Boiler Repair in Falkirk: The Most Common Issues and Fixes
Boilers are essential for keeping homes warm and comfortable, especially during the cold Falkirk winters. But when your boiler stops working properly, it can quickly disrupt your home routine and peace of mind.
At Boiler Sure, we’ve helped hundreds of homeowners across Falkirk with fast, affordable, and long-lasting boiler repairs and installations. In this guide, we’ll walk you through the most common boiler issues, their possible causes, and the best fixes to get your system back up and running.
Whether your boiler is making strange noises, losing pressure, or refusing to heat your home, this article will help you understand what’s going wrong — and when to call the professionals.
1. No Heating or Hot Water
One of the most common problems homeowners in Falkirk face is when the boiler suddenly stops providing heating or hot water.
Possible causes include:
- Broken diaphragms or airlocks
- Faulty motorised valves
- Low water levels
- Problems with the thermostat
Fix:
Sometimes, a simple thermostat reset or water pressure top-up can restore function. However, if you’ve checked these and the issue remains, it’s best to call a Gas Safe registered engineer from Boiler Sure. We’ll diagnose and fix the problem safely and efficiently, ensuring your heating and hot water are fully restored.
2. Leaking or Dripping Boiler
Leaks are not only messy but also a serious safety concern if left untreated.
Common causes of boiler leaks include:
- Corroded pipes or tanks
- Faulty pressure valves
- Loose joints or worn seals
Fix:
Never attempt to fix a leak yourself. Turn off the boiler and contact Boiler Sure right away. Our engineers will identify the source of the leak and carry out the necessary repairs or replacements to prevent further damage.
3. Low Boiler Pressure
If your heating system isn’t as warm as it used to be, low pressure could be the culprit.
Check your pressure gauge:
If it reads below 1 bar, your boiler is under-pressurised.
Causes include:
- Leaks in the system
- Bleeding radiators recently
- Faulty pressure relief valve
Fix:
You can try repressurising your boiler using the filling loop (follow the manufacturer’s instructions). If pressure continues to drop, contact our Falkirk-based team for a professional inspection — there could be a hidden leak or valve issue that needs expert attention.
4. Strange Noises Coming from the Boiler
Gurgling, banging, or whistling sounds (often known as “kettling”) can be worrying — and they’re not something to ignore.
Possible causes:
- Limescale or sludge build-up in the heat exchanger
- Air trapped in the system
- Low water pressure
Fix:
A power flush or chemical flush performed by Boiler Sure can clear blockages and restore smooth operation. Regular boiler servicing can also prevent future build-up and noisy operation.
5. Boiler Keeps Switching Off
If your boiler repeatedly shuts down or “locks out,” it may be protecting itself from a more serious problem.
Typical causes include:
- Low water pressure
- Faulty thermostat or sensor
- Air in the system
- Pump failure
Fix:
Resetting the boiler may provide a temporary solution, but frequent shutdowns signal a deeper issue. Our engineers will inspect and repair any faulty components to restore your system’s reliability.
6. Pilot Light Keeps Going Out
Older boilers rely on a pilot light to ignite the system. If yours keeps going out, it can stop your boiler from working altogether.
Common reasons include:
- Faulty thermocouple
- Draft blowing the light out
- Gas supply issues
Fix:
Always check that your gas supply is on and there are no external issues. If the problem persists, don’t attempt to relight the pilot yourself — Boiler Sure’s Gas Safe engineers can safely resolve the issue and test your boiler for gas leaks or other hazards.
7. Frozen Condensate Pipe
During cold Falkirk winters, your boiler’s condensate pipe can freeze, causing a blockage and boiler shutdown.
Signs of a frozen condensate pipe:
- Error code displayed on the boiler
- Gurgling noises
- No heating or hot water
Fix:
You can try gently thawing the pipe with warm water (never boiling). To prevent this issue in the future, Boiler Sure can install pipe insulation or reroute the condensate pipe for better protection.
8. Radiators Not Heating Up Properly
Cold spots on radiators are usually a sign of trapped air or sludge buildup.
Possible causes:
- Air trapped in the system
- Sludge accumulation
- Faulty radiator valves
Fix:
Bleeding your radiators may help, but if the issue persists, a system flush by Boiler Sure will remove debris and improve heat distribution throughout your home.
9. Thermostat Problems
A malfunctioning thermostat can cause inconsistent heating or complete system shutdown.
Possible reasons:
- Incorrect settings
- Flat batteries (for wireless thermostats)
- Old or faulty thermostat
Fix:
Replace the batteries and check the settings first. If problems continue, Boiler Sure can install a modern, energy-efficient thermostat that provides better control and helps you save on energy bills.
10. Boiler Losing Pressure Over Time
If you find yourself topping up the boiler every few days, there’s likely a leak or issue with the expansion vessel.
Fix:
Our engineers can test the system for hidden leaks and repair or replace faulty parts. Continuous pressure loss should never be ignored, as it can damage internal components over time.
When to Call a Professional
Some minor issues, such as resetting a thermostat or bleeding a radiator, can be safely handled by homeowners. However, most boiler problems require the expertise of a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure safety and compliance with UK regulations.
At Boiler Sure, our team provides:
- Emergency boiler repairs in Falkirk
- New boiler installations
- Annual servicing and maintenance plans
- Boiler cover for peace of mind
We work with leading manufacturers and offer fast call-outs across Falkirk and surrounding areas.
Boiler Installation vs Boiler Repair: What’s the Right Choice?
Sometimes, frequent repairs indicate that your boiler may be nearing the end of its lifespan.
You might consider a replacement if:
- Your boiler is over 10–15 years old
- Repairs are becoming frequent and costly
- Energy efficiency has dropped significantly
Boiler Sure can help you choose and install a modern, A-rated boiler that’s efficient, reliable, and cost-effective. We provide transparent pricing, finance options, and a full warranty for your peace of mind.
Preventing Boiler Breakdowns
To keep your boiler in top condition:
- Book an annual service with a qualified engineer
- Check your boiler pressure regularly
- Bleed radiators once or twice a year
- Insulate external pipes
- Don’t ignore unusual noises or leaks
Proactive maintenance can help prevent expensive breakdowns and extend your boiler’s lifespan.
