Boiler Losing Pressure? Here’s How to Fix It!

Is your boiler losing pressure faster than you can say “cold shower”?

Boiler pressure problems can be a real pain in the backside, especially when you’re left shivering on a cold morning in Spalding. Maintaining the right boiler pressure is crucial for a well-functioning heating system.

But don’t worry, we’re here to help you understand why your boiler might be acting up and what you can do about it.

Let’s get started with the basics…

What is Boiler Pressure, and Why Does It Matter?

Boiler pressure is the force of the water in your heating system, measured in bars. It’s essential for keeping your home toasty and your taps flowing.

Ideally, you’re looking for a sweet spot between 1 and 1.5 bars when your system is cold. As things heat up, you can expect a slight bump in pressure.

Why does it matter? Well, low pressure means lukewarm radiators and no hot water. Too high, and there’s a risk of leaks or boiler damage.

Regularly checking and tweaking your boiler pressure keeps everything running smoothly, saving you cash on energy bills and avoiding hefty repair costs.

How to Check if Your Boiler Pressure Is Low

Find the pressure gauge: usually on the front panel of your boiler, it’s a small dial with numbers and coloured sections.

Read the gauge: the needle should sit between 1 and 1.5 bars when the system is cold.

Identify low pressure: if the needle is below 1 bar, your boiler pressure is too low.

Low pressure can make your boiler inefficient or cause it to shut down. Signs include lukewarm radiators, inconsistent heating, or the boiler failing to ignite.

Check your boiler’s manual for instructions on how to repressurise it safely. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable doing this, call in a qualified heating engineer. Better safe than sorry!

Why Your Boiler Might Be Losing Pressure

Low boiler pressure can be caused by a few different issues. Here’s a few of the common suspects:

Leaks in the system

Leaks are a major cause of pressure loss. Even a small drip can lead to significant drops in pressure over time. Check for damp patches, water stains, or puddles around your boiler, radiators, and pipes.

A bit of duct tape won’t fix this issue. So, if you do notice something, don’t just leave it to keep dripping hoping it will magically disappear (it won’t). Instead, give a Gas Safe Engineer a call to come out and inspect it.

Bleeding radiators

Bleeding your radiators to remove trapped air is necessary, but it also releases water from the system. If you don’t top up the water afterwards, it can result in low pressure.

To fix low boiler pressure after bleeding radiators, you need to re-pressurise the system. Here’s how you do it:

Locate the filling loop: it’s usually a copper pipe with two taps.
Connect the pipe: screw the pipe between the two taps.
Open the taps: start with one tap, then open the second tap while watching the pressure gauge.
Monitor the gauge: the needle should rise to between 1.0 and 1.5 bars.
Close the taps: once you reach the correct pressure, close both taps.

And voilà, you’re done! If you’re still having trouble, it’s always a good idea to call in a pro.

Faulty pressure relief valve

This valve is supposed to release excess pressure. If it’s not working properly, it might be letting out water unnecessarily, causing a drop in pressure.

There is really nothing you can do in this situation other than to contact a professional to change the valve and check if the copper pipe above is leaking.

If you need some help we provide expert boiler repair services in Spalding performed by Gas Safe registered engineers. Get in touch with us today to solve your boiler problems.

Expansion vessel issues

The expansion vessel absorbs extra pressure when the water heats up. If it’s faulty or needs recharging, it can lead to pressure problems.

Getting your boiler serviced annually will help prevent problems, like damaged expansion vessels, from happening in the first place. Don’t worry, though – repairing a damaged expansion vessel is neither difficult nor expensive, but it is always recommended to hire a licensed professional.

How to Increase Boiler Pressure

Boilers losing pressure is a common issue, but it’s often easy to fix.

Here’s a simple guide to help you boost your boiler pressure:

For System or Conventional Boilers

Locate the valve: find the valve near the pressure gauge and red expansion vessel.
Open the valve: slowly open the valve and watch the pressure gauge rise.
Close the valve: once the pressure is between 1 and 1.5 bars, close the valve.

For Combi Boilers

Turn off the boiler: allow it to cool down.
Check the filling loop: ensure both ends are securely attached.
Open the valves: open both (or the single) valve(s) to let in cold mains water. You should hear water entering.
Monitor the gauge: wait until the pressure gauge reaches 1 to 1.5 bars.
Close the valves: close the valves one by one.
Turn the boiler back on: if needed, press the reset button.
Remove the filling loop: carefully detach the filling loop, catching any water spillage.

Always refer to your boiler’s manual if you’re unsure, as instructions can vary.

Need Help With Your Boiler Losing Pressure?

If you’ve tried the DIY fixes and your boiler is still losing pressure, it’s time to call in the experts.

At George Kitchen Plumbing & Heating, we’ve got your back. Serving Spalding and the Lincolnshire area, our Gas Safe registered engineers are ready to help with all your boiler needs.

Get in touch today to get your heating system back on track!

Boiler Pressure FAQs

Why does my boiler pressure keep dropping?

If your boiler pressure keeps dropping, it could be due to a few issues: leaks in the system, faulty pressure valves, or air escaping from radiators. Sometimes, you might not be able to find the fault, which can be frustrating, especially if you’re left with no heating or hot water.

Is low boiler pressure dangerous?

Low boiler pressure isn’t physically dangerous to you, but it can harm your heating system. It can reduce boiler efficiency, make it louder, and impact hot water availability. Long-term low pressure can cause more damage to your boiler and heating system, and increase your energy bills. It’s advisable to get a Gas Safe engineer to fix it.

What should boiler pressure be when the heating is off?

When the heating is off, your boiler pressure should ideally be between 1 to 1.5 bars.

📞 07496 901102