The average house can contain so many hazards and things that can potentially go wrong and it’s a wonder that sometimes we can sleep at night.

But the main thing, is not to panic. And this applies strongly to your central heating boiler.

If you think it is having a problem, then there are certain steps to take.

Now, always bear in mind that a boiler is nowadays a complex piece of kit that contains super hot elements and highly dangerous exhaust gases. Do not, under any circumstances, attempt any boiler repair yourself. It is the law that only a qualified engineer should inspect, or repair a gas boiler for example. And for one simple reason, in the U.K, alone there are hundreds of deaths that are blamed on faulty boilers. And not from what most people might think is the cause, an exploding boiler, but from a more silent enemy, carbon monoxide.

So, before we go any further about what to do in the case of an emergency, remember three basic rules: 1. do not attempt any DIY repair on a boiler, call a professional; 2. make sure it is serviced every year; and, 3. regularly give your boiler the once over (is there any discharge for example, or is it making a funny noise).

Right, that’s clear hopefully, now what do if there is a problem.

Firstly, switch the boiler off. And this means turn the switch off at the control box which should shut the boiler down. Also, if you can and if it is safe, turn off the fuel supply. And even if you can’t smell any fumes, open as many windows as you can and if you think there is immediate danger from fumes, or a boiler which is about to blow (unlikely, but it can happen), get everyone out of the house.

When everyone is outside and accounted for and you think there is a major problem such as a significant leak, or danger of an explosion, call the emergency services, as they will need to be on scene to assess the level of danger. If there’s no immediate danger to life, or property, call your energy supplier and get them around to assess the problem.

Now, in these situations it so easy to panic and run around like a headless chicken. But the best thing to do is try and keep calm and be aware that initially it’s all about making sure people are safe and out of harms way.

And nowadays there are a number of cheap, but highly effective alarms available on the market that means keeping safe is not just a matter of guess work.

Smoke alarms are extremely sensible and every house should have a number in key locations. But also invest in a carbon monoxide alarm which will give you and your family a head start should your boiler start to misbehave.

So, remember, if you have a boiler problem, keep calm, switch it off, also stop the fuel supply if possible, open as many windows as possible and get everyone in the property to a safe place. Then call in the professionals.

Guest Article by Neil Camp

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