We rely on our boilers to keep our water hot and our homes warm during the winter. But sometimes, issues can arise with them. If your boiler isn’t working correctly, it could release harmful carbon monoxide into your home, which is a real danger to your health. If left unchecked, it can be fatal. As well as this, a boiler that isn’t working effectively will cost you money as you’ll be paying for the fuel without reaping the benefits.
Understanding standard boiler repair expenses is essential because it empowers you to make informed decisions, ensuring you're not left in the cold by unexpected costs. We’re here to break down the factors influencing boiler repair prices, from parts to labour, as well as to provide savvy tips for when to repair or replace your unit.
We'll cover the following topics in this pricing guide:
- Average boiler repair costs
- How long does it take to build a new patio?
- How to reduce boiler repair costs
- FAQ
- Your boiler repair checklist
Average boiler repair costs
In the UK, the average boiler repair cost is between £100 and £500. This cost is influenced by the complexity of the fault, the parts required and regional labour charges. Minor repairs such as replacing a thermostat might sit at the lower end of the price range, while resolving a broken heat exchanger could be higher.
It's also important to consider the brand and age of the boiler, as this can affect the availability and cost of replacement parts. Regular servicing can help reduce these costs by maintaining boiler health and efficiency, potentially saving money and stress over the long term.
Here are some of the average boiler repair or replacement costs in the UK.
| Type of Repair | Cost + VAT | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler repair | £100 to £500 | £300 |
| Emergency boiler repair | £222 to £600 | £410 |
| Gas engineer hourly rate (labour only) | £50 to £60 | £55 |
| Boiler insurance | £3.50 to £19.99 monthly | £11.75 monthly |
| Boiler service | £75 |
How much does an emergency boiler repair cost?
If you have a gas boiler and notice a gas smell in your home, it’s essential to act immediately and call for an emergency boiler repair. The cost of an emergency boiler repair in the UK is around £410. While this is more expensive than a usual boiler repair service, a prompt fix is essential for your health.
If you know how to switch off your house’s gas supply, do so and get everybody outside. Open all the windows and doors, and don’t allow anyone to smoke or use their mobile phones inside the house. Once outside, call the National Gas Emergency Service Provider (ESP) and let them know the situation. A heating engineer or gas-safe plumber should be sent over to diagnose and deal with the gas leak.
Some factors that will affect the price of your emergency repair are the time of the day, the nature of the problem, the gas engineer’s experience and expertise and your location. For example, if you require an emergency service in the middle of the night, this will likely cost more than in the afternoon.
Remember, never try to fix a boiler yourself as it is extremely dangerous to deal with if you don’t have the right expertise and qualifications.
If you need help choosing a reliable tradesperson, take a look at our handy gas engineer hiring guide.
Cost of gas boiler repairs
Most homes in the UK use gas boilers for heating and hot water. This is because most properties are connected to the gas grid, and it’s one of the most affordable forms of fuel available. As with emergency boiler repairs, a gas boiler repair can involve a gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak, it’s essential to follow the steps outlined above (call the National Gas Emergency Service Provider or an emergency Gas Safe heating engineer).
The average cost of a gas boiler repair depends on the scope of the problem and your location. For a new pump or fan, you can expect to pay around £100 to £300, but if you require something like a heat exchanger, it can cost between £300 and £500.
Cost of oil boiler repairs
The cost of repairing an oil boiler depends on the existing problem. However, the average price is between £75 and £150. The repair may be in the boiler itself or a problem in the oil storage tank. Costs will vary according to the scope of the problem and your location.
Cost to repair a kettling boiler
Boiler kettling is when your boiler makes a mixture of unusual noises, including gurgling, whistling, popping and rumbling. While these sounds may be alarming, they can usually be easily fixed.
Typically, boiler kettling results from a leak, overheating or limescale build-up, all of which can be fixed by a qualified professional. The overall cost depends on the extent of the job, but it will likely be around £300 as this issue doesn’t usually require an emergency call-out.
Cost of a replacement gas valve on a boiler
Over time, the gas valve on your boiler can get rusted or stuck. However, they can easily be replaced with the help of a professional. The typical cost of a replacement gas valve, including labour and materials, is between £180 and £220.
Cost of boiler insurance
Investing in boiler insurance can be an excellent way of distributing boiler repair costs over the years. This can provide peace of mind that you’ll never have to pay expensive up-front costs for repairing your boiler. The average price of boiler insurance is £11.75 per month.
How long does a boiler repair take?
Boiler repair durations in the UK are affected by the nature of the issues and their impact on the whole heating system. Quick fixes, like increasing boiler pressure or thawing a frozen condensate pipe, can take a few minutes to a couple of hours.
Bleeding or balancing radiators may extend to a few hours. However, complex repairs, like replacing a diverter valve or heat exchanger, might span from a couple of hours to half a day. Minor thermostat issues can typically be resolved swiftly, whereas a system power flush for larger properties may require a full day's work. It’s best to speak with a qualified tradesperson to gauge how long fixing your boiler might take.
How to reduce boiler repair costs
Fortunately, there are various ways to reduce boiler repair costs. Here are some tips:
- Keep up with regular maintenance: Schedule yearly check-ups with a certified engineer to help prevent significant issues from occurring in the long run.
- Learn basic maintenance: Understand how to repressurise your boiler and bleed radiators to fix simple issues yourself.
- Invest in a magnetic filter: Install a magnetic filter to capture debris and prevent sludge build-up in the boiler system.
- Consult your boiler’s manual: Read your boiler’s manual to troubleshoot minor issues and understand maintenance tasks you can perform safely.
- Avoid DIY on complex repairs: Don’t attempt complex repairs yourself, as this could void warranties and lead to more expensive fixes.
- Buy a boiler cover plan: Consider purchasing boiler cover that includes servicing and repairs to manage costs over time.
FAQ
What are the signs that my boiler needs to be repaired?
Understanding the signs to look out for when your boiler requires repair is essential so you can catch any minor issues early on instead of facing more significant problems down the line.
Here are some early warning signs that something is wrong with your boiler:
- Banging or rattling noises
- Leaks
- Strange smells
- Turning itself off
- Losing pressure
- The pilot light turns yellow instead of blue
More seriously, faulty boilers and flues are some of the leading causes of carbon monoxide poisoning. The following physical signs and symptoms could suggest a carbon monoxide leak:
- Headaches
- Nausea
- Dizziness
- Breathlessness
- Loss of consciousness
Are there any Building Regulations or planning permission approvals required for boiler repairs?
If a hot water or heating system must be repaired in an emergency, there’s no need to apply for advance approval. However, the repairs must comply with UK Building Regulations, and you should seek approval afterwards. If a heating system has been altered or replaced, the last person to work on it is responsible for its safe running and must provide a certificate to state that all safety checks have been performed.
Work to fit a new boiler requires Building Regulations approval, which is usually done by an installer who can self-certify their work. The installation must adhere to the guidelines in Approved Document J of the Building Regulations for safety and energy-efficiency compliance. The cost of meeting Building Regulations should be included in the installer's fee, but if you’re unsure, it’s best to ask.
Boiler repairs don’t typically require planning permission. However, if a new flue needs to be fitted to a listed building or property in a conservation or other designated area, check with your local authority first. Boilers must also be fitted to the British standards.
Can I repair a boiler myself?
It’s illegal to repair a boiler unless you have the proper credentials, so you should never attempt a DIY job if this is the case. Instead, hire an appropriately trained and accredited gas engineer to fix your boiler. While it’s tempting to try and save some money, it’s highly dangerous to work with gas without proper training and experience.
Your boiler repair checklist
For homeowners preparing for boiler repair, here's a handy checklist to ensure you're well informed when hiring a tradesperson to help:
- Verify qualifications: Confirm the heating engineer's qualifications and request proof of certification.
- Ask about experience: Enquire about the tradesperson’s experience with your specific boiler model.
- Check registrations: Ensure the engineer is Gas Safe or OFTEC registered, as appropriate for your boiler type.
- Ask for a guarantee on work: Ask if your chosen tradesperson offers a work guarantee.
- Confirm insurance: Verify that the engineer has adequate insurance and ask for evidence.
- Request multiple quotes: Request detailed quotes from at least three tradespeople for the repair work to avoid unexpected costs and ensure competitive prices.
- Talk about a timeline: Discuss the expected timeline for the repair to plan accordingly.
- Discuss post-repair support: Check if your tradesperson offers post-repair support and under what terms.
The good news is that finding a reliable, qualified heating engineer is easy with MyBuilder. All you need to do is share the details of your job on the MyBuilder platform, and anyone local with the right experience can reach out.