Potterton boilers have been a staple of the heating industry for decades. You can find most households in the UK with one of these boilers. This is because Potterton boilers are known for their reliability and quality, but as with any other product, they come with their own set of problems and fixes that you should be aware of before purchasing one.
In this blog post, we will discuss how many Potterton boilers are currently on the market and what the pros and cons are to each model; we’ll also go over what can cause problems with your boiler and how to fix them!
Common Potterton Boilers Problems
No matter how you take care of your Potterton boiler, there are a few problems that can crop up from time to time. Here are some of the most common:
#1. Low Boiler Pressure
Boiler pressure is measured in pounds per square inch (PSI) and relates to how much steam your boiler can produce. Low boiler pressure means that the steam isn’t being distributed far enough into your radiators, which can lead to slow heat distribution throughout the home or even no heat at all!
When your Potterton boiler’s pressures drop, it will shut off and display the E119 error code. If your boiler drops suddenly, it might be an indication of a major issue, in which case you should call a Gas Safe Engineer as soon as possible. Pressure may be lost, for example, if there is a leak in the system or if radiators have damaged seals or pinholes. However, boiler pressure loss is usually a relatively simple problem to repair without the aid of a trained professional.
Related Post: Boiler Losing Pressure
How to fix it:
This issue usually isn’t too difficult to fix. All you have to do is increase the pressure on your boiler. You can do this by either turning up the heat or, if you have a thermostat, setting it to the maximum. If that doesn’t work, you might need to add more water to your system or even replace one or more of your radiators.
If after increasing the pressure the boiler still does not produce enough heat, it might be because there is a blockage in your system. In this case, you will need to call in a professional to clear the blockage and restore proper function to your boiler.
Related Read: How to Remove a Radiator
#2. Frozen Condensate Pipe
A frozen condensate pipe is a common problem in cold weather, and it can cause your boiler to shut down completely. The condensate pipe is the one that carries wastewater away from your boiler, and if it freezes, the water will back up into the system and could potentially damage your boiler.
When your Potterton boiler’s condensate pipe is frozen, it will show the E133 error code. This is a very serious problem and should be fixed as soon as possible to prevent any further damage to your boiler.
How to fix it:
If this is indeed the case, turn your boiler off and wait until the pipe has thawed before turning it back on. You can also try pouring hot water over the frozen section of the pipe to help melt the ice. If these methods don’t work, you might have to call in a professional to clear the blockage for you.
If your condensate pipe is not blocked, but you are still experiencing problems with your boiler, it might be because the water in your system is too cold. In this case, you can try to warm up the water by turning up the heat or using a hot water bottle.
If none of these methods work and you’re still having trouble with your boiler, call a Gas Safe Engineer to come out and give you a hand!
#3. The Potterton Boiler Is Locking Out or Shutting Down
One common issue that may occur with a Potterton boiler is that it will either lock out or shut down. There are several reasons why your Potterton boiler might be locking out or shut down, such as the temperature being too high, gas leak, electrical fault, or other problems that should only be fixed by a professional Gas Safe Engineer. If your boiler turns itself off and then locks out, this means that there is something wrong with the ignition and you should not attempt to fix it yourself.
Related Post: Boiler Not Igniting
How to fix it:
If your boiler is turning off or locking out, turn it off immediately and call a Gas Safe Engineer. Do not try to fix the problem yourself, as this could be very dangerous. Only a professional can safely diagnose and repair the issue with your Potterton boiler.
If your Potterton boiler has turned off or locked out, chances are that you already know what is wrong with it and how to fix the problem yourself. If this is not the case, however, turn off your system immediately and call for assistance from a Gas Safe Engineer!
#4. The Potterton Boiler Isn’t Giving Any Hot Water
This is a common issue that can occur with the Potterton Boiler. There are several things that you can do to try and fix the issue. The first thing that you should check is the water pressure. If you are only getting lukewarm water at best, this is a sign that your system needs to be serviced and could potentially need repairs.
The flow of hot water from your central heating system to the water outlets is determined by a mechanical component within the boiler. Diversion valves can wear over time, becoming stuck and failing to fully open or just partially opening, causing the flow of hot water to be reduced.
You would also like our article about Why You May Not Have Hot Water from Boiler
How to fix it:
If you are only getting lukewarm water from your boiler, the best solution is usually to have a professional service your system. They will be able to determine if there is anything wrong with the valve and replace it if necessary. You might also need to increase the pressure in your system or even replace one or more of your radiators to increase the flow of hot water.
If you are getting no hot water from your Potterton boiler, there is most likely a problem with the heating system and not enough gas or electricity has been turned on for it to function properly. You can turn up the thermostat if this is the case and check that all controls have been turned on by a professional.
If you are getting no hot water from your Potterton boiler, but the system is working properly and there seems to be enough gas or electricity, call in a Gas Safe Engineer for assistance! You may have faulty internal components that require replacement.
The heating element of your Potterton boiler might need replacing if you are not getting any hot water from it. This is a job for a professional, so if you think this might be the problem, call an engineer and they will be able to help!
#5. The Radiator Is Not Getting Hot
If your radiators are not heating up equally, or if you notice that a radiator in a certain location is not as warm as it should be, there may be too much air in your heating system. Radiators are typically cold at the bottom and, in exceptional cases, all the way to the top. Cold spots are areas where the air is slowing or preventing the circulation of hot water, which might be responsible for this.
The corrosion may be caused by accumulated sludge, which may result from water becoming stagnant and combining with natural metallic debris from the radiator and boiler systems pipes. This sludge might build up in your pipes and cause blockages, preventing the hot water from flowing as it should.
How to fix it:
If you suspect that your central heating system has too much air, it may be time to bleed your radiators. You can simply get a valve key from your local hardware store and lay down some sheets to do this as a DIY project.
To bleed your radiators, you will need to find the bleed valve on the radiator. This is usually a small screw on the top or side of the radiator. By using the valve key, turn the screw until you hear a hissing noise. This is the sound of the air being released. Once the sound has stopped, tighten the screw back up. Repeat this process on all of your radiators. After you have finished bleeding all of your radiators, you should repressurize your Potterton boilers.
Conclusion
In conclusion, if you are having any of the problems listed above with your Potterton boiler, it is important to call in a professional to diagnose and fix the issue. Do not try to fix anything yourself, as you might end up making the problem worse! Leave it to the experts and they will have your system running smoothly in no time. They will be able to help diagnose the problem and fix it quickly and easily! Don’t wait until your heating system fails- take action today!
For other faults for popular boiler brands check out out guides for Baxi, Worcester and Vaillant boilers.
Source:
- Potterton Boiler Problems – Potterton Boilers
- Baxi FAQs – Baxi
- Literature Library – Potterton Commercial