provide customer support.

4. Emergency Call-Out Services

If your boiler suddenly breaks down and it’s the middle of winter, or you can’t wait a few days to get the issue fixed, there are emergency 24-hour boiler repair services in most areas of the UK.

Times when you may need to call an emergency service:

• If you smell gas (call National Gas Emergency 0800 111 999 first).
• If you lose heating completely in freezing weather, you should take immediate action.
• Leaks can cause flooding on your property.

5. Landlords and Property Managers (for Tenants)

If you are renting a property and have a problem with the boiler, do not try to fix it yourself. It is the landlord’s legal responsibility to make sure the boiler is safe and working properly.

Steps you should take:

• Report the problem to your landlord or letting agent as soon as possible.
• They are then responsible for getting a Gas Safe engineer to inspect and repair it.
• You can also contact the local council if it’s an emergency, and they do not respond.

What to Do Before You Call a Professional

Sometimes, a problem can be fixed quite easily without the need for an engineer. Some quick troubleshooting steps can be taken before you call anyone:

• Check the Boiler Pressure
  • The pressure should normally be between 1 and 2 bar.
  • If it is too low, try repressurising it via the filling loop (instructions in your manual).
• Reset the Boiler
  • Most modern boilers have a reset button.
  • Refer to your manual on how to do this.
• Bleed Your Radiators
  • Cold radiators at the top but warm at the bottom may need bleeding.
• Check the Thermostat and Timer
  • Check that the settings are correct, and the batteries aren’t flat.
• Look for Error Codes
  • Most modern boilers will have an error code that can help diagnose a problem.
• Check for Frozen Condensate Pipe
  • If it is freezing, thaw the pipe carefully with warm (not boiling) water.

⚠️ WARNING: Never try to repair gas components yourself. If you are in any doubt, call a professional.

How Much Does It Cost to Call Someone for Boiler Problems?

The cost of calling a professional to help with a boiler problem can vary depending on the service provider and issue:

• Gas Safe engineer call-out fee: £60–£120 on average.
• Hourly rates: £40–£100 (varying on location).
• Emergency call-outs: £100–£200+.

Parts and repairs:

• Thermostat replacement: £80–£150
• Pump replacement: £200–£300
• Heat exchanger: £300–£500
• Complete boiler replacement: £1,500–£3,000+

👉 If your boiler is old and you are paying for lots of different repairs, then it may be cheaper to replace it with a modern energy-efficient model.

How to Choose the Right Professional

The main things to bear in mind when choosing who to call for a boiler issue are:

• Check Gas Safe Registration – If a company or engineer is going to work on your boiler and gas components, this is non-negotiable.
• Read Reviews – Check online review platforms such as Trustpilot, Checkatrade, or Google Reviews.
• Get Multiple Quotes – Compare at least 3, especially for larger repair work.
• Check Availability – Some Gas Safe engineers have a long wait list, so it is worth calling one that has emergency cover available.
• Warranty and Guarantees – Choose a professional who offers a warranty or guarantee on their work.

Preventing Future Boiler Problems

The most effective way to prevent expensive and stressful boiler breakdowns is to keep up with regular boiler maintenance.

• Annual Servicing
  • Have your boiler serviced every year by a Gas Safe engineer.
  • This keeps the warranty valid and ensures it is safe.
• Power Flushing
  • Flushes out sludge and debris from your central heating system.
  • Helps to keep radiators heating effectively.
• Install a Magnetic Filter
  • Helps to prevent the buildup of rust and sludge in the system.
• Regular Checks
  • Check boiler pressure regularly.
  • Insulate any exposed pipes to prevent them from freezing.
  • Schedule regular inspections if your boiler is over 10 years old.

FAQs: Who to Call for Boiler Problems?

Q1. My boiler is leaking water – should I call a plumber or a Gas Safe engineer?

Begin by contacting a Gas Safe engineer, as it could be something to do with the boiler itself.

Q2. Can an electrician fix boiler problems?

Yes, if it’s a wiring or control issue. However, they can’t work on the gas components so that they would call a Gas Safe engineer instead.

Q3. How quickly can someone come out?

Most Gas Safe engineers will take 1–3 days for standard appointments. Emergency call-outs can often be there within a few hours.

Q4. Do I need to call National Grid for a boiler problem?

Only if you smell gas. Call 0800 111 999 immediately.

Q5. How do I know when it’s time to replace my boiler?

It’s over 15 years old, breaks down regularly, or energy bills are getting higher, then a new modern energy-efficient boiler could be a better long-term solution.

Final Thoughts

As you can see, deciding who to call for boiler problems is usually fairly straightforward. The rule of thumb is:

• Gas-related or boiler-specific problems → Gas Safe engineer.
• General plumbing or radiator problems → Plumber.
• Still under warranty → Call the boiler manufacturer.
• Renting a property → Call your landlord or property manager.

At Local Boiler, we connect UK homeowners with trustworthy, Gas Safe-registered engineers in their local area. Whether you need an emergency breakdown repair, a routine service, or a full boiler replacement, you know you’re in safe hands.

So don’t wait until your boiler stops working in the middle of winter – save our contact details now and stay safe.