In our series of top plumbing tips we are exploring why your boiler is losing pressure.
There are a few different reasons why your boiler might be losing pressure, sometimes it can even come down to user error, a boiler fault, boiler age or sometimes it is just one of those natural occurrences and is an easy fix.
If it is the first time, or very infrequent that the pressure drop happens you can usually fix this yourself.
Here is how...
1. Directly under your gas boiler should be some pipework, amongst this, will be your filling loop.
2. The filling loop is the silver flexible pipe with either one, or two taps on it.
3. To increase the pressure, you’ll need to open your one (or two) of these taps, full until they lock at 45 degrees.
4. As you’re doing this, you should see the pressure rise on the boilers pressure gauge to around 1 bar.
5. Once the pressure is back in correct zone usually somewhere between 1-1.5 bar – close the taps again – ensuring they’re fully closed back to their original position.
If your pressure drops frequently and there is a sign of a leak.
If there is a sign of a leak, there is usually something wrong. It could mean your boiler is faulty, a loose part or a failing valve. Whatever the cause, it is always best to get it checked out. A qualified boiler engineer will usually be able to find the cause of the issue on a very quick initial assessment and there is no reason why a fix would cost the earth. Sometimes if your boiler is older, 10 years or more a leak and pressure drop can be the sign of it wearing out and in need of replacement.
If your pressure drops and there isn't a sign of a leak.
If you have no signs of a leak and you're losing pressure, the pressure relief valve is probably failing. This is a safety valve which allows water to escape outside safely if the central heating pressure becomes to high. If you know where this valve is or you can trace the pipe to outside your property, it would be worth checking to see if the wall or floor wet. If this is the case, the every time you refill your boiler to raise the pressure it is escaping outside. Often this is a straight forward fix for an experienced plumber, however in some cases it can indicate the start of other problems, especially on older appliances. So it is always advised to get it checked out.
Call your local plumber, Mayne Gas Heating on 01472 241211
to get this part fixed, or book an appointment via their Facebook page.
