If you’ve noticed your boiler pressure gauge reading lower than normal, you’re not alone. A lack of boiler pressure is one of the most common issues we see when visiting homes across Bath and the surrounding areas. As your local heating experts in Bath, we’ve fixed countless pressure problems in all types of properties, from Victorian terraces in Widcombe to modern flats in Keynsham.
When your boiler loses pressure, it can’t distribute heat effectively throughout your home, leading to lukewarm radiators, inconsistent heating and sometimes a complete system shutdown. Let’s look at what might be causing your boiler pressure problems and how we can get things back up and running.
Common causes of low boiler pressure
1. Leaks in your heating system
In my experience, small leaks are the most frequent cause of pressure loss. These can occur:
- On radiator valves or joints
- Around the boiler’s internal components
- Within pipework hidden under floors or behind walls
- At the pressure relief valve
Sometimes these leaks are obvious – look for damp patches near radiators or around your boiler. However, many leaks occur in places you can’t easily see, which is where our local expertise comes in handy for customers in Bath and Bristol.
2. Recently bled radiators
Have you bled your radiators lately? While bleeding radiators is important for removing air locks, it also releases water from your system, which can cause the pressure to drop. This is perfectly normal and easily fixed.
3. Pressure relief valve issues
The pressure relief valve is a safety feature that releases water if the pressure gets too high. Sometimes these valves can develop faults and release water even when the pressure is normal, leading to a gradual pressure loss.
4. Expansion vessel problems
Your boiler’s expansion vessel contains a pocket of air that helps maintain correct pressure as water expands and contracts with temperature changes. If this vessel loses its air charge (which happens naturally over time), pressure issues often follow.
This is particularly common in older systems we service in Radstock and Midsomer Norton.
5. Faulty pressure gauge
Sometimes the issue isn’t actual pressure loss but a faulty gauge giving incorrect readings. We can quickly check if this is the case during a service visit.
How to fix low boiler pressure yourself
If you’re comfortable doing some basic DIY, here’s how you can top up the pressure yourself:
- Locate the filling loop: This is usually a flexible silver hose with two controls, connecting the mains water supply to your boiler.
- Check your boiler manual: Different manufacturers (including Worcester Bosch) have slightly different filling procedures, so check your manual if possible.
- Open the valves: Typically, you’ll need to open both controls on the filling loop to allow water into the system.
- Watch the pressure gauge: The ideal pressure is usually between 1 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold.
- Close the valves: Once you’ve reached the correct pressure, close both valves.
- Bleed radiators if necessary: If you’ve added a significant amount of water, you might need to bleed radiators to remove any trapped air.
Our customers in Keynsham and Saltford often find this solves their pressure issues, at least temporarily.
When to call in professionals for boiler pressure problems
While topping up your boiler pressure is often a quick fix, it doesn’t address the underlying cause if the problem keeps recurring. You should contact a professional heating engineer if:
- You find yourself needing to top up the pressure more than once a month
- There are visible leaks you can’t easily fix
- Your boiler continues to lose pressure soon after topping up
- You notice your boiler making unusual noises
- The pressure relief valve is constantly discharging water
- You’re unsure about using the filling loop safely
At CGH Services, we’ve helped countless homeowners across Bath and Bristol diagnose and fix persistent pressure problems.
How we fix boiler pressure issues
When we visit your home, we’ll:
- Check the current pressure and verify your gauge is working correctly
- Inspect for visible leaks around your boiler, radiators and accessible pipework
- Test your pressure relief valve to ensure it’s operating correctly
- Check the expansion vessel and re-pressurize it if necessary
- Examine the pump and heat exchanger for any issues that might be causing pressure problems
For more serious issues, we might recommend a power flush to clear any debris that could be affecting your system’s performance or the installation of a magnetic filter to prevent future problems.
Preventing future boiler pressure problems
Regular boiler servicing is the best way to prevent pressure issues and catch small problems before they become major headaches. During our annual service visits, we:
- Check and adjust the pressure
- Inspect all components for early signs of wear
- Ensure the expansion vessel is correctly charged
- Test safety features including the pressure relief valve
- Make recommendations to improve your system’s reliability
Our Worcester Bosch accredited engineers have extensive experience with all boiler types, making us the trusted choice for homeowners in Bath and the surrounding areas.
Is it time for a new boiler?
If you’re experiencing persistent pressure issues with an older boiler, it might be more cost-effective to consider a new boiler installation. Modern Worcester Bosch boilers are more reliable, efficient, and come with excellent warranties for peace of mind.
We’re happy to discuss whether repair or replacement is the better option for your situation. Check our guide on signs that your boiler may need to be replaced for more information.
Need help with boiler pressure problems?
If you’re tired of dealing with lack of boiler pressure or constantly having to top up your system, our experienced heating engineers in Bath are just a phone call away. We provide prompt, professional boiler repair services throughout Bath and the surrounding areas.
Request an appointment today for a pressure check and boiler assessment, or simply give our friendly team a call. With decades of local experience, we’ll have your heating system working properly again in no time.