What actually is a boiler service and what does it involve?
The boiler servicing procedure is very different for many companies.
For some, no names, it’s just, inserting the flue gas analyser probe into the flue, printing off the readings.
If they are within the limits, that’s the boiler service.
To me, a boiler installer, that is not a boiler service, it’s just a combustion check and nothing else.
The boiler servicing procedure that I use goes a little like this.
Arrive at the property at the arranged time, if running late, contact the client to keep informed, nothing worse than waiting for someone to arrive.
Once at the property, introduce yourself, show the client the Gas Safe ID card, explain how to check the card details.
This will reassure your client that you are a professional registered gas safe engineer.
Now the card is out of the way, politely ask the client to show you the boiler location.
Ask if they have experienced any problems with the boiler recently, has anything changed on the heating system, has the system been drained, any radiators replaced.
This will give you an idea of what to look out for.
Now The boiler Servicing
First, we carry out a visual inspection of the boiler.
1 Check that the boiler is installed correctly, and to current regulations.
2 Is the flue connected to the boiler the correct way and safe for use?
3 Look for any damage to the boiler that may impair its operation.
4 Ensure that if ventilation is required it is the correct size.
5 Check for any signs of water leakage within the boiler.
6 Look for any former repairs.
7 Make sure the boiler is right, for the size of the property.
8 Run the boiler in both heating and hot water modes before commencing the service.
By running the boiler, this proves that both the hot water and heating were both working at the time of the service.
Some scrupulous customers try to say the boiler was working before you carried out the service, when in fact is was not.
By carrying out this check you can confirm if the boiler was working or not.
Now onto Checking The Gas Meter
Check over the location of the gas meter, carry out a risk assessment, making sure it all conforms to current gas regulations.
Does the Emergency Control Valve have a handle fitted, so the gas can be isolated and made safe should a situation occur?
Check the Protective equipotential earth bonding is connected to the outlet side of the gas meter and is the correct size.
Check the gas for leakage
Carry out a let by test to establish the emergency control valve is not letting gas through when switched off.
Now carry out the gas tightness test over the prescribed times, once complete, print off the results and attach to the boiler service certificate.
The Boiler
Some makes of boiler have a fault memory that can be checked, they normally store up to 10 faults, this will tell you what has been happening and what to look out for.
Check the gas operating and working pressures, making sure they are within the limits.
Isolate the power supply to the boiler, while at the same time check that the fuse fitted is of the correct size.
Depending on the make and model, follow the boiler servicing procedure as per instructions in the boiler manual.
If you don’t have access to the boiler manual you can download a copy from the internet, just search for the make and model you need, and download it.
Turn the boiler power back on, recheck both the hot water and heating are still working.
Now we move on to the gas rate, this needs to be checked to make sure the boiler is getting enough gas. There are many apps available to help you carry out a gas rate.
We now carry out another gas tightness test at the meter to ensure there are no gas leaks.
Boiler Servicing procedure Certificate
Now that the boiler service has been completed, remove all tools and any dust sheets from the site, making sure the working area around the boiler has been left clean and tidy.
Enter all the details of the boiler service on the certificate.
If needed, attach any warning notices to the boiler, fill in a warning notice certificate and inform the client of your findings.
Explain why the boiler has failed, and what is required to bring it up to regulation standards.