Halloween is all about things that go bump in the night, but some of the scariest surprises happen right inside your home! 👻
From boilers on the brink of failure to hidden plumbing problems that could cause serious damage, our PGS engineers have come across their fair share of frightening finds while out on the job.
This Halloween, we’re sharing real-life stories from our engineers, revealing what they discovered, the challenges they faced and how they tackled each job.
🔧 Horror Story #1: The Boiler That Finally Gave Up
Not all boiler replacements are straightforward, and this one had plenty of problems hiding beneath the surface! 😬
During this job, our engineers Alex and Kellan, alongside our apprentice Lily, dealt with an old boiler in an older property that had suddenly started leaking badly. The heat exchanger had split, allowing water to escape into the cupboard, meaning the boiler needed replacing.
But that wasn’t the only issue. Before installing the new boiler, the team drained the heating system and carried out a powerflush to remove the sludge and debris that had built up throughout the pipework and radiators. The system was in a particularly poor condition, with radiator valves completely blocked and an automatic bypass valve so badly blocked that it had to be cut out and replaced.
The blocked bypass valve had contributed to the old boiler’s failure. It wasn’t allowing water to circulate properly after the heating and hot water zones shut down, causing the boiler to overheat repeatedly until the heat exchanger eventually split.
Once the powerflush was complete, the team installed a more efficient modern condensing boiler, refilled the system with fresh water and corrosion inhibitor, and thoroughly tested everything. A new magnetic filter was also fitted to the boiler’s return pipe to help protect the system from magnetic debris.
The Halloween lesson? Sometimes, the problem isn’t just the boiler itself! Keeping your entire heating system clean, properly maintained and circulating correctly can help prevent serious issues. A professional service can help identify problems before they turn into a much bigger job. 🛠️
🔥 Horror Story #2: The Bin That Took the Heat
A burning smell coming from your boiler is never something you want to discover at home! 🔥
Our engineer Dom attended a call after a burning smell was reported coming from a boiler. On inspection, he found that a bin had been pushed up against the boiler flue, creating a potential fire hazard. The heat had caused damage to the bin, highlighting just how dangerous the situation could have become.
Dom fitted a flue guard basket to help prevent this from happening again. A guard should already have been in place, and this job was a reminder of why the correct safety equipment is so important.
Had a fire occurred and damaged the property, there could also have been implications for insurance cover, depending on the circumstances and the terms of the policy.
The Halloween lesson? Always keep the area around your boiler flue clear and make sure the correct safety guards are fitted. If you notice a burning smell or signs of heat damage, don’t ignore them. Get the situation checked by a qualified professional.
🕷️ Horror Story #3: The Condensate Pipe That Nearly Caused a Flood
Sometimes, the biggest plumbing nightmares are hiding away from the boiler itself!
During a routine boiler service, our engineer Kellan discovered that the condensate pipework hadn’t been connected properly. This meant corrosive condensate had been dripping onto the copper pipework below, gradually eating away at the metal. Condensate is the acidic wastewater produced by a condensing boiler, which can corrode metal pipework when it comes into contact with it over time.
The corrosion was so severe that only a thin layer of copper remained. Left unresolved, the pipe could eventually have failed, potentially flooding the property.
Kellan reconnected the condensate pipework correctly and tested it before cutting out the badly corroded section and replacing it with new pipework.
This job highlights why a boiler service needs to involve more than just looking at the boiler itself. Problems with surrounding pipework and other parts of the installation can cause significant damage if they’re not identified and put right.
The Halloween lesson? It’s not always the obvious problems that cause the biggest headaches! A thorough boiler service can help uncover hidden issues around your heating system before they develop into something much worse.
🎃 Don’t Let Plumbing Problems Become a Nightmare
From boilers struggling with years of sludge and debris to hidden corrosion that could lead to a flood, our engineers know how important it is to look beyond the obvious.
These real-life jobs show why keeping your heating system properly maintained matters. Catching problems early can help prevent costly repairs, unexpected breakdowns and damage to your property.
Need a hand with your plumbing or heating? Get in touch with PGS today!
📞 01908 569031
✉️ [email protected]
🌐 www.pgsolutions.co.uk