No Heating But Hot Water Works? Common Causes Explained

Hot Water Is Fine — But Radiators Are Cold?

If your taps run hot but your radiators stay cold, the boiler itself is usually working.

The issue is often within the heating circuit rather than the hot water system.

This is a common fault and can often be traced to controls, valves or circulation problems.

Why This Happens

Most modern systems separate:

  • The hot water circuit
  • The central heating circuit

If one works and the other doesn’t, it usually points to a control or flow issue rather than total boiler failure.

Common Causes

1. Faulty Motorised Valve

Motorised valves control the flow of hot water to radiators.

If the valve fails:

  • Hot water may still work
  • Heating will not activate
  • Radiators remain cold

This is one of the most common causes in system boilers.

2. Circulation Pump Failure

If the pump is not circulating water through the heating system:

  • Boiler fires normally
  • Hot water works
  • Radiators do not heat
  • Pump testing is required to confirm.

3. Thermostat or Programmer Issue

If the thermostat is faulty or incorrectly set:

  • Heating may not trigger
  • Boiler may only respond to hot water demand

Check that:

  • Heating schedule is active
  • Thermostat batteries are working
  • Temperature is set above room level

4. Airlocks in the Heating System

Air trapped in pipework can prevent circulation.

Signs include:
• Gurgling sounds
• Some radiators partially heating
• System slow to respond
• Bleeding radiators may help in minor cases.

5. Sludge or Circulation Blockage

Sludge build-up can restrict flow to radiators.

You may notice:

  • Radiators cold at the bottom
  • Uneven heat distribution
  • System taking longer to warm up
  • System cleaning may be required.

What It Is Not

If hot water works normally, the issue is unlikely to be:

  • Gas supply
  • Complete ignition failure
  • Major boiler shutdown

The boiler is firing — the heat just isn’t reaching the radiators.

Can I Fix It Myself?

You can:

  • Check thermostat settings
  • Replace thermostat batteries
  • Bleed radiators
  • Check pressure (should be 1–1.5 bar)

If heating still does not work, professional diagnosis is recommended.

When to Call an Engineer

Contact a Gas Safe engineer if:

  • Heating will not activate at all
  • The boiler locks out when heating is selected
  • Pressure keeps dropping
  • Valves are not responding
  • You hear unusual pump noises

Correct diagnosis prevents unnecessary part replacement.

Preventing Heating Circuit Issues

To reduce future problems:

  • Service the boiler annually
  • Balance radiators correctly
  • Install a magnetic filter
  • Address pressure drops promptly
  • Flush system if sludge is confirmed
  • Maintenance improves circulation reliability.

Final Advice

If you have hot water but no heating, the issue is usually within the heating controls or circulation system.

It is rarely a complete boiler failure — but it does require proper diagnosis.

Need a Local Boiler or Gas Engineer?

If you require professional heating or gas services, our Gas Safe registered engineers are available across Watford and surrounding areas. Contact us for reliable support and expert advice.