Boiler Repairs in Hitchin

Boiler repairs when you need it most

Modern boilers are very efficient and reliable but they scan still break down occasionally just like any other mechanical device. When your boiler breaks down it can be annoying and frustrating but it can also be dangerous especially for vulnerable people caught in a cold spell. Call Vantage Plumbing and Heating services for a rapid, friendly response. Our fully trained and experienced plumbers are available 24/7 and will work to get your boiler back online as soon as possible.

Boiler repairs: What to look out for

The boiler in the home is one of those things that often gets forgotten about, unless it breaks down of course. It may be the item in your home that prevents you from hanging that extra cupboard in your kitchen or is the reason half of an existing cupboard cannot be put to good use. In fact, very few people tend to get excited about a boiler, they are generally not considered to be that inspiring. However, should something go wrong with your boiler, you then start to realise just what an important part of your home it is.

Your boiler really is a crucial part of your heating or water heating system. When it stops working, it can cause a great deal of hardship. You’ll no longer have hot water on tap and in the cold winter months, you could find yourself rushing to the DIY store to buy some electric heaters, so you don’t freeze to death.

Even a malfunctioning boiler can increase your energy bills and potentially endanger you and your family’s health. So, when it comes to needing boiler repairs, it’s good to know who to call and what are the tell-tale signs that boiler repairs on the horizon.

Listen to your boiler

Unusual noises may signal the need for a boiler repair. Apart from the very slight roar when fired up, a boiler is quiet. If the boiler is situated in a cupboard, you are unlikely to even hear it when it is on.

If a boiler begins to make a strange or excessive noises, something is amiss, and a boiler repair may well be on the cards. Banging sounds tend to suggest that the pump or fan has worn down and will need replacing. A whistling or glugging sound may suggest that the boiler has low water pressure. It could also mean that your boiler is kettling. This occurs when salt, limescale and other debris become trapped in the heat exchanger and the water begins to steam and boil. All these issues could mean you need a service or boiler repair.

Unpleasant smells

Carbon monoxide is odourless, which is why it is such a danger to our health. Should your boiler develop a leak, you may notice a rather nasty smell. Again, this is not the carbon monoxide, but it does happen when your boiler fails to burn properly. A leak not only affects your boiler’s functionality, but it can also cause health problems for you and your family. Another sure way to know that your boiler is leaking carbon dioxide is if the boiler gives off a yellow flame, it should be blue. Also, look for dark spots around your boiler’s casing. If you see any of these signs, do not hesitate to get a boiler repair arranged, your life could depend on it. Most importantly, do not remain inside the property. If any of these signs are apparent, you may have a carbon dioxide leak and should get everyone out of the property. Carbon monoxide can cause headaches, nausea, breathing problems, and even death, so a boiler repair is of paramount importance.

More expensive gas bills

At present, everyone is sweating over the rise in gas and electricity. With three proposed rises on the horizon, we are all looking at eye watering bills sooner rather than later. However, if you’ve seen an increase in your heating bills, before any of the proposed price hikes, it could be that there is a leak or another issue with your boiler that requires a boiler repair. If your boiler is more than fifteen years old, replacing your boiler with a new, more energy-efficient boiler can help you save money on your gas bill.

Inefficient boiler

We all need an efficient heating system to keep us and our families warm. However, if your house remains cold for a long time after your heating comes on, there’s a good chance that something could be wrong, and you require a boiler repair. Check first that you have sufficient insulation and that the heat is not escaping through open doors or poorly insulated windows and ceilings.

Water found near the boiler

Boiler leaks should not be ignored. Some newer boilers have vents or pipes to remove condensed water to an outside drain. However, should you find standing water near to or beneath your boiler, take immediate action, as a simple leak can quickly spread to your walls and floor and cause extensive water damage that will be expensive to rectify. A boiler repair will be required if you have water leaking from your boiler.

Boiler on, but little hot water

If your boiler is set to come on at a regular time, but you have little, or no hot water, there could be an issue with the boiler. There may be a problem with the boiler’s thermostat, valve, airlock, or diaphragm. A boiler repair will be required as one or more parts may have worn out or malfunctioned in some way.

Sport in Hitchin

Hitchin has long been associated with sport and rugby union in particular.

Hitchin Rugby Club was founded in 1954 and competes in rugby union at all age levels within the Hitchin area. This includes teams at ages 7 to 12, 13 to 17, under 19s, seniors, over 35s, and a Ladies side which is very well represented.

The Hitchin rugby club’s highlights have included playing at Twickenham in the final of the national Junior RFU Cup in 1993 and the establishment of the country’s first Academy. Currently there are over five hundred members in the club. The club are also active as a voluntary group with their community development programme.

Football in Hitchin

Hitchin Town Football Club was established in 1865 and later reformed in 1928. It is one of only three clubs who competed in the inaugural FA Cup, paying the then £25 entry fee, and continue to compete to this day. Hitchin claims to be the second oldest club in English football, but some dispute this due to the reformation in the 1920s.

The side currently compete in the Southern League Premier Division Central, the seventh tier of English football. The club play at 4,554-capacity ground Top Field, in the north of Hitchin, and came close to achieving promotion in the late 2010s, but have not done as well recently.

The Hitchin clubs highlights include wins in the F.A. Cup against higher ranked sides Hereford United in 1994 and Bristol Rovers in 1995 during which period they developed a reputation for demolishing much stronger teams.

The side count Hitchin-born England international Jack Wilshere among their supporters. Wilshire studied at the Priory School in Hitchin and now runs a youth scheme called the Jack Wilshere Soccer School.

The Hitchin club were featured by Sky Sports during their coverage of Non-League Day 2019, with the broadcaster following the match day experience at the club.

Other sports in Hitchin

Hitchin is also home to Blueharts Hockey Club, a leading club since 1946, with seven men’s teams and seven women’s team plus an up and coming junior section. It also houses Hitchin Cricket Club, which has been an important cricket club within the Hitchin area since 1866.

Hitchin Swimming Club are based locally too and competes at local, county and regional level.

If cycling is your thing, you’ll be pleased to know that the Hitchin Nomads Cycling Club, which caters for many competitive and non-competitive cycling disciplines, was formed in Hitchin in 1931. It is affiliated to British Cycling, the Cyclists’ Touring Club, Cycling time trials and local cycling associations. Notable former members include pre-eminent cycling travel writer Harold Briercliffe and Max Pendleton, father of Olympic gold-medallist and track cycling World Champion Victoria Pendleton.

If however you would rather get involved in a multi disciplined sport, then why not try the Hitchin triathlon club? Formed in 2003 and known as FVS TRI until November 2009, Team Trisports is a Hitchin-based and predominantly triathlon club. In addition to triathlon though, the club is also an England Athletics and British Cycling affiliate for good measure.

Hitchin Running Club was formed in 2008 and is one of the most popular clubs in the town. They enjoy a large fan base and many local people of all abilities take part in the social activities. They are based at the rugby club and are a not for profit organisation.