Boiler breakdowns can be caused by loss of boiler water pressure. Read on for details of how to identify a boiler pressure loss, how to fix it and when to call in an expert.
Your central heating system needs the water inside it to be at a consistent pressure level. If it is too low, the boiler can cut out to prevent damage, but this stops your heating from working properly. If the pressure becomes too high, the system could also be prevented from working to avoid straining it.
Causes of Boiler Pressure Loss
If the central heating system leaks, a loss of boiler pressure is caused by the lower level of water in the system. If you ‘bleed’ your radiators to remove trapped air, this can also cause a loss of pressure.
If you find a leak or damp patch – for example, around your radiators or boiler – call a trained Gas Safe Engineer to inspect your system.
How to Check Your Boiler’s Pressure
Find the water pressure gauge. The manual will show the correct pressure for your system. If the gauge reads less than 1 bar or the level shown in the manual, the boiler needs to be re-pressurised.
Self-Help If Your Boiler Loses Pressure
The heating system will not work properly again until it is re-pressurised. You can sometimes do this yourself, but check the manual for your boiler first – it will say whether or not it is safe. Some boilers need a Gas Safe Registered engineer. For boiler re-pressuring, heating system inspection and boiler servicing Cheltenham always use a registered Gas Safe engineer such as http://www.hprservicesltd.com/Cheltenham-boilers/boiler-service-Cheltenham/. Gas Safe Engineers are qualified experts, registered with Gas Safe to work on gas installations.
How to Re-Pressurise Your Boiler
– Turn the boiler off.
– Find the filling loop – check your manual if you need help with this.
– Check that you can see the pressure gauge before you open the filling loop handles.
– Turn the filling loop handles.
– Keep checking the pressure gauge. Close the handles when the correct pressure is shown.
– Switch the boiler back on.
If you have accidentally allowed the pressure to rise too much, bleed your radiators to reduce it again.
