A common issue can be low boiler pressure, which can stop your central heating and hot water from working. Understanding why your boiler is losing pressure is key in making sure you keep your home warm and hot water in full working order.
What is boiler pressure?
Boiler pressure is the level of water inside your heating system. Having the right amount of pressure in your boiler will make sure your central heating system runs correctly and efficiently. Pressurised systems and combi boilers use expansion vessels, as opposed to a cold water storage tank. This means a combi boiler is a pressurised central heating system. The role of the expansion vessel is to compensate for pressure changes as the water heats and cools. Generally the pressure should be kept anywhere between 1-1.5 bar. It is important to have your expansion vessel checked with each boiler service, to know the expansion vessel is working safely and efficiently.
How do I check if my boiler pressure is low?
By locating the pressure gauge on your boiler, or your unvented cylinders, you can check the pressure in your central heating system. With all modern boilers, an error code would indicate your pressure is low on your boiler. If your boiler is leaking from anywhere like pipework, or the heat exchanger is leaking, the pressure will drop. In this case, call a fully Gas Safe registered heating engineer to rectify the issue with replacement parts, or even a replacement boiler.
What causes a boiler to lose pressure?
Some of the common reasons your boiler installation could be losing pressure include:
All of these could cause your pressure to drop on your central heating system. Over time, the connected pipes and radiators can corrode, allowing water to escape and leading to a gradual pressure drop too.
How do I find a leak in my heating system?
It can be common to find leaks around radiators or radiator valves and TRV’s, discoloured paint, damp carpets and damp floorboards, all indicators that you have a leak by your radiator valves. You could place a container underneath the boiler if you suspect it is leaking, or underneath any radiator. Contact us at AWP Boiler Installations to replace any parts, whether it is the boiler leaking or radiators that possibly need replacing. We are here to help.
Can a boiler lose pressure without a visible leak?
Yes! If there are no visible leaks on your central heating system or pipework, this would indicate the fault is with the boiler installation. A common part on the boiler to cause issues with low pressure can be the expansion vessel. You may require a new expansion vessel even if it is not visibly leaking. Internal boiler leaks can be common with older boilers. If you find you have internal leaks on your boiler and you are in one of the areas we cover around the West Midlands, call us at AWP Boiler Installations and we can advise you what is best and how to rectify your leaking boiler. If your boiler is under warranty then any leaks on your boiler may be covered. We can check this for you with the boiler manufacturer.
How do I fix low boiler pressure?
Whilst the long term solution is to fix and replace parts to cure any leaks on your boiler and central heating system, you can increase the water pressure at the boiler. How To Repressurise A Central Heating System. You will see the fault code extinguish and your boiler installation will start working again. If you are unsure how to top up the pressure in your boiler, contact us at AWP Boiler Installations for us to attend and top up your boiler pressure.
Check your boiler's pressure gauge and refer to the manual for guidance.
Inspect radiator connections for leaks and signs of water damage.
Inspect the boiler for any signs of leaks.
Contact AWP for internal checks on your boiler by Gas Safe registered heating engineers.