A gas boiler is crucial to many central heating systems, and when it breaks down the repair costs can be quite expensive. If your boiler is more than 15 years old you should immediately look for a replacement boiler, as it’ll probably be operating inefficiently, costing you hundreds of pounds each year.

But if your gas boiler breaks down and you need a repair, ensure you hire a Gas Safety registered engineer. If you don’t, you run the risk of your boiler not being repaired or serviced properly, which is especially dangerous.

Recently a plumber from Milton Keynes was sentenced after working illegally on a gas boiler. Mr Johnson fitted a new boiler into a property, before being called back after reports of banging noises. Johnson left the casing off but the gas supply on, which was classified as “immediately dangerous” by a Gas Safe engineer.

By doing this, Johnson risked the chances of deadly levels of carbon monoxide escaping the boiler and entering the property. Carbon monoxide is an odourless, colourless gas which kills and hospitalises dozens of homeowners every year. The only way to detect carbon monoxide is with a CO alarm and many homes around the country don’t have these fitted.

Unregistered plumbers are a problem the Gas Safe organisation has seen for many years and it puts people at huge risk of boiler faults later down the line. If you’re unsure if a plumber is Gas Safety registered, always ask for identification.

HSE’s Stephen Manley, said: “It is against the law for anyone who is not registered with Gas Safe to carry out work on a gas appliance – and for good reason. When unqualified people try to bypass the law in this way they are not only putting themselves at risk of prosecution, and potentially a large fine or a spell in prison – they are also putting their customers’ lives at risk.

“Working with gas appliances is difficult, specialised and potentially very dangerous. Only engineers who are qualified and registered should attempt it. HSE will not hesitate to prosecute those who break the law in this way.”

If you require boiler repairs or a new boiler entirely, complete our quick quote form. All the companies on our books are vetted professionals and registered with Gas Safe.

Get up to 4 Free Quotes from Combiboiler.net