Is your Boiler Losing Pressure? Boiler Pressure Loss Could Be A Sign Of A Leak On Your Heating System

Is your boiler losing all of its pressure in 24 hours or less? If so then you may have a hidden water leak…

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Our work is carried out on your heating system pipework along with your boiler.

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All of our engineers are time served plumbing and heating engineers, equipped with the latest in leak detection technology and training.

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Our team of fully qualified and experienced engineers can not only locate the source of your leak, but in the vast majority of cases, they are also able to undertake central heating repairs – if the repair can be carried out on the same day.

What is boiler pressure?

Boiler pressure refers to the pressure of the hot water within your heating system. Your boiler heats cold water and circulates it through the pipework in your house to warm up radiators and provide hot water from your taps. Maintaining the correct pressure is crucial to ensure that hot water reaches all parts of your plumbing and radiators effectively. When boiler pressure is excessively high, it can overload the system and trigger shutdown. To alleviate high pressure, bleeding your radiators can help release built-up pressure. Conversely, low boiler pressure may signify a system leak, resulting in water loss and decreased pressure.

Boiler pressure naturally fluctuates as your central heating operates, heating the water in the system. It should return to a stable range when the heating is turned off and the water cools down. A typical boiler pressure should fall within the range of 1 to 2 bars, which is usually indicated on your boiler’s pressure gauge or digital display. It may temporarily increase to around 2.5 bars when the central heating or hot water is in use but should revert to the 1-2 bar range as the water cools. Any pressure significantly higher or lower than this range typically indicates a boiler pressure issue.

Can a boiler lose pressure without a leak?

While a leak represents the primary cause of boiler pressure loss, there are a few other factors to consider. For instance, if you’ve recently bled your radiators, you might have inadvertently released excessive air, resulting in reduced pressure within your central heating system. This issue can be resolved by replenishing the system with water using the filling loop until the pressure returns to its standard level. Additionally, faulty components within your boiler, such as a malfunctioning pressure relief valve, could contribute to pressure problems. In some cases, if your boiler is aging and showing signs of wear and tear, it may be time to consider a replacement.

How do I check if my boiler pressure is low?

To verify if your boiler’s pressure is low, begin by locating the pressure gauge on your boiler. In the case of most modern boilers, like combi boilers, the pressure gauge typically takes the form of a circular dial positioned on the front of your boiler or its control panel. Older boiler models might have their pressure gauges situated beneath or amidst the pipework. Ideally, your pressure gauge should register between 1-2 bars, often indicated on the gauge itself with a color-coded system, with green denoting the optimal pressure range and red signifying pressure that’s either too low or too high. Some boilers are equipped with a digital screen that displays the precise number of bars and may also provide an error code if the pressure falls outside the normal range.

Fault Codes that Indicate a Boiler Losing Pressure

When your boiler features a digital display that reveals the bar level, it can also display fault codes to alert you to potential issues within the system, including low-pressure situations. These fault codes serve as valuable diagnostic tools, helping identify problems before they escalate into major concerns. It’s worth noting that the interpretation of these fault codes varies depending on the make and model of your boiler. Therefore, consulting your boiler’s manual is a prudent step when a fault code appears, as different boiler manufacturers assign distinct meanings to their fault codes. Here are some of the most common fault codes associated with leading UK boiler manufacturers that indicate a drop in boiler pressure:

  • Worcester bosch – 1017 W
  • Alpha – E10
  • Biasi – ER04
  • Ariston – 108
  • Baxi – E119
  • Ideal – F1
  • Vaillant – F22

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