Why Is My Boiler Turning Off (and what can I do about it)?

Nobody wants their boiler turning off unexpectantly when they are in their home because it is the one appliance that is essential to your heating and providing you with hot water. It is important to keep a close eye on your boiler if this is happening and often you might need an expert like Total Boiler Services to come out and assess what the problem is for you. Whether you have a domestic or commercial boiler we have the qualifications and experience to resolve any issues for you.

In this article, we talk about why boilers keep turning off and what you can do about it.

What is boiler short cycling and what causes it?

Boiler short cycling is when your boiler is turning off and on more frequently than usual. This can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from technical problems with the boiler itself to issues with the home’s ventilation system. Short cycling puts extra strain on the boiler and can lead to a decrease in its lifespan. There are several reasons why your boiler might start short-cycling.

Low Water Pressure

Low water pressure can cause boiler short-cycling. If the water pressure in your home is too low, it can cause the boiler to keep turning off more frequently. This is because the boiler needs a certain amount of water pressure to operate properly. If the water pressure is too low, the boiler will turn on and off more frequently in an attempt to reach the desired water pressure.

Low water pressure can be caused by a variety of issues, ranging from technical problems with the home’s plumbing system to leaks in the pipes or radiator. It is important to have a professional check your home’s plumbing system if you suspect that low water pressure might be causing your boiler to short cycle.

How to fix the problem:

If your boiler is short-cycling, the first thing you should do is check the water pressure. If it is low, you can try to adjust it yourself or call a professional. If the water pressure is not the issue, then there are a few other things you can check.

Venting Issues

One possible issue could be that the venting system is not working properly. The venting system removes harmful gases from the boiler and sends them outside. If the venting system is not working properly, these gases can build up and cause the boiler to shut off.

Possible Leaks

Another possibility is that there are leaks in the boiler or in the pipes leading to it. These leaks can cause air bubbles to form, which can prevent proper water flow and cause the boiler to turn off. You can fix leaks by replacing the damaged pipes or by patching them up with epoxy. If you are not sure how to fix the leaks, you can call a professional.

Dirty Filter

A dirty filter can cause the boiler to short-cycle and subsequently cause a boiler to keep turning off. The filter is responsible for removing dirt and debris from the water before it enters the boiler. If the filter is clogged, it can restrict water flow and cause the boiler to turn on and off more frequently. You should check the filter monthly and clean it if necessary.

Thermostat Problems

Another possible reason why your boiler might be short-cycling is that the thermostat is set too low. If the thermostat is set lower than the room temperature, the boiler will turn on more often in an attempt to reach the desired temperature. This can also be caused by a drought in the home or a poorly insulated home.

Frozen Pipes

If the temperature outside is very cold, it is possible for the pipes leading to or from your boiler to freeze. This can disrupt the normal flow of water and cause your boiler to turn on and off more frequently. If you think that frozen pipes might be causing your boiler to short cycle, it is important to thaw them out as soon as possible to prevent cracks in the pipes and subsequent leaks or burst pipes.

There are several ways that you can thaw out frozen pipes. One option is to use a hairdryer or space heater to heat up the area around the pipe. Another possibility is to wrap the pipe in a towel soaked in hot water. Finally, you can also use a special heating tape designed for thawing out frozen pipes.

If you are not sure how to thaw out frozen pipes, it is best to call a professional plumber for help. Trying to thaw out frozen pipes on your own can be dangerous and cause more problems if done incorrectly.

Heat Exchanger

The heat exchanger is one of the most important parts of your boiler. This is because the heat exchanger is responsible for transferring heat from the combustion chamber to the water in the boiler. If the heat exchanger is not working properly, it can cause your boiler to keep turning off more frequently.

One sign that there might be an issue with the heat exchanger is if the boiler seems to be making strange noises. Another possibility is that there is rust or corrosion around the heat exchanger. If you think that there might be an issue with the heat exchanger, it is best to call a professional like Total Boiler Services for help.

Water Pump

Another possibility is that there is an issue with the water pump. The water pump is responsible for circulating water through the boiler. If the water pump is not working properly, it can cause the boiler to keep turning off more frequently.

One sign that there might be an issue with the water pump is if the boiler seems to be making strange noises. Another possibility is that there is rust or corrosion around the water pump. If you think that there might be an issue with the water pump, it is best to call a professional for help. Trying to repair or replace a water pump on your own can be dangerous if done incorrectly.

Boiler Turning Off

Boiler Turning Off Conclusion

If your boiler keeps turning off then it is advisable to call a qualified heating business like Total Boiler Services. One of our qualified and experienced Gas Safe Registered Engineers will come out to your domestic or commercial property and quickly identify the problem for you. We will advise you of the required action which may be a repair or replacement parts are needed. We work with all types and sizes of boilers from domestic boilers through to full plant room operations so you are safe in our hands. We are professional and reliable, and our customers are at the heart of what we do. Call us on 02922 407934 and we will answer any questions you may have and can arrange for one of our engineers to come out to you.

Always be aware that trying to repair or replace parts of your boiler on your own can be dangerous if done incorrectly. You should always use a Commercial Heating/Boiler/Plumbing Engineer who is Gas Safe registered for commercial property’s pipework, maintenance and servicing as well as the installation as they will have the qualifications, skills and experience to ensure your boiler works effectively and safely for you.

Total Boiler Services offer all of these services as well as being a Boiler Management Company that will supply you with all the skills and experience you need for the upkeep of your commercial boiler and pipework. We will service and maintain your systems regularly and we offer an emergency repair service for our customers to ensure if your boiler breaks down we will come out to you quickly, 24/7, 365 days a year to get your boiler system up and running again.

Find out if you are eligible for a boiler upgrade here.

What are the benefits of having a Boiler Management Company?

Having a boiler management company means you no longer need to find a reputable, professional and reliable boiler company every time your boiler needs a service or repair, as well as reducing the downtime you will experience if you have an emergency repair. At Total Boiler Services, we schedule your maintenance and servicing visits ahead of time to ensure your boiler is always working effectively, efficiently and safely, as well as keeping it under its manufacturer’s warranty.

Our Heating, Boilers, Plumbing and Pipework Services:

    • 24-hour Emergency Callout Service
    • Repairs
    • Maintenance and Servicing
    • Installations
    • Service Contracts
    • Total Boiler Services Commercial Plumbing & Pipework
    • Gas distribution pipework design and installation
    • Heating distribution pipework design and installation
    • Pipework fabrication
    • Steam and condensate pipework
    • Hot and cold water distribution pipework
    • Compressed air pipework
    • Mild steel and stainless steel pipework
    • Plastic pipework systems
    • Pipework pressure testing
    • Pipework inspections and condition reports

You can find out everything you need to know about our Emergency Boiler Services here.

About Total Boiler Services

Total Boiler Services are specialists in the design and installation of all types of heating systems. We have extensive experience in Mechanical Services Heating system installations whether you have the requirements for a new installation or maintenance of an existing system as well as outstanding customer service every time.

Our Commercial Boiler Installation Services:

    • Gas, oil and L.P.G boiler replacements
    • New boiler room design and installation
    • Biomass boiler installation
    • Domestic Hot water boilers
    • Plate heat exchangers
    • Electrode boilers
    • System upgrades
    • Flue system installation
    • High-efficiency boiler plant installations

We provide gas and oil boiler installation services to a wide range of customers in a variety of business sectors throughout the UK. We provide 24/7, 365 days, emergency services, maintenance and serving contracts throughout Wales, the South West of England and the M4 Corridor giving you peace of mind that you, your team and property is in safe hands.

Our Pipework Services:

    • Gas distribution pipework design and installation
    • Heating distribution pipework design and installation
    • Pipework fabrication
    • Steam and condensate pipework
    • Hot and cold water distribution pipework
    • Compressed air pipework
    • Mild steel and stainless steel pipework
    • Plastic pipework systems
    • Pipework pressure testing
    • Pipework inspections and condition reports

Our Design, Installation, Repair & Planned Maintenance Services:

    • Project design
    • Supply
    • Installation
    • Service
    • Repair
    • Routine maintenance
    • Boiler Maintenance & Servicing

Total Boiler Services Commercial Boiler Engineers Qualifications & Experience

Our Heating & Gas Engineers are fully qualified to repair, service, maintain and install new boiler systems and their practical experience and qualifications ensure we are able to deal with all types of plumbing, heating, boiler, oil or gas-related problems.

We are a customer-focused company and our customer ethos means that each, and every team member at Total Boiler Services is focused on delivering the best service every time. Our engineers will only do a job if it needs doing and they complete all work to the highest of standards. Our engineers have excellent communication skills and the ability to explain any issues, repairs needed and the progress of any work being carried out so you always know what is happening.

The core values for Total Boiler Services are trust and honesty which run throughout our business and are reflected in everything we do, from your initial call to us, our regular contract review meetings and the services our engineers and team provide. We deliver a high-quality service every time and our team is fully empowered and have a desire to do this every time.

Contact us today on 02922 407934 if your boiler keeps turning off and we will arrange for one of our engineers to come out to you.