What a Boiler
Service Includes

Why an Annual Service Matters

A gas boiler is a combustion appliance in your home. A service checks that it is burning correctly, venting its exhaust safely and operating within the manufacturer's limits. It also keeps the warranty alive. Almost every manufacturer requires an annual service by a Gas Safe registered engineer as a condition of the guarantee, and a claim on a boiler with a gap in its service history is routinely refused.

The Benchmark Logbook

Benchmark is the industry scheme, run by the Heating and Hotwater Industry Council, for recording the commissioning and servicing of domestic heating appliances. Every new boiler comes with a Benchmark checklist in the installation instructions. The installer completes it at commissioning, and each annual service is entered on the service record that follows, with the engineer's Gas Safe number and the readings taken. Manufacturers ask to see it when a claim is made. If the logbook has been lost, ask the engineer for a written service record and keep it with the boiler paperwork.

What a Proper Service Covers

A service is more than a visual look and a wipe over. Ours follows the manufacturer's service schedule for the specific boiler, which typically means:

• Visual inspection of the boiler, casing seals, pipework and flue for damage, corrosion or leaks
• Checking the flue route and termination, including the joints where accessible, and that inspection hatches are present where required
• Removing the burner and cleaning the heat exchanger and burner where the manufacturer specifies it, or where the combustion readings show it is needed
• Checking and cleaning the condensate trap, and confirming the condensate pipe is clear and correctly routed
• Checking the gas supply pressure and the gas rate at the appliance
• Flue gas analysis with a calibrated analyser, comparing the readings with the manufacturer's tolerances
• Testing the flame supervision device and other safety controls
• Checking the expansion vessel charge and the system pressure
• Checking the pump, diverter valve, ignition and electrodes, and the operation of the room thermostat and programmer
• A tightness test on the gas installation where required
• Recording the readings and leaving a written service record

What It Does Not Include

A service does not include repairs. If the engineer finds a fault, they will tell you what it is and what it will cost to put right, and get your agreement before doing anything further. It also does not include a system flush, or work on radiators and valves elsewhere in the house, though we are happy to look at those while we are there. For a rented property, the landlord gas safety check is a separate task that we can carry out in the same visit; see our page on the landlord gas safety certificate.

How Long It Takes

Allow 45 minutes to an hour for a combi boiler. Older boilers, back boilers and appliances that need the heat exchanger cleaning take longer. If the engineer finds something that needs attention we will tell you before extending the visit.

What You Receive

A written service record, the Benchmark logbook updated if you have it, and plain advice on anything the readings showed. If the boiler is found to be unsafe, the engineer is required to tell you, attach a warning label and, with your permission, disconnect it until it is repaired.

Booking a Service in Scunthorpe

We service all major makes including Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Baxi, Ideal and Viessmann, across Scunthorpe and North Lincolnshire, whether or not we installed the boiler. Late summer or early autumn is the best time, before the heating season starts. If the boiler has been losing pressure, read our page on boilers losing pressure before the visit so you can describe the pattern. See the boiler servicing and repair page, call 01724 304 304, or use the contact form to book.

Frequently Asked Questions