When your boiler is working properly, you probably don’t give it much thought. The heating comes on, the radiators warm up and there’s hot water when you need it.
It’s usually when something changes that you start paying attention.
Maybe the boiler has started making an unusual noise. Perhaps the pressure keeps dropping, your radiators aren’t getting properly warm, or you’ve suddenly got no heating or hot water.
Some boiler problems are relatively straightforward. Others need a qualified heating engineer to diagnose the cause properly.
Regular boiler servicing can help identify potential problems before they turn into unexpected breakdowns. And when something does go wrong, finding the actual fault can sometimes mean repairing the existing boiler rather than replacing it.
At Croston Plumbing & Heating, we provide boiler servicing, boiler Cover, heating , and gas safety services across Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Wigan and surrounding Lancashire areas.
Why Is Annual Boiler Servicing Important?
A boiler can appear to be working normally while a fault is developing.
An annual boiler service allows a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect the appliance, check its safety controls, and look for signs of wear or other issues.
Depending on the boiler, checks may include:
- Boiler components and controls
- Flue and ventilation
- Gas pressure and combustion
- Safety devices
- Seals and connections
- Heating and hot-water operation
Regular servicing helps keep your boiler safe and may be required for your warranty.
When Should You Service Your Boiler?
Before winter is a sensible time to book a boiler service. Once the temperature drops, you’ll be relying on your heating much more, so it’s better to find a potential problem before you’re left without heating on a cold morning.
If your boiler service is already overdue, though, there’s no reason to wait.
What Happens During a Boiler Service?
A proper boiler service involves more than simply switching the heating on.
A Gas Safe registered engineer carries out the relevant safety and performance checks for your particular boiler, including inspecting key components and checking areas such as the flue, gas pressure, combustion and controls.
If something needs attention, the engineer should explain what they’ve found and what your options are.
Sometimes it’s a straightforward repair. Other times, further investigation may be needed.
The important thing is that you understand the condition of your boiler and what, if anything, needs to be done.
What Do Croston Plumbing & Heating Customers Say?
For a local heating company, repeat customers and recommendations mean a lot.
Spingertron 9, who previously had a new boiler installed by Croston Plumbing & Heating, continues to use the company for annual servicing. Their Google review mentions the service reminder, engineers arriving on time and leaving “no fuss or mess.”
That’s particularly useful with something as easy to forget as an annual boiler service.
Catherine Haig also described the engineer as “friendly, tidy, knowledgeable and helpful”, while mentioning the quick documentation and reasonable price.
For homeowners, those details matter. You want someone who knows what they’re doing, turns up when expected and treats your home properly.
Common Boiler Problems
A boiler doesn’t always fail without warning. There are often signs that something isn’t quite right.
Boiler Keeps Losing Pressure
If you’re regularly topping up your boiler pressure, it’s worth finding out why. Pressure loss can be caused by leaks or other heating-system problems, so repeatedly topping it up isn’t a long-term solution.
No Heating or Hot Water
If you’ve lost your heating or hot water, you can also read our guide to checking your heating before calling an engineer. If everything appears normal but the boiler still isn’t working, a heating engineer may need to diagnose the fault.
Boiler Making a Banging or Gurgling Noise
New or unusual noises can be caused by trapped air, limescale, circulation problems or a faulty component. If the noise continues or gets worse, have the boiler checked.
Boiler Keeps Switching Off
If your boiler repeatedly starts and switches off, there could be a component fault or another heating-system issue. If an error code appears, make a note of it for the engineer.
Radiators Not Getting Hot
If the boiler is working but your radiators aren’t heating properly, the issue may be elsewhere in the heating system. Air, sludge, poor circulation or thermostat settings can all affect radiator performance.
When Do You Need an Emergency Boiler Repair?
Not every boiler fault requires an emergency call-out.
However, a serious leak, suspected gas problem or complete loss of heating or hot water may require urgent attention, particularly during cold weather.
If you suspect a gas leak, don’t attempt to repair the boiler yourself. Follow the appropriate gas emergency guidance and contact a suitably qualified professional.
Croston Plumbing & Heating provides emergency plumbing and heating support in Preston and surrounding areas. The company also advertises 24/7 emergency plumbing support on its website.
One customer, Rio Talysa, shared this Facebook review after a boiler repair:
“You’ve fixed our boiler in TEN minutes today!”
Of course, not every repair will take ten minutes. Some faults need more investigation or replacement parts.
Boiler Repair or Replacement?
A boiler breakdown doesn’t automatically mean you need a new boiler.
If the boiler is relatively modern and the fault is straightforward, repairing it may be the sensible option.
An older boiler with a history of breakdowns or an expensive repair may be a different story. In that situation, replacement could be worth considering.
The decision can depend on:
- The boiler’s age and condition
- The type of fault
- Previous repair history
- Availability of parts
- Repair cost
- Efficiency and reliability
A qualified heating engineer can assess the boiler and explain your options so you can make an informed decision.
If replacement becomes necessary, you can also read our guide to boiler installation costs.
Gas Safety Checks for Landlords
Landlords have specific responsibilities when it comes to gas appliances and installations in rental properties.
The required annual gas safety check must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer, with the appropriate record provided.
Croston Plumbing & Heating provides landlord gas safety services across Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Wigan and surrounding areas. Its website also lists landlord safety certificates among its heating and gas services.
Elizabeth Aughton mentioned in her Google review that an engineer came out on a Saturday to make sure everything was safe and that she received the certificate the same day.
For landlords, keeping gas safety checks and records up to date is an important part of managing a rental property.
Carbon Monoxide Safety
Carbon monoxide is particularly dangerous because you can’t see, smell or taste it.
Proper installation, servicing and maintenance of gas appliances are important safety measures. A suitable carbon monoxide alarm can provide additional protection, but it shouldn’t replace proper servicing.
Janet Atkinson mentioned in her Facebook review that the Croston engineer advised her that her carbon monoxide monitor needed replacing.
She also appreciated that the engineer removed his outdoor shoes before walking across her new carpets.
It may sound like a small detail, but it’s exactly the sort of consideration homeowners appreciate when someone is working inside their property.
Boiler Servicing & Repairs Across Lancashire
Croston Plumbing & Heating provides boiler servicing, boiler repairs, heating repairs and gas safety services across Preston, Leyland, Chorley, Wigan and surrounding Lancashire areas.
Whether your boiler needs its annual service, keeps losing pressure or has stopped providing heating or hot water, the team can assess the problem and explain the next steps.
The company already has dedicated service coverage for areas including Preston, Leyland and Chorley, while its wider services cover Lancashire and surrounding areas.
Boiler Servicing in Preston
If you’re looking for boiler servicing in Preston, regular maintenance can help identify potential faults before they become bigger problems.
Croston Plumbing & Heating also provides boiler repairs and other heating services in Preston.
Boiler Servicing in Leyland
For homeowners looking for a boiler service in Leyland, regular servicing can help keep your heating system operating safely and reliably.
Boiler servicing and repairs are among the services offered to customers in the Leyland area.
Boiler Servicing in Chorley
If you need boiler servicing in Chorley, arranging a service before the colder months can help make sure your boiler is ready for increased use.
Croston Plumbing & Heating is based in Eccleston, Chorley, and provides boiler servicing and repairs as part of its heating services.
Boiler Servicing in Wigan
Croston Plumbing & Heating also serves customers across Lancashire and surrounding areas. If you’re looking for boiler servicing or heating repairs in Wigan, contact the team to confirm availability for your postcode.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I have my boiler serviced?
An annual boiler service is generally recommended. Having it checked before winter can be useful because you’ll be relying on your heating more heavily.
How long does a boiler service take?
The time depends on the boiler and its condition. A straightforward service may take around 30–60 minutes, although it can take longer if an issue needs further investigation.
How much does a boiler service cost?
The cost depends on the boiler and the service required. If a fault is found, additional repair work may be charged separately.
For an accurate price, contact the team with details of your boiler.
What should I do if my boiler stops working?
Check the thermostat, power supply and boiler controls first. If an error code appears, make a note of it.
If the problem continues, avoid repeatedly resetting the boiler and arrange for a qualified heating engineer to investigate.
My boiler keeps losing pressure. Do I need a new boiler?
Not necessarily. Pressure loss can have several causes, so the underlying problem should be identified before deciding whether repair or replacement is appropriate.
Why is my boiler making a banging noise?
Banging, gurgling and other unusual noises can have different causes, including limescale, trapped air, circulation problems or a faulty component.
If the noise is new or getting worse, have the boiler checked.
Can a boiler error code tell me what is wrong?
It can provide a useful indication, but an error code doesn’t always identify the exact fault. Further checks may be needed.
Is it better to repair or replace an old boiler?
It depends on the boiler’s age, condition, repair history and the cost of the fault.
An engineer can assess the appliance and explain whether repair or replacement is likely to make more sense.
When should I call an emergency heating engineer?
A serious leak, suspected gas problem or complete loss of heating or hot water may require urgent professional attention.
If you’re unsure how serious the problem is, contact a qualified heating professional for advice.
Why Choose Croston Plumbing & Heating?
When someone works on your boiler, technical knowledge matters. So does the way they treat your home.
Our customers have highlighted punctuality, tidy workmanship, knowledgeable engineers, reasonable pricing, clear documentation and good customer care.
Spingertron 9 mentioned punctuality and the convenience of service reminders. Catherine Haig praised the engineer’s friendly and tidy approach, while Janet Atkinson highlighted professionalism and care inside her home.
These aren’t complicated things, but they make a real difference when you’re inviting a heating engineer into your home.
Croston Plumbing & Heating is a family-operated business established in 2006, with Gas Safe registered engineers providing plumbing and heating services across the North West.
Book Your Boiler Service or Repair
You don’t have to wait for your boiler to completely break down before getting it checked.
An annual service can help identify potential problems early, while proper fault diagnosis can help you understand whether a repair is enough or whether replacement should be considered.
If you need boiler servicing in Preston, boiler repairs in Leyland, heating repairs in Chorley or gas safety services in Wigan, Croston Plumbing & Heating can help.
Call 01257 452 879 to arrange your boiler service, repair or heating appointment.
