Ideal Boiler Repairs and Problems
Looking for an Ideal Boiler Repair? Oh dear. That’s the last thing you need. Even though Ideal boilers are known for being decent products that are recommended by Good Housekeeping readers, they can still develop faults and run into problems. This is especially true if you have an old Ideal boiler because the older systems aren’t as reliable as the newer Ideal boiler ranges. But regardless of whether your boiler is old or new, there are some common Ideal boiler faults you should know about.
We’ve put together a guide that covers the 5 most common Ideal boiler repairs, some of which can be rectified by you only if you’re comfortable doing so, whilst others will require a Gas Safe registered engineer to put right.
Common Ideal Boiler Repairs and Problems
1) Boiler refuses to switch on
This could be one of two things. Either you have an electrical problem that is linked to the socket your boiler is plugged into or there’s a problem with one of the boiler components. If it turns out that it’s a part within the boiler, chances are high that you have an issue with the PCB (printed circuit board). The PCB is effectively the brain or the heart of your boiler because it ensures all of the electronic components connect with one another to make your boiler run as it should.
How to deal with it: The only thing you can do is test the plug socket. Unplug the boiler from the socket and plug in a different appliance (something small like a hairdryer) to see whether there is any power coming from the socket. If all seems fine, you’ll need to call in a professional to open the boiler casing and check the internal components (which is something only a qualified and registered engineer is allowed to do).
2) Boiler is leaking
If your Ideal boiler is leaking water, there isn’t anything you can do yourself to rectify this. A leaking boiler could be the result of a number of things and might be a sign that you need to replace your boiler.
How to deal with it: As we just said, you won’t be able to get to the bottom of this problem without the help of a professional. Contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to take a look at your boiler and advise you on whether it can be repaired or needs to be replaced.
3) Boiler won’t ignite
Like most boilers, Ideal boilers will enter a lockout mode after 3 failed attempts at igniting the appliance. This basically means that the boiler shuts down. When this happens, an orange light will appear on the boiler to tell you that it has gone into lockout mode. This can be caused by various things including a build-up of dirt, ignition lead problems or too little gas pressure.
How to deal with it:It’s worth checking if your other gas appliances are still working properly because you could have a problem with your gas supply. If you’re other gas appliances also refuse to work, you should get in touch with your gas supplier. Got gas? Then you’ll have to get a Gas Safe engineer to find the cause and fix the issue.
4) Boiler goes bang when turning it on
If a loud bang doesn’t make you realise that something is wrong with your Ideal boiler, then nothing will. When you hear a loud bang when attempting to ignite your boiler, it’s usually a sign that there is a lot (or too much) gas in the chamber.
How to deal with it: As this is a gas-related problem, it must be dealt with by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Your engineer will probably find that they need to replace the flame sensor and ignition leads before making sure the right amount of gas is getting into the chamber.
5) Boiler is making strange gurgling noises
Although it could be something else, it sounds as though the waterways from the boiler to the condensate are blocked, which is the most common cause of gurgling noises from an Ideal boiler. It isn’t terribly difficult to sort out but it can be a bit messy.
How to deal with it:You can try and resolve this issue by removing the condensate trap and clearing the blockage. We recommend you put a bucket or large bowl underneath the boiler before you disconnect the trap and clear out any sludge or debris. If it looks clear and there is no blockage, a Gas Safe engineer will need to inspect your boiler.
Hire a Gas Safe and Experienced Ideal Engineer
Unless it’s a safe a simple fix like testing a socket or clearing blocked waterways, you must always seek the help of a Gas Safe registered engineer who is qualified to work on boilers. You can easily check the registration details and qualifications of an engineer at the Gas Safe Register website. It’s wise to choose an engineer who has experience in repairing Ideal boilers because they are more likely to have already seen the same issue you’re faced with and know how to put it right. We should also stress that you must never attempt to actually fix a broken boiler, as doing so without the right qualifications and experience is extremely dangerous and will invalidate your Ideal boiler warranty.