Few things are more frustrating than a boiler that works one day and fails the next. Intermittent boiler problems can be tricky to pin down, but they’re often a sign that something inside the system isn’t functioning as it should. If you live in Porth, Talbot Green or Llantrisant and your boiler keeps cutting out unexpectedly, here’s how heating engineers go about diagnosing the issue.
Understanding Intermittent Boiler Failures
An intermittent fault means the boiler works correctly at times, but randomly fails or shuts off without warning. These issues are often harder to detect than full system breakdowns because the problem may not show up during a quick inspection.
Common causes include failing sensors, pressure drops, airlocks, or wiring issues. Over time, these small faults can grow into bigger problems if left unresolved.
When diagnosing the issue, a qualified heating engineer will start by asking about the pattern of failures. Does it happen at a certain time of day? Only when heating or hot water is demanded? The more detail you can give, the quicker they can trace the fault.
What Engineers Check During Diagnosis
Engineers use a methodical approach to find out why your boiler keeps stopping and starting. They typically check:
- Boiler pressure: Low or fluctuating pressure can cause the boiler to shut down
- Thermostat and controls: Faulty or misfiring thermostats can give inconsistent signals
- Sensors and electrodes: These tell the boiler when to ignite and stay running
- Airlocks or circulation faults: Poor water flow can cause overheating or failures
- Wiring and PCB boards: Loose connections or damaged circuits can cause random shut-offs
In some cases, engineers may need to observe the boiler over time or return during a failure window to confirm the cause.
Why It’s Important Not to Ignore the Problem
Intermittent failures are more than a nuisance, they can be early warnings of serious faults. Delaying a repair could lead to complete breakdown, higher energy bills, or even safety issues if the boiler’s sensors are not responding correctly.
Booking a proper diagnostic visit ensures the fault is identified and fixed at its source, rather than relying on guesswork or short-term resets.
Boiler Problems in Porth, Talbot Green or Llantrisant?
Greenflame Plumbing and Heating provides expert fault diagnosis and reliable boiler repairs across Porth, Talbot Green and Llantrisant. If your boiler keeps cutting out, call us on 07971 651 849 or 07429 250 903, or fill out our contact form to book a diagnostic visit today.
