How Long Does It Take a Plumber to Service a Boiler?

Most homeowners in Brisbane wonder how long a boiler service actually takes. You’re not alone. When you book a plumber to service your boiler, you’re not just paying for a quick check-up-you’re paying for safety, efficiency, and peace of mind. But how much time does it really take? The short answer: boiler service usually takes between 60 and 90 minutes. But that’s not the whole story.

What Happens During a Boiler Service?

A boiler service isn’t just about turning a few screws and calling it done. A qualified plumber does a full diagnostic and safety check. First, they’ll inspect the gas pressure. Too high or too low, and your boiler runs inefficiently or becomes dangerous. They’ll check the flue for blockages-this is critical. A blocked flue can lead to carbon monoxide buildup, which is silent and deadly.

Next, they clean the heat exchanger. Over time, rust, limescale, and debris build up inside. This reduces heat transfer, making your boiler work harder and use more gas. Then they’ll inspect the burner, ignition system, and safety controls. These parts wear out. A faulty ignition can cause your boiler to shut off mid-heat, leaving you cold in winter.

They’ll also check the water pressure. If it’s too low, your boiler won’t circulate hot water properly. Too high, and you risk leaks or bursts. They’ll top it up or bleed the system as needed. Finally, they’ll test for gas leaks using a sensitive detector. No guesswork. No shortcuts.

Why It Can Take Longer Than Expected

Sixty to ninety minutes is the standard. But if your boiler is older, hasn’t been serviced in years, or has known issues, it can take two hours or more. I’ve seen boilers that hadn’t been touched since 2018. Dust, rust, and old parts made the job much slower. One homeowner in Coorparoo had a 15-year-old Vaillant that had never been cleaned. The heat exchanger was clogged with sludge. Cleaning it took 45 minutes alone.

If the plumber finds a part that’s worn out-like a faulty pump, pressure sensor, or thermostat-they’ll need to order it. That doesn’t add to the service time, but it delays the fix. You might leave with a serviced boiler, but it’s still not running right until the part arrives.

What Affects the Time?

Not all boilers are the same. A combi boiler, which heats water on demand, is more complex than a regular system boiler. It has more parts to check, so it takes longer. Brands matter too. Worcester Bosch and Ideal boilers are designed for easy access. Some cheaper models, especially imports, have parts tucked in tight. That adds 15-20 minutes.

The age of the boiler is a big factor. Newer models (under 5 years) usually need less cleaning and fewer adjustments. Older boilers (10+ years) often need more attention. If your boiler is 15+ years old, it might be time to consider replacement-not just servicing.

Location matters too. If your boiler is tucked under the stairs, behind a washing machine, or in a cramped cupboard, the plumber will need extra time to get to it. I’ve had to remove three shelves just to reach a boiler in a South Brisbane apartment. That’s not the norm, but it happens.

What You Can Do to Speed Things Up

You can help make the service faster and smoother. Clear the space around the boiler. Move boxes, laundry baskets, or cleaning supplies out of the way. That saves the plumber 10-15 minutes of maneuvering.

Have your service history ready. If you’ve had it serviced before, know when and by whom. Some plumbers charge extra if they have to guess what was done last time. If you have a service logbook or email receipt, hand it over.

Turn off the boiler before they arrive. This isn’t mandatory, but it helps. A cold boiler is safer to work on. It also means they can start testing right away instead of waiting for it to cool down.

What’s Not Included in a Standard Service

A boiler service doesn’t fix broken parts. It doesn’t replace a faulty pump, a cracked heat exchanger, or a broken control board. Those are repairs-and they cost extra. Some plumbers will give you a quote on the spot. Others will send you one later.

Don’t assume a service includes flushing the system. A power flush removes sludge from radiators and pipes. That’s a separate job, usually taking 4-6 hours. If your radiators are cold at the bottom, you might need one. But it’s not part of a standard boiler service.

Also, a service doesn’t include gas safety certificates unless you ask for one. In Australia, landlords need a Gas Safety Certificate (Form 21) every 12 months. If you’re renting out your place, make sure you request it. Otherwise, you’ll get a service, but no legal paperwork.

How Often Should You Service Your Boiler?

Every 12 months. That’s the rule. Manufacturers require it to keep your warranty valid. If you skip a year, you risk voiding your warranty. And if your boiler breaks down during winter, you’re on your own.

But some people wait two years. Bad idea. A boiler that runs for 24 months without service builds up more sludge, wears out faster, and uses up to 15% more gas. That’s hundreds of dollars extra on your energy bill each year.

In Brisbane, where winters are mild, people think they can skip it. But boilers don’t care about the weather outside. They work year-round to heat water for showers, washing machines, and dishwashers. Even in January, your boiler is running. Don’t wait until it fails.

What to Look for in a Plumber

Not all plumbers are trained for boilers. Look for someone with a Gas Fitter’s Licence and experience with your boiler brand. Ask if they’re registered with the Gas Safe Register (or its Australian equivalent). In Queensland, that’s the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC).

Check reviews. Look for mentions of punctuality, cleanliness, and clear explanations. A good plumber will show you what they found-like a dirty filter or low pressure-and explain why it matters. If they just say, “It’s fine,” walk away.

Avoid the cheapest option. A $99 boiler service is a trap. That’s not enough time to do it right. You’re paying for a quick check, not a real service. You’ll get a sticker on your boiler and a false sense of security.

What Happens After the Service?

After the service, you should get a service report. It should list what was checked, what was cleaned, what was adjusted, and any warnings. If they found a problem, it should say what part is failing and how urgent it is.

You’ll also get a service certificate. This proves you’ve kept up with maintenance. Keep it with your warranty documents. If you sell your home, buyers will ask for proof of servicing.

Some plumbers send a follow-up email with tips: how to check your boiler pressure, what noises to worry about, when to call again. That’s a good sign. It means they care about your safety, not just the job.

Real-Life Example: A Brisbane Homeowner’s Story

In 2025, a family in Mount Gravatt called for a boiler service. Their boiler was 8 years old. They’d never had it serviced. The plumber spent 95 minutes on it. He found a cracked heat exchanger-something that could’ve led to carbon monoxide leaks. He showed them the damage. They replaced the boiler the next day. That service saved them from a dangerous situation. It cost $220. The replacement cost $4,800. The service was the better deal.

Final Thoughts

A boiler service doesn’t take long-but it’s one of the most important things you can do for your home. It’s not a luxury. It’s a safety measure. A 90-minute visit can prevent a winter emergency, a gas leak, or a $5,000 repair bill.

Don’t wait until your boiler stops working. Book it before winter hits. Keep it on your calendar. Treat it like an oil change for your car. You wouldn’t skip that. Don’t skip your boiler service either.