Having your boiler go out at home can be very stressful and overwhelming. You will find yourself without heating and hot water, and sometimes this can last for a while—longer than 24 hours—which can be highly unpleasant. You cannot wash, and dishes begin piling up in the sink, not to mention it can be freezing without heating. If you live with elderly people in the house, a winter boiler breakdown can be extremely dangerous, so it is essential to have a plan on hand. There are several things to do when your boiler breaks down, from calling a plumber to quick fixes in times of crisis.
Contact Your Home Emergency Number
If you have home insurance, the best thing to do when you notice your boiler is out is to call them. Your insurance company will help you find a plumber that will come out to fix the boiler for you, as well as helping you cover the cost of repairs.
Check the Age of Your Boiler
If you have recently purchased your boiler, it may well still be under warranty, which means you can call the manufacturers during the crisis. If your boiler is still under warranty, the manufacturers will either send someone to fix it or help replace it for you. This is an excellent perk of having something on warranty.
Call A Plumber / Gas Electrician
However, if you cannot rely on insurance and warranty and foresee an emergency as your boiler breaks down, the best thing to do is call a plumber. For example, Maintracts Services LTD offers efficient and professional boiler repair services; see maintracts.co.uk for more information about their services. A professional plumber, who specializes in boiler repair, should be able to quickly identify the issue with your boiler and get it up and running in no time.
Call your Landlord
If you are renting, it is worth calling your landlord before contacting an emergency plumber or electrician. Most landlords will have someone on file that they use in these emergencies, who will likely be much cheaper than any emergency service.
Find A Place to Stay
Once you have an idea of how long your boiler will be out of action and how long you will be without heating and hot water, it is worth finding a place to stay. An alternative arrangement is essential if you live with elderly relatives who will be far more susceptible to the cold. A broken boiler can be very dangerous for their health; the cold can make any respiratory problems a lot worse. Finding a place to stay while your boiler is being fixed or replaced is very sensible. If you have to stay at your home, remember to dress in layers and have everyone stay in one room to try to preserve heat.
Call A Friend
You can always call on a kind friend or neighbor to see if you can take a bath or shower at their place or even dry your clothes. When your boiler goes out, the things you may take for granted become very apparent, and you feel the cold.