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No Hot Water? Here's What to Check First

If your boiler isn't producing hot water, the cause could be anything from low pressure to a faulty component. Before calling an engineer, there are a few simple checks you can carry out safely. This guide explains the most common causes and when professional help is recommended.
Keystone London plumber repairing a shower in a London home

Why Is My Boiler Not Producing Hot Water?

A drop in pressure doesn't always mean there's a major problem. These are the most common causes.

Low Boiler Pressure

If your boiler pressure drops below the recommended level, it may not be able to produce hot water efficiently. Repressurising the system can often resolve the issue.

Faulty Diverter Valve

On combi boilers, the diverter valve directs hot water to your taps or radiators. If it becomes stuck or fails, you may have heating but no hot water.

Thermostat or Controls Issue

Incorrect thermostat settings or faulty controls can prevent your boiler from heating water properly, even if the boiler itself is working.

Frozen Condensate Pipe

During cold weather, the condensate pipe can freeze and block the boiler's operation, stopping it from producing hot water until it's thawed.

Boiler Fault or Error Code

A fault with an internal component, such as the heat exchanger, pump or ignition system, may cause your boiler to stop producing hot water. An error code is often displayed on the boiler.

Water Supply Problem

If your mains water supply is interrupted or the stop valve is closed, your boiler may not receive enough water to produce hot water at your taps.

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Related guides

High Boiler Pressure

No Heating

No Hot Water

Things you can check

Check Boiler Pressure

Check Thermostat

Reset The Boiler

Check Error Codes

Check Water Supply

Call An Engineer

When Should You Call an Engineer?

  • No hot water after resetting the boiler
  • Boiler displays repeated fault codes
  • Boiler is leaking
  • Pressure keeps dropping
  • Boiler won't ignite

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Our team is here to help with any boiler problems, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.
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Can You Prevent Hot Water Problems?

Annual Boiler Service

Monitor Boiler Pressure

Repair Leaks Promptly

Protect Frozen Pipes

Address Fault Codes Early

Frequently asked questions

If you can't find the answer to your question here, please don't hesitate to contact us for further assistance.

If your boiler is running but your taps only produce cold water, the issue could be low boiler pressure, a faulty diverter valve, thermostat settings or an internal boiler fault. Check the pressure gauge and look for any error codes on the display. If the problem continues after these basic checks, it's best to arrange an inspection with a Gas Safe engineer.

This is a common sign of a faulty diverter valve in a combi boiler. The valve controls whether hot water is sent to your radiators or your taps. If it becomes stuck or fails, your heating may continue to work while your hot water stops. A qualified engineer can diagnose and replace the faulty component if required.

Yes. If your boiler pressure falls below the recommended level, your boiler may stop producing hot water or fail to operate correctly. Most boilers work best between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold. If you're unsure how to repressurise your system, consult your boiler manual or contact a Gas Safe engineer.

Resetting your boiler can sometimes clear a temporary fault and restore your hot water. However, if the problem returns or the boiler continues displaying an error code, avoid repeatedly resetting it. Persistent faults should be professionally diagnosed to prevent further damage.

Fluctuating water temperatures can be caused by a faulty thermostat, a blocked plate heat exchanger, low water pressure or a failing diverter valve. If the problem occurs regularly, your boiler should be inspected to identify the underlying cause.

In most cases, a boiler that isn't producing hot water isn't immediately dangerous, but you shouldn't ignore the problem. If you notice water leaks, unusual noises, a smell of gas or repeated fault codes, switch the boiler off and contact a Gas Safe engineer immediately.

The cost depends on what's causing the problem. Simple issues, such as repressurising the system, may take only a short visit, while replacing components like a diverter valve or pump will cost more. After diagnosing the fault, a qualified engineer can provide an accurate quotation before carrying out any repairs.

If you've checked your boiler pressure, thermostat settings and power supply but still have no hot water, it's time to call a Gas Safe engineer. You should also seek professional help if your boiler is leaking, displaying repeated fault codes, making unusual noises or repeatedly losing pressure.

Yes. Keystone's Gas Safe engineers diagnose and repair a wide range of boiler faults, including no hot water, low pressure, diverter valve failures, faulty thermostats and boiler error codes. We provide fast, reliable boiler repairs across London to help restore your heating and hot water as quickly as possible.

Many boiler problems can be prevented through regular servicing and routine maintenance. An annual boiler service helps identify worn components, pressure issues and developing faults before they lead to a complete loss of hot water. Keeping your heating system well maintained can also improve efficiency and extend the lifespan of your boiler.

Before booking a repair, check that your boiler has power, the pressure gauge reads between 1 and 1.5 bar, the thermostat is set correctly, your stop valve is open and there are no obvious fault codes displayed. If these checks don't restore your hot water, professional diagnosis is recommended. This can help identify the fault quickly and avoid unnecessary downtime.

Need an Emergency Boiler Engineer?

Fast, reliable boiler repairs from experienced Gas Safe engineers across London.

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