Do Plumbers Handle Boilers? What You Need to Know Before Calling for Help
Boiler Technician Verification Tool
Verify Your Boiler Technician's Qualifications
Ensure the person working on your boiler has valid gasfitter certification. In New Zealand, only licensed gasfitters can legally service boilers.
Why This Matters
Only licensed gasfitters can safely work on gas appliances. Unqualified technicians risk:
- Gas leaks
- Carbon monoxide poisoning
- Fire hazards
- Voided warranties
Always ask for proof of Gas Safe certification before anyone touches your boiler.
If your boiler stops working in the middle of winter, you don’t have time to figure out who to call. You just need heat. But here’s the real question: plumbers handle boilers? The answer isn’t simple. Some do. Some don’t. And calling the wrong person could leave you cold - or worse, unsafe.
Not all plumbers are trained for boilers
Plumbing and boiler work used to go hand in hand. Back in the day, the same guy fixed your leaky tap and your old gas boiler. But things changed. Modern boilers are complex systems. They’re not just pipes and water. They’re electronic, gas-fired, pressure-controlled machines that need specific certifications to service safely. In New Zealand, any technician working on gas appliances - including boilers - must be registered with the Gas Safe Register (or its local equivalent, the Licensed Gasfitter certification under the Gas (Safety & Measurement) Regulations 2024). That’s not something every plumber has. A plumber who only works on drains, sinks, and showers might not have the training, tools, or legal permission to touch your boiler.What kind of plumber can fix a boiler?
The right plumber for your boiler is one who calls themselves a gasfitter or heating technician. These professionals have completed extra training beyond standard plumbing. They know how to test gas pressure, check flue gases, diagnose ignition faults, and handle condensate pipe blockages - all things a standard plumber might not have touched. Look for these signs:- Their van says “Gasfitter” or “Heating Specialist” - not just “Plumbing & Drainage”
- They show you a current Gas Safe license or Licensed Gasfitter ID card
- They mention specific boiler brands like Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, or Baxi - not just “I fix all heating”
- They use a combustion analyzer to check exhaust gases - a tool most plumbers don’t carry
What boiler problems do plumbers actually fix?
Even certified gasfitters who also do plumbing only handle certain boiler issues. Here’s what they commonly fix:- Low water pressure - often fixed by repressurizing the system
- Leaking pipes connected to the boiler - like the flow or return pipes
- Blocked condensate pipes - common in winter when they freeze
- Thermostat or pump failures - if they’re part of the plumbing loop
- System flushing to remove sludge - a routine maintenance task
- Electronic control board failures
- Faulty ignition systems or flame sensors
- Gas valve malfunctions
- Heat exchanger cracks
- Boiler error codes like E133, E164, or F22 - unless they’re caused by water pressure
Who else can fix boilers?
You have two main options besides plumbers:- Heating engineers - These specialists focus only on heating systems. They’re trained on boilers, radiators, underfloor heating, and controls. They often work with manufacturers’ warranties and can handle full system replacements.
- Gasfitters - These are the legal professionals allowed to work on gas lines and appliances. Most heating engineers are also licensed gasfitters. This is your safest bet.
What happens if you call the wrong person?
Calling a plumber who doesn’t handle boilers can lead to:- Wasted time - they show up, look at the boiler, and say “I can’t fix this”
- Extra cost - you pay for a service call, then have to call someone else
- Delayed repair - in freezing weather, every hour counts
- Safety risk - if they try to force a fix without proper gas training
How to find the right person for your boiler
Here’s a simple checklist to follow:- Check the boiler brand - search “[Brand] certified technician near me” (e.g., “Worcester Bosch certified technician Auckland”)
- Ask for their gasfitter license number - you can verify it online through the New Zealand Gas Industry Safety Group
- Ask if they carry a combustion analyzer - if they say “no,” they’re not doing full diagnostics
- Read reviews that mention boiler repairs - not just “fixed my sink”
- Ask about response time - boiler emergencies should be handled within 4 hours, not 2 days
Boiler maintenance: Who should do it?
Annual boiler servicing isn’t optional - it’s required by most warranty terms and insurance policies. The best person for this job is a heating engineer or licensed gasfitter. They’ll:- Check gas pressure and combustion efficiency
- Inspect the heat exchanger for cracks
- Test safety devices like thermostats and pressure relief valves
- Flush the system if needed
- Give you a service certificate - needed for insurance claims
When to replace your boiler instead of repairing it
If your boiler is over 10 years old and you’re facing a major repair - like a cracked heat exchanger or failed control board - replacement is often smarter. New A-rated boilers are 30-40% more efficient than models from 2010. That means lower bills and fewer breakdowns. A good heating engineer will tell you if repair is worth it. If they push you to fix a 15-year-old boiler without mentioning replacement options, they’re not looking out for your best interest.Final advice: Don’t guess. Verify.
Your boiler keeps your home warm. It’s not a faucet. Don’t treat it like one. Always ask for proof of gas certification before anyone touches it. Keep the service certificate. Know your boiler’s brand and model number. And if you’re unsure - call a specialist. It’s cheaper to pay a little more for the right person than to pay for a broken pipe, a gas leak, or a house that stays cold all winter.Can any plumber fix a boiler?
No. Only plumbers who are also licensed gasfitters can legally and safely work on boilers. Many plumbers specialize in water pipes and drains and don’t have the training or certification for gas appliances. Always ask to see their gasfitter license before they start work.
What’s the difference between a plumber and a heating engineer?
A plumber works on water systems - sinks, toilets, pipes. A heating engineer works on heating systems - boilers, radiators, thermostats. Many heating engineers are also licensed plumbers, but they’ve taken extra training in gas systems and heating controls. For boiler repairs, you want someone who calls themselves a heating engineer or gasfitter, not just a plumber.
How do I know if my boiler technician is qualified?
Ask them to show their current Licensed Gasfitter ID card. You can verify it online through the New Zealand Gas Industry Safety Group website. Also, check if they use a combustion analyzer - a tool only trained gas technicians carry. If they can’t show proof or don’t mention gas safety, walk away.
Can I fix my boiler myself?
Never. Boilers involve gas, high pressure, and electrical components. Tampering with them is illegal in New Zealand and extremely dangerous. Even simple tasks like checking pressure or resetting error codes should be done by a licensed technician. DIY repairs can cause gas leaks, explosions, or void your warranty.
How often should a boiler be serviced?
Every year. Annual servicing by a licensed gasfitter keeps your boiler running efficiently, prevents breakdowns, and keeps your warranty valid. It also ensures safety - technicians check for carbon monoxide leaks, gas pressure issues, and worn parts that could fail suddenly.
Write a comment