Having to top up your boiler pressure occasionally doesn’t necessarily mean there is a serious fault.
Having to do it every few days is a different matter.
If your boiler pressure continually falls, there is normally a reason and repeatedly repressurising the system without investigating the cause isn’t a long-term solution.
What Is Boiler Pressure?
In a sealed central heating system, pressure helps circulate water through the boiler, pipes and radiators.
Your boiler manual should state the manufacturer’s recommended pressure range.
If the pressure falls too low, many modern boilers will stop operating and display an error code.
Why Does Boiler Pressure Drop?
There are several possible causes.
- A Leak Somewhere in the Heating System
Even a very small leak from pipework, radiator valves or another component can gradually reduce system pressure.
Look for damp areas, staining or small amounts of water around accessible parts of the system. - A Problem With the Pressure Relief Valve
If the pressure relief valve has operated or isn’t sealing correctly, water can leave the system.
This usually needs professional investigation.
- Expansion Vessel Problems
The expansion vessel helps accommodate changes in pressure as the heating water becomes hotter and cooler.
If there is a problem with it, boiler pressure may rise excessively when the heating is running and then fall again once the system cools.
- Recently Bled Radiators
Bleeding radiators releases air but can also reduce system pressure slightly.
If you’ve recently bled several radiators, the pressure may simply need correctly restoring afterwards.
Should I Just Keep Topping the Boiler Up?
If it happens once after maintenance, that may be perfectly normal.
If you’re continually adding water to the system, however, it is better to find out why.
Constantly topping up the boiler can hide an underlying fault rather than solving it.
Don’t Remove the Boiler Casing
Homeowners can carry out basic checks recommended by their boiler manufacturer, but work on gas appliances must be undertaken by a suitably qualified Gas Safe registered engineer.
Need Your Boiler Pressure Investigating?
If your boiler continually loses pressure, Deakin’s can inspect your heating system and determine what is causing it.
Finding the source now could help prevent the system failing when temperatures really begin to drop.
We provide professional central heating power flushing services across Chorley, Preston, Bolton, Leyland, and the surrounding areas. Find out more about our heating services, call us on 01772 426 065 or get in touch for a free, no-obligation quote.