Boiler is working but no hot water? Causes and Resolutions

23 Feb

If you're experiencing the frustrating problem of your boiler working fine, but you're not getting any hot water, you're not alone. Firstly, don’t panic, this is a common issue that many homeowners in the UK face. The issue causing this can be varied, but we’ve got you covered with every potential cause, and solution in this blog.

A study by Which suggested that 20% of households have experienced hot water issues due to their boiler, with the Energy Saving Trust citing the most common cause of no hot water in boilers as low water pressure, which can affect up to 30% of households in the UK.

These stats are quite shocking, but with 3 million UK households having never had their boiler serviced, it’s no surprise that some find issues with their hot water supply.

Common Causes of No Hot Water in Boilers

Several factors can cause your boiler to stop producing hot water. One common cause is a faulty thermostat, which can prevent the heating element from kicking in. Other possible causes include a lack of water pressure, airlocks, a broken diverter valve, or a defective pump. Identifying the root cause of the problem is critical to finding a solution.

Here are some of the most common causes for no hot water in boilers:

Faulty Thermostat: A malfunctioning thermostat is a common culprit for no hot water in boilers. The thermostat regulates the temperature of the water, and if it's not working correctly, it may prevent the heating element from kicking in.

Water Pressure: If the water pressure in your boiler is too low, it can prevent hot water from flowing through the system. This is often caused by a leak or an issue with the water supply.
Airlocks: Airlocks can occur in the heating system, causing a blockage in the flow of hot water. This issue can usually be resolved by bleeding the radiators, which releases the trapped air.

Broken Diverter Valve: The diverter valve is responsible for directing water either to the heating system or the hot water taps. If it's broken, it may not switch over to the hot water side, preventing hot water from flowing.
Defective Pump: If the pump isn't working correctly, it can prevent hot water from circulating throughout the system, resulting in no hot water.

Identifying the cause of the problem is the first step to finding a solution. Once you’ve found the issue, you can try some of the DIY fixes we mention below, or call in a professional plumber to diagnose and resolve the problem. In any case, regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent issues like these from occurring in the first place.

We've also covered the topic of 'Boiler Pressure Dropping' in a previous post, which can help you identify and fix this problem

DIY Fixes for No Hot Water: What You Can Try Before Calling a Plumber

If you have no hot water in your home, there are a few DIY fixes you can try before calling in a professional plumber. These fixes are only recommended for minor issues, so if you're unsure or the problem is more serious, it's always best to call in an expert.

Some DIY fixes you can try include bleeding your radiators to remove air bubbles, checking the pressure gauge to ensure it's within the recommended range, resetting the boiler if it's shut off due to a safety feature, and cleaning the system to remove any limescale or sludge buildup. It's important to be cautious when attempting any DIY fixes and call in a professional if you're unsure. By trying these DIY fixes, you may be able to solve the issue without needing to call in a plumber and save yourself some money in the process.

A list of reasons why you may have no hot water, DIY fixes and when to call a plumber — A list of faults that could lead to no hot water!

When to Call a Professional Plumber to fix the lack of hot water

If your DIY efforts don't fix the issue, it's time to call in a professional plumber. A qualified plumber can diagnose the problem accurately and provide a permanent solution. They can also carry out safety checks and ensure your boiler is running efficiently.

Prevention is always better than cure, and this applies to boiler problems too. Regular maintenance and servicing can help prevent issues like no hot water or banging noises coming from your boiler in the first place.

To learn more about how long a boiler service typically takes, check out our blog post on 'How Long Does a Boiler Service Take?’

Looking for professional boiler servicing and repairs? Kantan has got you covered! Visit our homepage to learn more about our services and get in touch with our expert team today.