Having low pressure in your heating system is one of the most common boiler faults we see and if you’re not sure why it’s happening or how to fix it then it can be disconcerting.
The good news is that this is often a relatively simple problem to fix, although that will depend on what’s caused your boiler to lose pressure in the first instance.
It’s important to note that some boilers will be relatively easy to repressurise while others will require the services of a professional. Either way, if you’re unsure whether you can do this yourself, you’re better off arranging boiler repairs in Surrey, or wherever you live.
How can you tell if your boiler has low pressure?
Modern boilers have a pressure gauge that will show you your boiler’s pressure. Usually, this should be at around one bar (although check your manual so you know what pressure your boiler should be at).
If that gauge is showing a pressure lower than one bar, then you can immediately see what the issue is.
That said, it’s important to note that your boiler’s pressure will fluctuate depending on whether it’s hot or cold. When it’s hot, your boiler’s pressure is more likely to be around 1.5 or even two bars.
This means you might see your boiler pressure drop once the heating is turned off, usually down to between one and 1.5 bars. So, a drop in boiler pressure itself can be completely normal, as long as it’s staying within the right range.
Another sign that your boiler has lost pressure is that your hot water is not coming through the taps as it should. Keep an eye on changes in how quickly it takes the hot water to run in your home as this can be a sign that you need to repressurise your boiler.
What causes low pressure in boilers?
Low pressure in a boiler can occur just after you have bled your radiators. This is simply because the pressure in the system needs resetting.
However, if you haven’t bled your radiators recently and you see that your boiler’s pressure has dropped, this is likely to be due to a leak in your system or a faulty part. If this is the case, even if you can reset your boiler’s pressure yourself, you’ll need a professional to get involved.
If you don’t deal with the root cause of the issue, it will simply keep happening.
You might think that if you had a leak somewhere in your heating system you’d know about it. However, most leaks are very small – you won’t see dramatic water bursting out of a pipe. These are tiny drips that gradually reduce your boiler’s pressure over time.
This is why it’s so important to call in professional boiler engineers when you notice a problem, because they can help you find the source of the leak and then fix it – restoring pressure to your heating system in the process.
Although low pressure in your boiler isn’t usually dangerous, it will prevent your heating system from working as efficiently as it could, so it is worth fixing as soon as possible.
