My boiler has stopped working — what should I check first?
Three quick things before you call: is the pressure gauge between roughly 1 and 1.5 bar, is the thermostat calling for heat, and is there credit on the meter if you're on a prepayment supply. If all three are fine, it needs an engineer.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Once a year is the standard recommendation, and most manufacturers require it to keep the warranty valid. For Drumchapel landlords the annual gas safety check is a legal requirement regardless. Booking in late summer usually gets you a better choice of slots than waiting for the first cold snap.
What do common boiler fault codes mean?
Codes vary by manufacturer, but broadly they point at ignition failure, low pressure, a flow or return sensor, or a blocked condensate pipe. Note the exact code before calling — it lets us bring the likely part on the first visit rather than making a second trip.
What should I do if I smell gas at my Drumchapel property?
Treat it as an emergency. Leave the property, don't touch light switches or anything that could spark, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 straight away — before calling us. They attend free, around the clock, and will isolate the supply if needed. Once it's safe, we'll come out to repair the pipework or appliance, and around 28 minutes from us.
Can you fix my boiler on the first visit?
Often, yes. Our vans carry the parts that fail most frequently on the brands common in Glasgow homes. If a less usual part is needed we'll order it, tell you the timescale honestly, and where possible leave you with working hot water in the meantime.
Do I need to be home for the engineer?
Someone over 18 needs to provide access and be there while gas work is carried out at your Drumchapel property. If you're arranging it for a tenant or an elderly relative, that's fine — just give us their contact details when you book so we can coordinate directly.
Why does my boiler keep cutting out?
Repeated lockouts usually trace back to low pressure, a blocked condensate pipe (common in a Scottish winter when it freezes), a faulty flame sensor, or overheating from poor circulation. It's worth diagnosing rather than resetting repeatedly — resetting masks a fault that's still developing.
Why is my boiler losing pressure?
Most often a small leak somewhere in the system, a worn pressure relief valve, or a failing expansion vessel. Topping up occasionally is normal; needing to do it every few days is not. Given the age of the heating in many Drumchapel properties, a pressure test is usually the quickest way to find the cause.
Is a leaking boiler dangerous?
Water leaking from the casing isn't immediately dangerous but shouldn't be left — it corrodes components and can damage flooring. Turn the boiler off and call us. If you smell gas rather than see water, that's a different matter entirely: leave and call 0800 111 999.
Can you fit radiators or move one in Drumchapel?
Yes — new radiator installs, replacements and relocations, sized properly for the room rather than guessed. We'll balance the system afterwards so every room in your Drumchapel home heats evenly instead of one being roasting and another cold.
