No heating or hot water
Boilers that won’t fire up, lock out or show an error code, and radiators or taps that stay cold.
Boiler Repair in Reading
Boiler not firing, losing pressure or showing an error code? Compare quotes from up to 3 vetted, Gas Safe registered engineers in Reading.
- Reviews from real, invoiced jobs
- Vetted local trades
- Free for homeowners
Boiler problems we can help with
Pressure, leaks and noises
Pressure that keeps dropping, drips from the boiler or pipework, and banging, kettling or whistling.
Parts and controls
Faulty fans, pumps, diverter valves, PCBs and thermostats, and frozen condensate pipes in winter.
Boiler repairs are not a DIY job. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer can work on a gas boiler, so don’t DIY, and ask to see the engineer’s Gas Safe ID card before they start. If you smell gas, leave the property, turn off the gas at the meter if it’s safe to do so, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.
A few simple checks before you book can sometimes save a call-out. Look at the pressure gauge. Most sealed systems should read between about 1 and 1.5 bar when the heating is cold. If it’s below 1, your boiler manual will show how to top it up. Check the thermostat and timer haven’t lost their settings after a power cut, and that the gas is on at your other appliances. Note down any fault code on the display, as it helps the engineer bring the right parts.
In a cold snap, one of the most common faults is a frozen condensate pipe. Modern condensing boilers drain acidic water through a plastic pipe, and where it runs outside it can freeze and shut the boiler down. You may hear gurgling before the boiler locks out. Pouring warm water, not boiling, over the outside section often clears it. An engineer can reroute or insulate the pipe so it doesn’t happen again.
Reading’s hard water causes its own faults. Limescale builds up in the plate heat exchanger that heats the hot water in a combi, so the hot water may run lukewarm or swing between hot and cold while the heating works fine. On older systems, sludge from corroding radiators can block the pump and the main heat exchanger. That’s why engineers often recommend a magnetic filter and a system flush after a repair.
Once the engineer has found the fault, ask for a written price for the part and labour before they go ahead. Check whether your boiler is still under the maker’s warranty, as the manufacturer may send its own engineer if the boiler has been serviced every year. If the boiler is more than 12 to 15 years old and needs a major part, such as a new heat exchanger, ask for a replacement price too, so you can compare the two.
If you have no heating or hot water and there’s a baby, an older person or someone unwell at home, say so when you post your job. Reviews on Trade Pilot come from real, invoiced jobs, so you can see how other homeowners rated an engineer’s repairs.
Typical prices
| Job | Typical UK range | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Safe engineer, per hour | £50–£80 | Many charge a call-out that covers the first hour and diagnosis |
| Frozen or leaking condensate pipe | £80–£200 | Rerouting or insulating the pipe costs more |
| Pump or diverter valve replacement | £250–£450 | Includes the part and labour |
| Fan replacement | £200–£400 | Depends on the boiler make |
| PCB (circuit board) replacement | £300–£550 | Genuine manufacturer parts cost more |
| Heat exchanger replacement | £400–£750 | On an older boiler, get a replacement quote to compare |
Typical UK ranges; your quotes depend on the job and access.
How it works
- 1
Tell us about the job
Check your Reading postcode and describe what you need. Photos help.
- 2
Get up to 3 quotes
Up to 3 vetted local trades who cover your part of Reading can quote.
- 3
Compare and choose
Read reviews from their real, invoiced jobs, compare the quotes, and choose who to invite round. Or choose no one.
How Trade Pilot helps you hire in Reading
Vetted local trades
We check every engineer before they can quote. Always ask to see a Gas Safe ID card before work starts.
Reviews from real jobs
Reviews on Trade Pilot are tied to invoiced jobs, so you’re reading about work that was actually done and paid for.
Free, with no obligation
Posting a job and getting up to 3 quotes is free for homeowners. You choose who to invite round, or no one at all.
Frequently Asked Questions
Most repairs cost £150 to £450 including parts and labour. Major parts such as a circuit board or heat exchanger can cost £300 to £750. Gas Safe engineers usually charge £50 to £80 an hour.
It’s usually a small leak on the heating system, a faulty pressure relief valve or an expansion vessel that needs recharging. You can top up the pressure yourself, but if it keeps dropping, book an engineer.
On a combi, it’s often a sticking diverter valve or a scaled-up plate heat exchanger. Both are common in hard-water areas such as Reading, and both are repairable.
For a small part on a well-maintained boiler, usually yes. If the boiler is 12 to 15 years old and needs an expensive part, compare the repair price with the cost of a new boiler first.
Only if they’re also Gas Safe registered. Always check the Gas Safe ID card, and the back of it, to confirm they’re qualified to work on boilers.
Turn the boiler off, isolate the water if you can, and catch the drips. Don’t take the casing off. Book a Gas Safe registered engineer to find the cause.
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