4 Signs Your Faulty Boiler Could Be Dangerous
Your home should be the one place on earth where you can relax and unwind after a busy day. Whether you live by yourself or with your family, keeping everyone safe and comfortable should be at the top of your priority list.
Having a boiler installed in your home will help to keep you warm, however, if you have noticed anything unusual, this could be a sign that your boiler is faulty. While having a faulty boiler isn’t too much fun, it’s important to be concerned, especially as there is a possibility it could be putting your life at risk. While a faulty boiler doesn’t automatically mean danger, it’s always best to get it checked out. Here are four signs that your faulty boiler could be dangerous.
The Main Signs of a Faulty Boiler
There are four major signs that you need to look out for when it comes to having a faulty boiler. The first of which is if you smell any gas or fumes. Unusual smells are something that you should never ignore, especially when it comes to potentially saving your life. If you notice any visible signs on your boiler such as black spillage marks, this can also be a sign that your boiler is dangerous. If the pilot light on your boiler is going out continually, or you see a yellow flame, this can be another sign that action needs to be taken fast. Lastly, if you are experiencing any nausea or headaches while the boiler is running, this is another major cause for concern. If you have noticed any of the signs listed, it’s best to take action as quickly as possible.
Carbon Monoxide Poisoning
If you have noticed any unusual headaches and nausea, this could be a result of carbon monoxide. Carbon monoxide poisoning can be extremely dangerous and even fatal in some cases if left unnoticed. At the first moment you experience a headache or nausea, make sure to get fresh air straight away. Don’t go back into your property if you feel like something is wrong. Instead, call up a professional who will be able to come and take a look. Carbon monoxide is produced by your boiler if it’s not being maintained correctly, or it has not been fitted properly. Therefore, it’s incredibly important to place carbon monoxide detectors in your home.
The main problem with carbon monoxide is that you’re unable to smell or see it. Thankfully, many boilers include mercaptan, which is added to natural gas to alert you of any unusual smells. It’s vital that you notice the warning signs in time before it’s too late.
Faults That Aren’t Dangerous

There are tons of common boiler faults that are not dangerous, but that doesn’t mean they are perfectly safe either! These include air in the system, overheating because of blockages, loss of pressure, as well as any sticking valves or pumps. While these issues can be incredibly stressful, not to forget expensive to fix, they will not put you or your loved ones in any danger.
However, it’s always best to nip the problem in the bud as soon as you can, especially as the longer you leave it, the more chance you have of your boiler breaking. Getting it fixed sooner rather than later will be cheaper for you too, eliminating the need to replace your whole boiler.
Seeking Help
In-home emergencies, it’s always best to get home emergency cover, which is where people such as Certi can help. The company provides a variety of plans that cover your boiler service and boiler cover. In the event of a fault or breakdown, you will have peace of mind that your heating, plumbing, and electrics are covered. If you decide to go with Certi, you can access your plan online via their customer portal, and if you need to make a claim, the customer service lines are 24 hours a day. Unforeseen home emergencies can stop you in your tracks, so getting cover can be a great way to give you an added layer of protection.
If your boiler isn’t working as it should, it’s important to not ignore it. With many of us leading hectic schedules, it can be all too easy to leave any issues for later, however, it’s always best to seek help as soon as possible to ensure you aren’t in any danger.
Whether you’ve noticed unusual smells, visible signs such as black spillage marks or scorching, or non-dangerous boiler faults such as air in the system, or overheating because of blockages, it’s better to be safe than sorry. Getting home emergency cover should be your first point of call. If your boiler is playing up and it’s stopping heat from circulating around the home, you will want to get help straight away, therefore, having cover can give you protection and help keep you safe in your home.