For rural Devon homeowners with oil heating systems, an unexpected boiler breakdown can be more than just an inconvenience—it can leave you without heat or hot water when you need it most. While oil boilers are generally reliable, they can develop issues that disrupt your comfort and daily routine. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk through the most common oil boiler problems, explain why they happen, and provide practical solutions to get your heating system back up and running.
Emergency Oil Boiler Repairs: If you're experiencing an oil boiler emergency in Devon, call our experienced oil heating engineers on 07766 501664. We offer a fast £65 callout service with qualified technicians available throughout Devon.
Oil Boiler Lockout: Why It Happens and How to Reset
A boiler lockout is a safety feature that shuts down your heating system when it detects a potential problem. It's one of the most common issues Devon homeowners experience with oil boilers, especially in rural properties.
Common Causes of Oil Boiler Lockout
- Fuel supply issues – Low oil levels or blocked fuel lines (common in Devon's older properties)
- Ignition failure – Faulty electrodes or ignition components
- Air in oil lines – Often occurs after an oil delivery or system service
- Pump or burner problems – Mechanical failures in crucial components
- Thermostat issues – Incorrect settings or faulty temperature controls
- Water pressure too low – Particularly in Devon's hard water areas
How to Reset Your Oil Boiler After a Lockout
- Wait 5-10 minutes after the lockout occurs (this allows safety systems to reset)
- Locate the reset button on your boiler (usually red and clearly marked)
- Press and hold the button for 5-10 seconds until you hear a click
- Release the button and wait for the boiler to cycle through its startup sequence
- Check if normal operation has resumed
Note: Different boiler models (like Grant, Worcester, or Warmflow) may have slightly different reset procedures. Always refer to your owner's manual.
Important: If your oil boiler locks out repeatedly after resetting, do not continue to reset it. This indicates an underlying problem that requires professional attention. Multiple resets can damage components or create unsafe conditions.
Oil Boiler Flame Failure: Causes and Solutions
Flame failure occurs when your oil boiler's burner ignites but then cuts out before heating your system properly. It's particularly common in rural Devon properties that experience variable wind conditions or have older heating systems.
Why Flame Failures Occur
Fuel-Related Causes
- Contaminated or poor quality oil
- Water in the oil tank (common after heavy Devon rainfall)
- Blocked fuel filter or oil line
- Low oil levels causing air in the supply line
Component Causes
- Faulty photocell (flame sensor)
- Dirty or worn burner nozzle
- Incorrect air settings
- Malfunctioning oil pump
Devon-Specific Weather Challenges
Rural Devon properties often face unique challenges that can trigger flame failures:
- Strong wind conditions affecting flue performance
- Excessive moisture in coastal areas causing electrode issues
- Temperature extremes affecting oil viscosity
DIY Troubleshooting Steps
- Check your oil level - A simple but often overlooked cause
- Inspect your oil tank - Look for water condensation or contamination
- Examine external flue - Ensure it's not blocked or damaged by weather
- Reset your boiler - Following the procedure in the previous section
Professional Solution: Flame failures often require professional diagnosis. Our Oil Boiler-Repairing engineers can clean photocells, replace nozzles, adjust air settings, and properly bleed your system. We carry common replacement parts for all major oil boiler brands found in Devon homes.
Visual Guide: Identifying Common Oil Boiler Problems
Being able to visually identify issues with your oil boiler can help you explain problems to engineers and potentially prevent minor issues from becoming major repairs. The following images show some of the most common oil boiler problems encountered in Devon homes.
Component Failures
Burner Problems
Pipework Leaks
Click or tap on any image to enlarge and view more details. If you're experiencing any of these issues with your oil boiler, contact our Exeter-based heating engineers for professional assistance.
Leaking Oil Boiler: Causes and Emergency Solutions
A leaking oil boiler requires immediate attention. The type of leak determines both the urgency and the solution - oil leaks present environmental concerns, while water leaks can cause component damage.
Identifying Different Leaks
Oil Leaks
- Strong fuel odor
- Oil puddles/stains around boiler or tank
- Visible damage to oil line or fittings
- Oil burner runs but cycles off frequently
IMMEDIATE ACTION NEEDED - Environmental hazard
Water Leaks
- Water pooling under or around the boiler
- Pressure gauge showing low reading
- Corrosion on pipes or boiler casing
- Water dripping from specific components
PROMPT ACTION NEEDED - Prevents component damage
Common Causes of Oil Boiler Leaks
- Worn pump seals - Common in older Devon oil boilers (5+ years)
- Damaged oil supply lines - Often caused by wildlife or weather damage in rural installations
- Corroded heat exchanger - Particularly in hard water areas of Devon
- Loose pipe connections - Can develop over time due to temperature fluctuations
- Faulty pressure relief valve - Often activates due to excessive pressure
- Condensation issues - Common in high-efficiency oil boilers in Devon's damp climate
Emergency Steps for Oil Leaks
- Turn off the boiler using the emergency switch or isolator
- Close the oil supply valve between the tank and boiler if safe to do so
- Ventilate the area by opening windows and doors
- Contain small spills with absorbent materials (never use water)
- Call a professional oil heating engineer immediately - Do not attempt repairs
- Report significant spills to the Environment Agency on 0800 80 70 60
Oil Boiler Leak Emergency?
Our professional oil heating engineers are available throughout Devon with fast response times for oil boiler leaks.
Call 07766 501664
£65 emergency callout fee includes initial assessment
Frequently Asked Questions About Oil Boilers
How much does an oil boiler service cost in Devon?
In Devon, standard oil boiler services typically cost between £85-£120, depending on your boiler model and location. At Absolute Plumbing & Heating, we offer comprehensive oil boiler servicing with fixed pricing and no hidden costs. Emergency oil boiler callouts have a fixed fee of £65, with hourly rates of £75-85 during business hours and £90-110 for evenings/weekends.
How often should oil boilers be serviced in Devon's climate?
In Devon's often damp and humid climate, oil boilers should be serviced annually at minimum. For properties in coastal or particularly exposed rural areas, we recommend considering a mid-season check as well. Regular maintenance is essential to prevent issues with water contamination in fuel tanks and corrosion of external components that are common in Devon's maritime climate.
Why does my oil boiler keep losing pressure?
Oil boilers losing pressure in Devon homes is commonly caused by:
- Water leaks in the heating system pipework (common in older Devon properties)
- Faulty pressure relief valve
- Expansion vessel problems
- Air in the system (particularly after refilling)
- Corroded internal components (accelerated by Devon's sometimes humid climate)
While you can top up the pressure yourself following your boiler's manual, recurring pressure loss indicates an underlying issue that requires professional investigation.
Is it normal for oil boilers to smell?
No, properly functioning oil boilers should not produce strong odors. Oil smells typically indicate:
- Fuel leaks in the supply line
- Improper combustion
- Blocked flue or ventilation issues
- Deteriorated seals or gaskets
If you notice oil smells, turn off your boiler and call a qualified oil heating engineer immediately. Oil leaks are not only unpleasant but can be dangerous and environmentally harmful, especially in Devon's sensitive rural environments.
How long do oil boilers typically last in Devon homes?
Well-maintained oil boilers in Devon homes typically last 15-20 years. However, several factors can affect lifespan:
- Maintenance frequency (annual servicing extends lifespan)
- Installation quality
- Boiler brand and model
- Usage patterns
- Environmental factors (coastal salt air can accelerate deterioration)
If your oil boiler is over 15 years old and experiencing frequent problems, it may be more economical to consider replacement rather than continuing repairs. Modern condensing oil boilers can be up to 30% more efficient than older models, potentially saving significant fuel costs over time.
