In short
A manufacturer's boiler warranty usually covers faults in the boiler itself, parts and labour, for a set number of years. It normally does not cover damage from sludge, frost, system leaks or controls it did not supply. It depends on registering the boiler and an annual service by a Gas Safe engineer.
Who gives the warranty?
The boiler warranty, sometimes called a guarantee, comes from the manufacturer, not the installer. The installer's own workmanship guarantee is separate, so ask about both. The warranty belongs to you as the householder, which means it is ultimately your responsibility to make sure it is registered.
What is usually covered?
- Faults in the boiler caused by a defect in manufacture, such as a failed part inside the boiler.
- Replacement parts and the manufacturer's engineer's labour to fit them, under many warranties.
- Sometimes particular items for longer, such as the heat exchanger, depending on the brand.
Warranty lengths commonly run from five to ten years or more, depending on the brand and model. Read the actual terms for the model you are offered, not the headline figure.
What is usually not covered?
Exact exclusions vary, but many warranties do not cover:
- damage caused by sludge, debris or scale in the system water;
- a frozen condensate pipe;
- leaks or pressure loss from radiators, valves or pipework elsewhere in the system;
- controls, thermostats or other parts the manufacturer did not supply;
- faults caused by incorrect installation, or by someone not qualified working on the boiler.
How do I keep my boiler warranty valid?
- Register it. Benchmark's terms say the warranty must be registered with the manufacturer by the installer or the householder within 30 days of installation.
- Service it every year. Benchmark's terms say the boiler must be serviced annually in line with the manufacturer's instructions by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If annual servicing is not done, the warranty will be limited to 12 months from installation.
- Keep the records. The commissioning checklist and each service record are your proof. They are now usually kept digitally through the Benchmark app.
- Meet any extra conditions, such as a magnetic filter or a cleaned and inhibited system, if the manufacturer asks for them.
What should I do if my boiler breaks down under warranty?
Contact the manufacturer first with the model, serial number, installation date and service history. They will usually send their own engineer or authorise a repair. If you call an independent engineer first, check with the manufacturer whether that affects your claim.
What CombiCert would check
We confirm the manufacturer, model and warranty length on the paperwork, explain what the warranty covers (and what it does not), and whether an annual service is needed to keep it valid. If we fit the boiler, we register it with the manufacturer as part of the job.
When to call a Gas Safe engineer
Annual servicing is the main thing that keeps a warranty alive, and it must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Never let anyone unregistered work on the boiler, and never open the case yourself. If the boiler is leaking, showing a fault code or you smell gas, stop using it and get help.
See also: how often should a boiler be serviced? and boiler servicing questions.
Need a hand? CombiCert in Telford
CombiCert Ltd is a Gas Safe registered (621146) gas and heating company based at The Old School House, Park Lane, Telford TF3 4TG, working across Telford and Shropshire for homes and businesses. We are open Monday to Saturday, 08:00 to 19:45 (closed Sunday).
Boiler services from £90 + VAT. New boilers from £1,750 inc VAT for a basic like-for-like installation, subject to a site inspection.
See Boiler servicing in Telford, or call or WhatsApp 07393 220694, or email hello@combicert.co.uk.
We cover Telford and nearby, including Wellington, Madeley, Dawley, Oakengates, Shifnal, Newport, Ironbridge and Shrewsbury.
Sources
Frequently asked questions
Does missing a boiler service void the warranty?
It can. Benchmark's terms say the boiler must be serviced every year by a Gas Safe registered engineer in line with the manufacturer's instructions, and if that is not done the warranty is limited to 12 months from installation. Check your own warranty terms, and book the service before its due date.
Who registers my boiler warranty?
Usually the installer does it when they complete the commissioning checklist, but the warranty belongs to you. Benchmark's terms say it must be registered with the manufacturer within 30 days of installation, by the installer or the householder. Ask your installer to confirm it has been done, and keep the confirmation.
Does a boiler warranty cover radiators and pipework?
Normally no. A manufacturer's boiler warranty covers the boiler it made. Leaks from radiators, valves or pipework, and problems caused by sludge in the system, are usually outside it. Your installer's workmanship guarantee may cover their own pipework for a period, so ask what it includes.
Is boiler cover the same as a boiler warranty?
No. A warranty comes free with the boiler from the manufacturer, with conditions such as annual servicing. Boiler cover is an insurance or service plan you pay for monthly, from an energy company or insurer, and may include the wider heating system. Read what each actually includes before paying for cover.
This answer is general information, not a substitute for an on-site assessment by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you smell gas, call 0800 111 999.