Boilers

Why is my boiler pressure low?

Here are several reasons why the pressure in your boiler is too low.

 

  1. Overtime, it is quite normal for air to get into the system. You can tell if this has happened because you can feel cold spots on your radiators. Try bleeding the radiators, then topping up the pressure on the boiler.

     

  2. There’s a leak somewhere in the central heating system. Check pipes, radiators and radiator valves for signs of a leak, such as rust, corrosion or staining. You may not notice any water, because it may evaporate due to the heat of the pipework before it has the chance to drip.

     

  3. The expansion vessel inside your boiler may need recharging or replacing. This is a job for a qualified, Gas Safe registered heating engineer.

     

  4. There could be debris inside the pressure relief valve. This is the safety valve that usually discharges water if the pressure in the system gets too high. If it is dripping with water and the pressure gauge is too low, your Gas Safe registered engineer will need to clean out or replace the safety valve. 

How to top up the pressure on my boiler

It is quite simple to top up the water pressure in your boiler. You should be able to do it yourself without having to call a heating engineer.

Related FAQs

Is a condensing boiler a combi boiler? 

Most modern combi boilers are condensing models. This means the heat and gases that escape through the flue pipe are captured and reused for efficiency.

Where is safe to install a boiler?

Boilers should be installed by a Gas Safe engineer and in line with specific building regulations.

Why is my boiler pressure low?

It is normal for air to get into your system and cause pressure drops from time to time. This is straightforward to rectify, however if you notice your pressure dropping more regularly, then you may have a leak and need an engineer to fix the issue.

How long does a boiler last?

Well-maintained and serviced boilers can have a lifespan of 10 – 15 years. If you start noticing your radiators are taking a while to warm up or unusual noises are coming from the boiler, then you may need to consider upgrading.

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