What really is a boiler service and what does it consist of?

The boiler maintenance procedure is very different for many companies.

For some, without names, it is simply to insert the flue gas analyzer probe into the stack and print the readings.

If they are within limits, that is the boiler checked.

For me, a boiler installer, that’s not a boiler service, it’s just a combustion check and nothing more.

The boiler maintenance procedure that the use goes a bit like this

Arrive at the property at the agreed time, if you arrive late contact the client to keep him informed, nothing worse than waiting for someone to arrive.

Once at the property, introduce yourself, show the customer the Gas Safe ID card, explain how to verify the card details.

This will assure your customer that you are a registered professional gas safety engineer.

Now that the card is out of the way, politely ask the customer to show you the location of the boiler.

Ask them if they have had any problems with the boiler recently, has anything changed in the heating system, has the system been drained, have the radiators been replaced.

This will give you an idea of ​​what to look for.

Now boiler maintenance

First of all, we carry out a visual inspection of the boiler.

1 Check that the boiler is installed correctly and according to current regulations.

2 Is the flue gas connection to the boiler correct and safe for use?

3 Look for any damage to the boiler that could impair its operation.

4 Make sure if vent is required it is the correct size.

5 Check for signs of water leaks inside the boiler.

6 Look for any previous repairs.

7 Make sure the boiler is the right one for the size of the property.

8 Operate the boiler in heating and hot water modes before starting service.

Running the boiler proves that both the hot water and heating were running at the time of service.

Some scrupulous customers try to say that the boiler was working before you performed the service, when in fact it is not.

Carrying out this check can confirm whether the boiler was working or not.

Now to check the gas meter

Check the location of the gas meter, carry out a risk assessment, making sure everything complies with current gas regulations.

Does the emergency control valve have a handle installed so that the gas can be isolated and made safe should a situation occur?

Verify that the protective equipotential ground is connected to the outlet side of the gas meter and that it is the correct size.

Check for gas leaks.

Perform a walk test to establish that the emergency control valve does not pass gas when it is off.

Now carry out the gas tightness test in the prescribed times, upon completion, print the results and attach them to the boiler service certificate.

the boiler

Some brands of boilers have a fault memory that can be checked, they normally store up to 10 faults, this will tell you what has been going on and what to look for.

Verify the operating and working pressures of the gases, making sure they are within the limits.

Isolate the boiler power supply, checking at the same time that the fuse fitted is of the correct size.

Depending on the brand and model, follow the boiler maintenance procedure according to the instructions in the boiler manual.

If you don’t have access to the manual for your boiler, you can download a copy from the Internet, simply search for the make and model you need and download it.

Restart the boiler, double check that both hot water and heating are still working.

We now turn to the gas tariff, this needs to be checked to make sure the boiler is getting enough gas. There are many apps available to help you make a gas rate.

Now we do another gas tightness test on the meter to make sure there are no gas leaks.

Boiler Maintenance Procedure Certificate

Now that the boiler service has been completed, remove all tools and any dust covers from the site, making sure the work area around the boiler has been left clean and tidy.

Enter all the details of the boiler service on the certificate.

If necessary, attach any warning notices to the boiler, complete a warning notice certificate, and inform the customer of your findings.

Explain why the boiler has failed and what is required to bring it up to regulatory standards.

Finally, give all the paperwork to the client, including the invoice.

Ask the customer if they are satisfied with your service and if they would be so kind as to leave you a review.

Each company has its own way of carrying out a boiler service, the above is our boiler service procedure.