When the boiler quits on a cold night, the clock starts on your pipes. Just over half of Maine homes relied on heating oil in 2023, according to Census data cited by the Governor's office, and many of them heat with a boiler. Before you call, a few safe checks can find a simple cause. If they don't, here's what to do while you wait. For every service, see our main page on Portland plumbing help.
Safety first
Gas or fuel smell, or a carbon monoxide alarm? Leave first.
Get everyone outside and call 911 or your gas utility from there. Don't flip switches, press reset buttons or try to relight anything.
The checklist
Thermostat
Set to heat, above room temperature, with fresh batteries if it uses them.
Power and emergency switch
Check the boiler's switch and breaker. On many oil systems the emergency switch is a red switch near the basement stairs, and it's easy to flip off by mistake.
Fuel
Check the oil tank gauge, or that the gas or propane supply is on.
Reset button, once
If the burner has a reset button, press it once at most. If it doesn't start, stop and call.
Cold radiators only
If the boiler runs but some radiators stay cold, air may be trapped. Bleeding those radiators often helps.
Protect your pipes while you wait
- Open cabinet doors under sinks on exterior walls.
- Let faucets on outside walls drip.
- Close off unused rooms and keep doors to the basement open if the pipes are down there.
- Never use an oven or a grill to heat the house.
If a pipe freezes anyway, read how to thaw it safely.
Signs it needs a professional
- the burner locks out again after one reset
- water leaking from the boiler or its pipes
- the pressure relief valve dripping or discharging
- banging, gurgling or kettling noises
- no hot water either, if the boiler heats your water
Who to call
In Maine, the Maine Fuel Board licenses oil burner technicians and propane and natural gas technicians, and it offers free license verification online. Plumbers commonly handle the water side, such as circulators, valves and leaks, and many companies have both. See boiler repair for what a visit involves.