When it comes to your boiler, keeping it up and running is essential. In fact, a full boiler breakdown is extremely inconvenient. This means that some maintenance will need to be performed from time to time, just to check how your boiler is operating. But you can do this yourself, simply by checking the pressure gauge on your boiler. Here at Lancashire Installations, we are Preston’s leading plumbing and gas engineers. As a result, we have produced this guide to issues with your boiler pressure.
The boiler pressure
Maintaining a constant boiler pressure is essential to keep your boiler operating at its maximum efficiency. The pressure gauge on the front of your boiler can help you keep an eye on your boilers pressure. It should remain at 1 bar, where it will have been set during installation. Pressure that has dropped, or increased, can indicate an issue with your boiler, or the wider central heating system.
If your pressure has changed, you can try and rest it yourself, by following the instructions in your boiler handbook or manual. This should be the first place you look for help.
However, if you have misplaced your handbook, you can try these steps for most combination boilers.
If you have low pressure:
- Switch off your boiler and allow the system to cool down
- Search for the filling loop hose. Make sure that both ends of this hose are fully attached to the valves. Open these valves very carefully with the handle, or a screwdriver, and allow cold water from the mains to enter the system. You will be able to hear the water flowing in.
- Watch the pressure gauge as the water enters the system and once it hits 1 bar, close each of the valves in turn.
The pressure should stay at this level. But if it drops, even after a few hours, you need to contact the professionals.
If you have high pressure:
- Make sure the filling loop valves are all closed tightly. If not, water could be seeping into the system, and pushing the pressure up.
- Call an expert to bleed your radiators. This will reduce the pressure in the system immediately.
- Have a professional look at your system if none of these tips work.
For more information or advice, contact the registered gas safe professionals at Lancashire Installations today.