Boiler maintenance

At emh we aim to provide residents with homes that are safe, comfortable and well maintained.

While we're responsible for maintaining and servicing boilers, tenants also have certain responsibilities to prevent avoidable issues. To help, we've put together the below guide of the most common boiler problems you might encounter, along with some practical tips to address them.

Important safety advice

• Don't carry out DIY repairs: Beyond basic tasks like repressurising or resetting (as set out in the guide below) repairs should always be carried out by a qualified professional.
• Don’t ignore warning signs: Don't overlook strange noises, persistent faults or visible damage.
• Never attempt gas work: Gas safety is a legal requirement and only Gas Safe registered engineers should carry out related works.

If in doubt contact our Customer Service Team for advice, email: customerservices@emh.co.uk or call: 0300 123 6000. If you call us outside of our regular opening hours, you'll be directed to our out-of-hours service.

You can also find out more information on this our home safety page.

A guide to common boiler issues and solutions

1. Low boiler pressure

Issue: If the boiler pressure drops below the recommended level (usually 1-1.5 bar), the heating may stop working
Solution: Most boilers have a filling loop to repressurise the system. Check your boiler’s user manual for specific instructions (see below images and manuals) Avoid over-pressurising as it can cause further issues.

2. Radiators not heating evenly

Issue: Trapped air in the system can cause radiators to heat unevenly or remain cold at the top
Solution: Bleed the radiators using a radiator key. This is a straightforward task that ensures optimal heating efficiency.

3. Frozen condensate pipe

Issue: In winter, the condensate pipe can freeze, causing the boiler to shut down
Solution: Thaw the pipe by pouring warm (not boiling) water over it. Insulating the pipe can prevent freezing in the future.

4. Boiler reset required

Issue: Boilers may need resetting after power cuts or minor faults
Solution: Press the reset button on the boiler, following the manufacturer’s instructions (see below images and manuals). If the fault persists, contact us.

5. No hot water or heating

Issue: Simple issues like incorrect thermostat settings or a power switch being off can cause a loss of service
Solution: Check the thermostat settings, timer and boiler power supply before reporting the problem.

Preventive measures
• Regular use: Run the heating system occasionally during warmer months to prevent internal components from seizing
• Monitor boiler pressure: Check the pressure gauge regularly and repressurise the system if needed
• Keep vents and flues clear: Ensure nothing blocks air vents or flues, as this can disrupt the boiler’s operation
• Learn basic functions: Familiarise yourself with the user manual for guidance on resets, bleeding radiators, and checking error codes
• Report issues early: Small issues like minor leaks or error messages should be reported immediately to prevent further damage.