What actually is a boiler service and what does it involve?
The boiler servicing procedure is quite different for many companies.
For a few, no names, it's just, inserting the flue gas analyser probe in to the flue, printing off the readings.
If they are within the limits, that's the boiler serviced.
To me, a boiler installer, that is not a boiler service, it's only a combustion check and nothing else.
The boiler servicing procedure that I take advantage of goes similar to this.
Arrive at the property at the arranged time, if running late, contact the client to keep informed, nothing worse than looking forward to someone to arrive.
Once at the house, introduce yourself, show your client the Gas Safe ID card, explain how to check the card details.
This can reassure your client that you are a professional registered gas safe engineer.
Now the card is out of the way, politely ask your client to show you the boiler location.
Ask if they have experienced any problems with the boiler recently, has anything changed on the heat, gets the system been drained, any radiators replaced.
This will give you an idea of what things to look out for.
Now The boiler Servicing
First, we carry out a visual inspection of the boiler.
1 Be sure the boiler is installed correctly, also to current regulations.
2 Is the flue connected to the boiler the way in which and safe for use?
3 Look for any damage to the boiler that could impair its operation.
4 Ensure that if ventilation is required it's the correct size.
5 Look for any signs of water leakage within the boiler.
6 Search for any former repairs.
7 Make sure the boiler is right, for the size of the property.
8 Run the boiler in both heating and warm water modes before commencing the service.
By running the boiler, this proves that both warm water and heating were both working at the time of the service.
Some scrupulous customers try to say the boiler was working before you carried out the service, when actually is was not.
By carrying out this check you can confirm if the boiler was working or not.
Now onto Checking The Gas Meter
Check over the located area of the gas meter, carry out a risk assessment, making certain it all conforms to current gas regulations.
Does the Emergency Control Valve have a handle fitted, therefore the gas can be isolated and made safe should a situation occur?
Check the Protective equipotential earth bonding is connected to the outlet side of the gas meter and is the correct size.
Check the gas for leakage
Perform a let by test to establish the emergency control valve isn't letting gas through when powered down.
Now perform the gas tightness test over the prescribed times, once complete, print off the outcomes and attach to the boiler service certificate.
Go to this website makes of boiler have a fault memory which can be checked, they normally store up to 10 faults, this will tell you what has been happening and what to look out for.
Check the gas operating and working pressures, making sure they're within the limits.
Isolate the energy supply to the boiler, while at exactly the same time be sure the fuse fitted is of the correct size.
With respect to the make and model, follow the boiler servicing procedure according to instructions in the boiler manual.
If you don't get access to the boiler manual it is possible to download a copy from the internet, just seek out the make and model you will need, and download it.
Turn the boiler power back on, recheck both hot water and heating remain working.
Now we move ahead to the gas rate, this needs to be checked to ensure the boiler gets enough gas. There are several apps available to assist you to perform a gas rate.
We now perform another gas tightness test at the meter to ensure you can find no gas leaks.
Boiler Servicing procedure Certificate
Now that the boiler service has been completed, remove all tools and any dust sheets from the website, making certain the working area round the boiler has been left clean and tidy.
Enter all the details of the boiler service on the certificate.
If needed, attach any warning notices to the boiler, fill in a warning notice certificate and inform your client of your findings.
Explain why the boiler has failed, and what is required to take it around regulation standards.
Finally, hand over all the paperwork to your client including the invoice.
Ask the client if they're happy with your service, and would they be so kind to leave a review for you.
Every company has their very own way of carrying out a boiler service, the above is our boiler servicing procedure.