Your boiler works hardest during the colder months, but it's easy to take it for granted until something goes wrong. An annual service keeps it running safely and efficiently — but between services, these five signs are your cue to call a Gas Safe engineer.
1. Unusual noises
Kettling, gurgling or banging sounds usually point to a build-up of limescale or sludge in the heat exchanger. Left unchecked, this forces your boiler to work harder and can shorten its lifespan.
2. Rising energy bills
If your usage hasn't changed but your bills keep climbing, your boiler may be losing efficiency. A service can restore performance and stop the waste.
3. Yellow or flickering flame
A healthy boiler burns with a crisp blue flame. A yellow or flickering flame can indicate incomplete combustion and is a potential carbon monoxide risk — get it checked immediately.
4. Pressure keeps dropping
If you're forever topping up the pressure, there's likely a leak somewhere in the system. It could be a small pipe joint or a failing component inside the boiler itself.
5. It's over 10 years old
Even a boiler that seems fine should be serviced annually once it passes the decade mark. Older units are less efficient and more prone to sudden breakdowns.
If you spot any of these signs, don't wait for a cold shower on a winter morning — book a service early.
At Goodman Plumbing, our Gas Safe engineers service and repair boilers across Croydon, Bromley and all of London. Call 07533 829648 to book your boiler service today.