UK households have been warned that they could lose heating as Brits are bracing for Storm Goretti.
British Gas is expecting 60,000 callouts as the country will be hit with freezing temperatures and 20cm of snow.
As temperatures are expected to drop to below zero overnight, households might encounter issues like frozen pipes, boiler pressure drops and timer resets.
If you wake up without heating during the storm, there are steps you can take before calling an engineer.
Joanna Flowers, a British Gas service and repair engineer, said:”If you wake up and your heating isn’t working during a cold snap like this, don’t panic.
“Check all the basics, check for frozen pipes, check for a burst pipe, check your boiler settings.
“Look at the pressure gauge on the front of your boiler, it should sit between 1 and 1.5. If it’s below 1 bar, the pressure is too low and the system needs re‑pressurising.”
If resetting your boiler doesn’t work, then check for a frozen condensate pipe.
If it’s covered with ice, then slowly pour hot (but not boiling) water over it and cover it with a hot water bottle.
If you suspect a burst pipe, look for water marks on walls and floors, and turn off the water supply.
Drain the system by opening all taps and keep the supply off until an engineer arrives.
The energy provider added: “If you try all these steps and your heating still isn’t working, or if you’re not confident doing these checks yourself, call us and if you call before 11am, one of our engineers will be with you the same day.”
