Gas Valves: Controlling the Fuel to the Burner
The gas valve regulates and shuts off the gas supply to the burner, opening only when the boiler's control sequence confirms it's safe to do so.
The gas valve regulates and shuts off the gas supply to the burner, opening only when the boiler's control sequence confirms it's safe to do so. It's a safety-critical component and one of the strictest areas of Gas Safe regulated work.
What it does
An electronically controlled valve meters gas to the burner at the right rate and pressure, and cuts it off instantly if any safety interlock in the boiler's sequence isn't satisfied.
How it fails
Internal solenoids wear out, gas pressure settings drift, or the valve fails to open or close cleanly, both of which trigger boiler lockouts rather than silent faults.
Repair or replace
Some gas valves allow adjustment of pressure settings during servicing, but a faulty valve itself is always replaced, never repaired, given its safety function.
Questions we get asked
Is gas valve work always Gas Safe-only?
Yes, always, with no exceptions. This is core gas safety work.
What should I do if I smell gas near the boiler?
Turn off the gas supply at the meter if it's safe to do so, ventilate the area, don't use switches or naked flames, and contact the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999, then arrange a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Can gas pressure be adjusted without replacing the valve?
Yes, pressure adjustment within the valve's normal range is a routine part of commissioning and servicing.