Oil Boiler Servicing
Oil-fired boilers work hard in rural homes off the gas main, and they need their own kind of care. Pro Plumbers is OFTEC registered and carries out annual oil boiler services across Kent, paying attention to the burner, the fuel supply and the combustion that a gas-focused service does not cover.
ABOUT THIS SERVICE
Why oil boilers need a different service
An oil boiler burns kerosene through a pressurised jet, so its health depends on a clean nozzle, a free-flowing filter and a burner that is set up correctly. Over a year, small deposits build up, filters collect sludge from the fuel and seals age. Left alone, this can lead to sooting, smells, poor efficiency and lockouts on the first cold morning of winter. An annual service by an OFTEC registered technician keeps the burner clean, the combustion correct and the controls responding as they should.
Minimum charge £90 + VAT, including the first hour on site. Larger jobs get a fixed, no-obligation price.
OUR PROCESS
How It Works
01
Book before the cold weather
Late summer and early autumn are the best times, so any worn part is found before you rely on the heating every day.
02
Prepare for the visit
Clear access to the boiler, make sure there is oil in the tank and note any smells, smoke or sooting you have seen.
03
Service and record
The engineer works through the burner, fuel supply, flue and controls, then leaves a service record of the checks and readings.
BENEFITS
What an OFTEC service brings
OFTEC registration
Oil-fired appliances are checked by a registered technician who knows how burners and fuel supplies behave.
Problems caught early
A partly blocked filter or worn seal is far easier to deal with during a planned visit than in a midwinter breakdown.
A written record
The service record lists the work done and readings taken, which is useful for manufacturer warranty conditions and when selling a house.
Inside the burner
The burner is the heart of the service. The engineer removes it for cleaning, replaces the nozzle where needed, checks the electrodes and ignition, and inspects the fan and air settings. Minor consumables such as seals and the nozzle are replaced if worn. The combustion chamber and heat exchanger are cleaned of deposits so heat passes into the water efficiently.
Fuel supply at the boiler
Oil reaches the burner through a supply line and filter. The filter at the boiler is checked and cleaned or renewed, and the connections at the appliance are inspected for weeps or damage. The oil tank itself remains the owner's responsibility; if the engineer notices anything that gives cause for concern, it is noted on the record so you can follow it up.
Combustion test and flue
Once everything is reassembled, the boiler is fired and a combustion test is carried out with an analyser. The readings show whether the fuel is burning cleanly and efficiently, and the burner is adjusted if necessary. The flue is checked to make sure products of combustion are leaving the house safely.
Controls and safety devices
The programmer, thermostats and boiler safety controls are tested to confirm the appliance starts, runs and shuts down as it should. Any fault that needs more than minor parts is explained, and a separate price is given before further work is done.
Booking your oil boiler service
Call 01732 444555 or request a quote to book. Visits are charged from our minimum charge of £90 + VAT, including the first hour on site. Our boiler service plans run at £10, £20 and £28 per month; see the plans page for what each includes. If your boiler is nearing the end of its life, our Oil Boiler Installation page explains replacement.
Helpful guides
OUR ACCREDITATIONS
Rated 9.88 from 159 reviewsWhat Our Customers Say
“No hard sell which I really appreciated and a fair callout charge.”
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should an oil boiler be serviced?
Once a year is the usual advice, and many manufacturers make it a condition of their warranty.
Do I need to be home during the service?
Someone needs to give access and make sure the boiler and its surroundings are clear. You can carry on as normal while the work is done.
My boiler smells of oil and leaves soot. Should I wait for the annual service?
No. Smells or sooting suggest a problem with combustion or the fuel supply, so call us to arrange a repair visit.
What should I do if the boiler locks out before its service?
Do not keep pressing reset. Note any fault light or code and call us; our Boiler Breakdown and Boiler Repair pages explain how we help when an oil boiler stops working.
What if a part needs replacing?
Minor worn items are replaced during the service. Anything larger is explained and priced before we carry out the work.
Oil Boiler Servicing Near You
Fast Callouts, 7 Days a Week
Minimum charge £90 + VAT, including the first hour on site. Larger jobs get a fixed, no-obligation price.