Boiler help
Water where it shouldn't be is the one boiler problem I would ask you not to leave. Water and the electrics inside a boiler are a bad mix, and a small drip can be hiding a bigger fault. The good news: most leaks come down to replaceable parts rather than the end of the boiler.
Smell gas? Stop here. Open windows and doors, don’t flick switches, and call the National Gas Emergency line free on 0800 111 999 before anything else.
The usual suspects are a relief valve passing water because system pressure is too high, a perished pump seal, or corroded fittings under the boiler. The worst case is a cracked heat exchanger. A drip from the copper pipe that exits through the wall outside is the relief valve doing its job, which still means something upstream needs sorting.
Leaking water tracks onto electrical components, rusts the boiler from the inside, and can bring ceilings down if the boiler is upstairs. A bowl buys you a day at best. A boiler left running while it leaks can turn a cheap seal into an expensive circuit board.
I’m Jamie, a Gas Safe registered engineer (No. 977838) in Burgess Hill. I handle boiler and heating repairs in Burgess Hill and across Mid Sussex, Mon to Fri with some evenings.
FAQ
It's urgent rather than an emergency, unless water is near electrics or coming through a ceiling, in which case switch the boiler off at the spur straight away. If you ever smell gas, that is an emergency: call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999.
Usually not. Valves, seals and fittings are all replaceable. A cracked heat exchanger on an older boiler is the case where we'd talk honestly about repair cost against replacement.
I wouldn't. Water finds the electronics, and the fault behind the drip tends to grow. Switch off, send me a photo, and let's get it sorted properly.
Get a quote
Send me a few details, and a photo of the boiler if you can. I'll get back to you quickly with a clear, no-obligation quote and honest advice.
