Boiler not firing / no ignition
Usually a faulty igniter, failed spark electrode or gas supply issue. Occasionally a blocked condensate pipe in cold weather.
Gas boiler repair Exeter
Boiler repairs in Exeter
Boiler won't fire? No hot water? Keeps locking out? I find out what's actually wrong before recommending any parts — then we'll agree the soonest I can get to you.
I cover Exeter (EX1–EX4), Heavitree, St Thomas, Topsham, Pinhoe, Whipton, Exwick, Wonford, Exminster, Alphington, Crediton and the surrounding Devon area.
Gas Safe25+Years experience
5.0
Previous customer reviews (Thames Boilers, Kent)- Gas Safe registered
- G3 qualified for unvented cylinders
- £2 million public liability cover
- More than 25 years on the tools
- Twelve-month guarantee on parts I supply
Happy to confirm Gas Safe registration and insurance details when we arrange your visit.
How I approach repairs
Mend the actual fault, and leave the rest alone
A boiler that stops working or starts playing up is disruptive — especially in winter, and especially when you don't know what's wrong with it. The first thing I do is find out exactly what the fault is. I don't fit parts speculatively, and I don't recommend replacing a boiler before I've properly diagnosed what's actually failed.
I carry out boiler fault-finding and repairs across Exeter and the surrounding Devon area. I'm Gas Safe registered and I've been repairing domestic gas boilers for more than 25 years. I've worked on Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Baxi, Ideal, Glow-worm, Viessmann and most other common makes.
No hot water, heating works fine
Often a diverter valve stuck in the heating-only position — a common fault on combi boilers.
No heating, hot water works fine
Could be a zone valve, pump or programmer fault rather than the boiler itself.
Boiler keeps locking out / fault code showing
Fault codes give a starting point but don't always tell the full story. I interpret the code and diagnose the underlying cause.
Low boiler pressure
Usually caused by a leak in the system or a failed pressure relief valve. I trace the source rather than just topping it up.
Boiler making noise
Banging, kettling or rumbling typically means limescale on the heat exchanger or a failing pump. Vibration or whirring usually points to the pump or fan.
Water dripping from the boiler or pipes
A corroded heat exchanger, a faulty pressure relief valve or a loose joint. These need attending to — small leaks become bigger ones.
Radiators cold at the top
Air in the system — you can bleed them yourself. If they're cold in the middle or at the bottom that's sludge or a circulation issue.
When you call
A few details that help before I set off
When you call, describe the symptom as specifically as you can. Is there a fault code on the display? Is the boiler completely dead, or is it firing but not heating? Is there heat but no hot water, or neither? The more detail you give, the more I can prepare.
Once I know the fault, I'll give you a straight quote for the repair, including the cost of any parts. If I think the repair cost doesn't make sense given the age of the boiler, I'll tell you that. If you decide not to go ahead, you pay for the diagnostic visit only.
Parts guarantee
A twelve-month guarantee on anything I fit
You'll hear from me what the trouble was, what I'm putting in to sort it, and the reason for it. Every part I supply and fit carries a full year's guarantee.
New boilers aren't something I install. If yours has genuinely reached the end of the road I'll say so honestly, and put you in touch with someone in the Exeter area who fits them.
Questions
Common questions about boiler repairs in Exeter
Do you offer emergency boiler repairs?
I work Mon–Fri, 9am to 5pm. I don't offer a 24-hour emergency service. If your boiler has broken down and you're without heat or hot water, call me during working hours and I'll try to get to you as quickly as my schedule allows. For genuine out-of-hours emergencies, you'll need a 24-hour service.
How much does a boiler repair cost?
It depends on the fault. I charge a call-out/diagnostic fee and then price the repair separately once I know what's wrong. I won't fit parts without quoting you first.
Can you repair a boiler that's more than 15 years old?
Often yes, but the economics change as a boiler ages. If I think a repair on an old boiler isn't good value — because the rest of the appliance is in poor condition — I'll tell you that before doing the work.
Do you fit second-hand or customer-supplied parts?
No. I fit manufacturer-recommended or equivalent quality new parts only. This keeps the one-year guarantee I offer on parts meaningful.
My boiler is showing a fault code — can you tell me what it means over the phone?
I can give you general guidance, but fault codes are a starting point, not a diagnosis. The same code can be caused by several different faults. I need to be in front of the boiler to tell you what's actually wrong.
Which boiler brands can you repair?
Over the years I've had my hands on Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Baxi, Ideal, Glow-worm, Viessmann and most of the other household names besides. Should I be unable to source the correct part or the technical data for your particular model, I'll let you know up front.
Boiler not working in Exeter? Give me a call.
Call 01392 321121 — Mon–Fri, 9am to 5pm. Describe what the boiler is doing and I'll tell you what I can do and when.