What Happens During a Boiler Service?

What Happens During a Boiler Service? Step-by-Step Guide for Homeowners

If you’re booking a boiler service in Tewkesbury or anywhere in Gloucestershire, it’s completely normal to wonder what’s actually involved. Is it just a quick glance at the boiler, or a thorough safety inspection? At My Home Heating, we believe in transparency – so here’s a complete breakdown of what you can expect during a standard gas boiler service with one of our Gas Safe engineers.

Why Is a Boiler Service Important?

A boiler service isn’t just a formality – it’s essential for safety, efficiency, and long-term reliability. Here’s why:

• Safety: Faulty boilers can leak carbon monoxide – an invisible, odourless gas that can be fatal.
• Efficiency: Regular servicing ensures your boiler runs efficiently, helping to keep energy bills down.
• Warranty: Many manufacturers require annual servicing to keep your warranty valid.
• Prevention: Early detection of wear and tear helps avoid expensive breakdowns in winter.

Now let’s dive into what happens during the service.

Step 1: Visual Inspection

The engineer will begin by inspecting the outside of the boiler and surrounding pipework. They’ll look for signs of corrosion, leaks, or damage. They’ll also check that your boiler is installed correctly, with adequate ventilation and no visible obstructions.

Step 2: Checking the Boiler Controls

All controls and thermostats are tested to ensure they respond correctly and regulate the system as expected. This includes checking your room thermostat, timer, and any smart controls (like Hive or Nest).

Step 3: Safety Device Checks

Modern boilers include multiple safety mechanisms, such as pressure relief valves and overheat stats. Your engineer will confirm that all these devices are functioning properly and that the boiler shuts off safely in a fault scenario.

Step 4: Combustion Chamber & Flue Inspection

Next, your engineer will remove the boiler’s outer case to access the internal components. They’ll inspect the combustion chamber to make sure everything is sealed correctly and free of debris. The flue (which vents exhaust gases to the outside) will also be checked to ensure it’s secure and unobstructed – crucial for removing harmful gases safely.

Step 5: Gas Pressure & Flow Tests

Gas pressure is critical to safe boiler operation. The engineer will use a manometer to measure the gas pressure at the boiler inlet and ensure it matches manufacturer specifications. They’ll also check for adequate gas flow throughout the system.

Step 6: Flue Gas Analysis (Combustion Testing)

This step involves using a specialist tool called a flue gas analyser to check the boiler’s emissions. It measures levels of carbon monoxide (CO), carbon dioxide (CO2), and combustion efficiency. If the readings fall outside of safe or expected levels, the boiler may need adjusting or further investigation.

Step 7: Cleaning of Key Components

During the service, we may clean components such as the burner, heat exchanger, and condense trap, depending on the model and service history. This helps maintain performance and reduces the risk of breakdown.

Step 8: System Pressure Check & Top-Up

The boiler’s internal pressure is checked (usually should be around 1.0–1.5 bar when cold). If it’s too low, the engineer will repressurise the system and ensure there are no ongoing leaks contributing to pressure loss.

Step 9: Condensate Trap & Pipe Checks

Condensing boilers produce condensation as a by-product of their efficiency. The condensate trap and pipework are inspected and cleaned to ensure free drainage and no blockages – particularly important in colder months when freezing can occur.

Step 10: Final Safety Checks & Restart

After reassembling the boiler, the engineer will fire it up to confirm that it runs smoothly. They’ll check for abnormal noises, monitor flame stability, and make sure hot water and heating functions are working correctly.

Step 11: Service Record & Advice

Finally, the engineer will update your service history (often in the back of the boiler manual or digitally if applicable), and let you know of any advisories or improvements you might consider. If your boiler is under warranty, this step is essential to keep it valid.

How Long Does a Boiler Service Take?

Typically, a boiler service takes between 45 minutes and 1 hour. If your boiler hasn’t been serviced in a long time, or if issues are discovered during the inspection, it may take a little longer.

How Often Should I Service My Boiler?

We recommend servicing your boiler once a year – ideally in the summer or early autumn before the heating season begins. This ensures your system is ready when you need it most and reduces the risk of winter breakdowns.

What Does a Boiler Service Cost?

At My Home Heating, we offer affordable boiler servicing in Tewkesbury and nearby areas. Our pricing is transparent, with no hidden extras. If you’d like a personalised quote, get in touch here or give us a call today.

Do You Need to Be Gas Safe Registered to Service a Boiler?

Absolutely. It’s a legal requirement that anyone working on gas appliances is Gas Safe registered. Our engineers carry their registration cards at all times, and you can verify our status anytime at gassaferegister.co.uk.

Need a Boiler Service in Tewkesbury?

If it’s been over 12 months since your last service, or if you’ve just moved into a new property and aren’t sure of the boiler’s condition, book a boiler service with My Home Heating today. We offer fast, friendly, and fully certified servicing across Tewkesbury and the wider Gloucestershire region.

In Summary

Boiler servicing isn’t just a quick check – it’s a comprehensive, step-by-step safety and performance process that helps protect your home, your wallet, and your family. Trust My Home Heating to carry out your annual boiler service professionally, efficiently, and with your best interests in mind.