Boiler Repair Cost Estimator
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Safety Warning
WARNING: If you smell gas (rotten egg odor) or suspect carbon monoxide:
- Immediately turn off gas supply at main valve
- Open all windows and doors
- Leave your home immediately
- Call Emergency Services (111) from a safe location
Do not attempt repairs yourself. Gas leaks can cause explosions or carbon monoxide poisoning.
If your boiler suddenly stops working in the middle of a Wellington winter, you don’t need to guess who to call. You need a clear, fast answer - and you need it now. The cold doesn’t wait, and neither should your repair plan. This isn’t about theory. It’s about what actually happens when your radiators go cold, your hot water cuts out, and you’re left shivering in your own home.
First, check the basics - before you call anyone
Before you start dialing repair services, take two minutes to rule out simple fixes. Most boiler failures aren’t complex. They’re just overlooked.- Check your thermostat. Is it turned on? Is it set above room temperature? Sometimes it’s been accidentally switched to "off" or set to "eco mode".
- Look at the boiler’s display. Many modern boilers show error codes like E1, F2, or L2. Write it down. That code tells a technician exactly where to start.
- Check the pressure gauge. Most boilers need pressure between 1.0 and 1.5 bar. If it’s below 0.5, you likely need to repressurise the system. Most manuals show how to do this in under five minutes using the filling loop.
- Reset the boiler. Turn it off at the wall, wait 60 seconds, then turn it back on. This clears minor faults in 70% of cases.
- Check if the pilot light is out. On older boilers, a blown pilot light means no heat. Relighting it often fixes the issue - if you know how.
If none of these steps work, you’re past the DIY zone. That’s when you need to call a professional - and not just any handyman.
Call a Gas Safe registered technician (or NZ equivalent)
In New Zealand, there’s no official "Gas Safe" label like in the UK, but the rules are just as strict. Only a licensed gas fitter can legally work on gas boilers. This isn’t optional. Gas leaks, carbon monoxide, and improper venting kill people every year.Look for technicians with:
- Registration with the Gas Safe Register (if they’re UK-trained) or New Zealand Plumbers, Gasfitters and Drainlayers Board (PGDB) certification.
- Specific experience with your boiler brand - Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Baxi, or Ideal.
- Clear evidence of public liability insurance. Ask for it. If they hesitate, walk away.
Don’t trust someone who shows up with a toolbox and no ID. A real technician carries a wallet-sized card with their license number and photo. You can verify it online at pgdb.govt.nz.
Emergency? Call a 24/7 boiler repair service
If your boiler dies overnight, on a weekend, or during a storm, you need someone who answers at 2 a.m. Not all repair companies offer this. Many only work 9 to 5, Monday to Friday - which is useless when your house is freezing.Here’s what to look for in an emergency service:
- Guaranteed response time under 2 hours (most reputable ones offer this).
- No extra "emergency fee" - some charge double, others don’t. Ask upfront.
- Clear pricing. Avoid companies that say "we’ll see what’s wrong and then quote." That’s how you get a $1,200 bill for a £5 sensor.
In Wellington, companies like Thermal Solutions, Heating Plus NZ, and Boiler Care Wellington have 24/7 lines. Save their numbers in your phone now - don’t wait until your boiler fails.
What to expect when the technician arrives
A good technician won’t just "look at it." They’ll follow a process.- Ask you what happened - when it stopped, if you heard noises, if the error code changed.
- Check the flue and ventilation. Blocked flues cause carbon monoxide buildup - a silent killer.
- Test the gas supply pressure. Low pressure = weak flame = no heat.
- Inspect the heat exchanger. Cracks here mean the boiler must be replaced - not repaired.
- Check the pump, thermostat, and pressure sensor. These are the top three failure points in NZ boilers.
They should show you the problem before quoting. If they say "it’s broken" without showing you the cracked part or the faulty sensor, get a second opinion.
Repair or replace? The 5-year rule
If your boiler is older than 10 years, and the repair cost is over $500, you’re probably better off replacing it. Why?- Old boilers are 70-75% efficient. New ones are 90-95%.
- Parts for discontinued models are hard to find. A technician might need to order them from overseas - adding weeks to your wait.
- Government rebates in New Zealand (like the Warm Up New Zealand scheme) can cover up to $2,000 of a new system if you qualify.
Even if you can’t afford a new boiler now, ask the technician about interest-free payment plans. Many offer 12- or 24-month options with no upfront cost.
What not to do
Don’t try to fix it yourself with YouTube videos. Gas appliances aren’t like washing machines. A wrong move can leak gas, cause an explosion, or fill your home with carbon monoxide - a colourless, odourless poison.
Don’t ignore strange smells. A rotten egg smell means gas is leaking. Turn off the gas at the main valve, open windows, leave the house, and call the gas company immediately. Don’t use your phone inside - sparks can ignite gas.
Don’t hire someone who shows up in an unmarked van with no logo. Legit companies invest in branding because they want to be found again.
Prevent this from happening again
The best boiler repair is the one you never need. Here’s how to avoid next winter’s crisis:- Get your boiler serviced once a year. Most manufacturers void warranties if you skip this.
- Install a carbon monoxide alarm near your boiler. It’s not just smart - it’s required in rental properties under NZ law.
- Keep the area around your boiler clear. No boxes, towels, or cleaning supplies stacked on top.
- Check the pressure gauge monthly. If it drops often, you have a leak.
- Set your thermostat to 18°C overnight. Constantly turning it on and off strains the system.
Boilers last 10-15 years if maintained. Skip the service, and you’re gambling with your safety - and your wallet.
Frequently Asked Questions
What should I do if my boiler has no power at all?
First, check your circuit breaker. If it’s tripped, reset it. If the boiler still won’t turn on, the issue could be a blown fuse inside the unit or a faulty control board. Don’t open the boiler casing yourself - this requires a licensed gas fitter. Call a professional immediately if resetting the breaker doesn’t work.
Can I use my boiler if it’s leaking water?
No. A water leak can mean a cracked heat exchanger, a loose pipe, or a failed pump seal. Running the boiler while leaking risks electrical shorts, mold growth, or structural damage to your floors. Turn off the boiler and the water supply to it, then call a technician. Even a small drip can turn into a major repair if ignored.
Why does my boiler keep turning off after a few minutes?
This is usually a safety shutdown triggered by overheating, low water pressure, or a blocked flue. The boiler detects a problem and shuts down to prevent damage. Check the pressure gauge first. If it’s normal, the issue could be a faulty thermostat, a dirty filter, or a failing pump. A technician will test each component to find the root cause.
Is it cheaper to repair or replace an old boiler?
If your boiler is over 10 years old and the repair costs more than half the price of a new unit, replacement is usually the better choice. New boilers are more efficient, quieter, and come with warranties. Plus, you may qualify for government subsidies like the Warm Up New Zealand scheme, which can cover up to $2,000 of the cost. Repairs on old boilers often lead to more breakdowns - you’ll pay more in the long run.
How long does a boiler repair usually take?
Simple fixes - like resetting pressure or replacing a thermostat - take under an hour. More complex issues, like replacing a heat exchanger or fixing a gas valve, can take 3 to 5 hours. If parts need to be ordered, the job may take 1 to 3 days. Always ask for a time estimate before the technician starts.
Next steps: What to do right now
Don’t wait for your boiler to break. Do this today:
- Find your boiler’s make and model. Write it down and save it in your phone.
- Locate your boiler’s emergency shut-off valve and gas main valve. Know where they are.
- Save the number of one trusted boiler repair company in your area. Don’t rely on Google when it’s -2°C and your house is cold.
- Check your carbon monoxide alarm battery. Replace it if it’s older than a year.
- Book your annual boiler service. Do it before winter hits.
Your boiler isn’t just a machine. It’s your warmth, your safety, and your comfort. Treat it like it matters - because it does.
