One in five homeowners believe their water heater could be defective or even dangerous, a study finds

ONE-FIFTH of homeowners believe their water heater is currently defective – or could even be dangerous.

A survey of 2,000 adult homeowners found that one in five has not serviced their boiler in the last 12 months – and seven percent cannot remember the last time this was the case.

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Almost a third (28 percent) did not know that experts recommend a boiler service once a year.

And one in three households does not have a built-in carbon monoxide alarm, while 19 percent are unsure whether they have one or not.

Elliott Barnham, engineer and safety expert at British Gas, which commissioned the survey, said: “We regularly visit customers who have not had their gas appliances checked for years, which is really worrying.

“The routine checks that we carry out when installing smart meters or during the gas safety test not only help ensure that everything in the house is running smoothly.

“Some of the unsafe devices we encountered could have had a devastating impact on the health and safety of our customers.”

It also found that 29 percent of homeowners were unaware that the pilot light going out on their boiler could be an indication that something was unsafe.

A fifth even admitted they didn’t even know where to start looking for their boiler’s pilot light.

And 22 percent didn’t realize that smelling gas in the home could mean there was a safety issue.

Worryingly, a quarter also live with the mistaken belief that if a carbon monoxide leak occurs, they can smell it.

The main reason given for not having a boiler service was simply cost (25 percent), while 23 percent believe their boiler is fine and do not need to have it checked.

Another 20 percent know very well that they should get theirs checked, but let the months go by while they put it off.

The study via OnePoll also found that 51 percent are unsure how their boiler works with all its different settings and dials.

While 42 percent say they’re only really sure about simply turning the heating on and off.

British Gas’s Elliott Barnham added: “It’s a good idea to get to know your boiler so you can spot the signs when it’s not working properly.

“It’s also worth getting an audible carbon monoxide alarm and being able to identify headaches, shortness of breath and dizziness as possible signs of a leak.

“Improving your understanding and awareness is key, but don’t overestimate your skills and don’t try to do any work on your boiler yourself.

“It is important to use a qualified, Gas Safe registered technician for all installation, maintenance and repairs.”