Boiler Breakdowns
Boiler Breakdowns | Plumbing | Bristol
When your boiler splutters to a halt on a chilly Bristol evening, HEP’s rapid-response team is already on the road. Our Gas Safe engineers arrive with advanced diagnostic gear and a van stocked like a mobile workshop, so most faults are fixed on the very first visit. From strange rattles to total shutdowns, we restore warmth and hot water quickly, cleanly and with a smile.
We know breakdowns never happen at a convenient time, so our lines are open 24/7 and transparent quotes are given before any work begins. Whether you’re in a Georgian townhouse in Clifton or a student flat in Filton, you can count on us for expert boiler care—and, if needed, seamless integration with wider plumbing tasks—without hidden costs or jargon.
FAQs
What are the most common causes of a boiler breakdown?
In Bristol homes we’re called to, the majority of failures stem from a handful of issues: loss of pressure or water leaks, frozen condensate pipes during cold snaps, worn ignition electrodes or sensors, pump failure due to sludge in the system, and faults with the printed circuit board (PCB). Regular servicing helps spot these problems early and keeps your boiler running efficiently.
What should I do immediately if my boiler stops working?
First, check the basics: make sure the power switch and fuse are on, the gas supply is open, and the thermostat or programmer hasn’t been turned down or off. Look at the pressure gauge—most boilers need 1–1.5 bar; if it’s low, follow the user guide to top it up. Reset the boiler once. If it still locks out, switch it off completely and call us. Continuing to restart a faulty boiler can cause further damage.
Do you offer emergency call-outs in Bristol and how quickly can you arrive?
Yes. Our emergency boiler engineers are on call 24 / 7, 365 days a year. For addresses within Bristol’s BS1–BS16 postcodes we aim to be on site within 1–2 hours. Arrival times may vary slightly during severe weather or peak demand, but you’ll get a live ETA when you book and updates en-route from the engineer’s tracking app.
How much will a boiler repair cost and will I get a fixed quote?
We charge a transparent diagnostic fee of £79, which covers the first hour on site. Once we’ve identified the fault we’ll give you a fixed, no-obligation quote for the repair—including all parts, labour and VAT. If you approve, most repairs are completed in the same visit. If specialist parts have to be ordered, you’ll pay nothing further until the return visit is finished.
Can you repair all makes and models, including older boilers?
Our Gas Safe-registered engineers are trained on all major domestic brands—Vaillant, Worcester, Ideal, Baxi, Glow-worm, Viessmann and more—and we carry common spares for each. We can also service back boilers and older open-flue models. If a unit is beyond economical repair we’ll provide honest advice and, if you wish, a quotation for a replacement that maximises energy efficiency and meets current Building Regulations.
Are your repairs guaranteed and will they affect my manufacturer warranty?
Every repair comes with a 12-month workmanship guarantee and manufacturer-backed warranties on any new parts fitted. Because our engineers are Gas Safe registered and follow the manufacturer’s service schedules, your existing boiler warranty remains valid. We record each visit in your digital service logbook so you have proof of compliance for future claims or property sales.