You may be considering getting a boiler service but find yourself asking the question “how long does a boiler service take?” The length of a boiler service depends on the amount of work that needs to be done. If your boiler has not been serviced in a while, it’s likely the boiler service will take a lot longer than if you get your boiler serviced regularly.
The last thing anyone wants is for a boiler to malfunction at an inconvenient time. No hot water or heating during the winter months is a big annoyance to have to deal with. It’s therefore vital you have a boiler service on a regular basis. To assist you with the boiler service booking and planning, we’re going to take a look at some of the things that will influence the amount of time a boiler service takes and what you can expect from a boiler service.
What is a boiler service?
Every household that has a boiler will need to get their boiler serviced regularly to avoid any issues which may end up costing more in the long run. Boiler servicing is especially important for those who own property to ensure they are compliant with health and safety regulations. Boiler servicing usually entails a gas-safe registered engineer coming into your home to check various components of the boiler.
These standard checks will determine whether the boiler is in adequate operating condition or if there is repair work or even replacement required. Boiler manufacturers also have a warranty attached to them, which stipulates that annual servicing has to happen for boilers to maintain their warranty. Failure to keep up with boiler servicing by a gas-safe engineer will cause the warranty to lapse.
How long does a boiler service take?
For a regular boiler service that follows a standard check-up procedure, the entire service should not take longer than an hour and a half. This, however, also depends on the type of boiler you have as well as the size of it.
A standard boiler service will take around 30 minutes if you have a model such as a combi boiler. Typically, the components for a combi boiler are located inside the unit which makes it easier for engineers to access and also ensures they are protected from externally caused damage. Combi boilers are therefore one of the easiest models to work on.
Regular boiler models usually take longer to perform a service given the fact that there are a few components externally located from the boiler. The pump, the expansion vessel and the hot water cylinder are all located away from the actual boiler unit and will need to be inspected by the gas-safe engineer separately.
When should I get a boiler service?
You should get your boiler serviced at least once a year by a qualified gas-safe professional. This will ensure that your boiler remains under the manufacturer’s warranty in the event of something happening that requires repair.
There are also several signs that your boiler may require some attention. Strange sounds and smells are some of the indicators to look out for. If you experience any of these with your boiler, you need to call in a gas-safe engineer to attend to the problem. These signs usually mean there is something faulty with the boiler and should be addressed as soon as possible.
If you have not had your boiler services in a long time, it might also be a good time to have a service booked.
What does a boiler service include?
For standard boiler servicing, there are some general tests a gas-safe engineer will perform in order to ascertain whether or not further repair is needed. If all the checks pass the gas-safe engineer’s inspection, they will sign it off as safe for use.
A boiler service should include the following basic checks.
A Visual Inspection
Visual inspections will ensure that there is nothing obviously broken. The engineer will also make sure that the boiler is compliant with installation rules and regulations. They will therefore check for leaks and other irregularities such as rust or corrosion. Conducting a visual inspection will allow the engineer to proceed with the rest of the service safely.
If you see a gas-safe engineer removing the outer casing, don’t be alarmed. This is an important part of the boiler service to ensure components such as the burner, the heat exchanger, and the pilot assembly are all in working order and up to standard.
Boiler Pressure Checks
For the water in your household to circulate effectively, the boiler has to be operating at a certain pressure. Boiler models should have a pressure gauge visible on their control panels, with a good pressure point marked with a green colour. The engineer will ensure that the boiler is operating at the correct pressure for the model which will make sure heat and hot water is properly circulated throughout the house.
Checks On the Flue
The gas-safe registered engineer will perform checks on the flue of the boiler which is the pipe that runs from the top of the boiler and removes gases to the outside of the home. This is an essential part of the boiler system and therefore needs to be checked for any visual or technical faults. The engineer will use a flue gas analyser to make sure it is functioning optimally.
Checks for working faults
This is the part of the service where the engineer will run the boiler as normal to make sure all the components are doing their job. The serviceman will check again for leaks and any unusual sounds while the boiler is running. If the boiler runs properly, the engineer can sign off the boiler as working.
Why should I get a boiler service?
Having your boiler serviced gives you peace of mind that you will continue on the unit’s manufacturing warranty plan. It will also help to mitigate the risk of anything more serious going wrong with your boiler and save you money in the longer term. It’s important for homeowners to have their boilers serviced regularly to avoid complications.
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