How To Increase Boiler Pressure
One of the most common boiler problems homeowners faces in the UK is Maintaining an Ideal boiler pressure. If your boiler pressure is too low, it won’t heat the water properly, won’t produce enough steam to heat your home, and will not operate properly and display an error code.
Not only is low pressure the problem, but too high boiler pressure will cause cracks in your system and break the seal. Your boiler should operate at an ideal pressure rating between 1 and 2 bars, ideally 1.5 bars. If it’s below that, you must increase the pressure to continue operating safely and efficiently.
This blog will tell you how to increase pressure in a boiler. Repressurising your boiler does not necessarily require professional assistance. You can repressurise your boiler by yourself. To learn how to do this, continue reading this blog until the end!
Why is my boiler losing pressure?
Before moving on to the steps to add pressure to your boiler, you must know why the boiler pressure is low. It could be that you recently bled your radiators, or the problem is related to faulty internal components, including an expansion vessel or pressure relief valve.
Also, sometimes, due to wear and tear caused by lack of maintenance, leakage occurs within the pipework. To know whether the problem happened for which reason, follow our step-by-step guide to increase your boiler pressure.
Related Article: What to do if your boiler is losing pressure.
How to increase water pressure in boiler
Step#1: Locate the Pressure Guage
Firstly, locate the pressure gauge on your boiler to confirm that the problem is related to low and not high pressure. The pressure gauge can be found at the front of your boiler, having a red and green section. Check the rating on the indicator. If it’s below one bar, you must raise the pressure on your boiler.
Step#2: Switch off the boiler
After ensuring the low-pressure rating, switch off your boiler and let it cool down for at least an hour.
Step#3: Locate the filling loop
Located underneath your boiler, Filling loops vary from system to system. The most common one is a flexible steel hose with one or two black tabs at either end.
Step#4: Connect the filling loop
If your boiler’s filling loop isn’t connected, you must connect it by turning the tabs 90 degrees clockwise.
Step#5: Turn on your filling loop
As mentioned above, you can locate two tabs at both ends of your filling loop. To turn your filling loop on, turn the tabs 90 degrees in line with your pipes and hear the sound of water flowing.
Step#6: Keep an eye on the pressure gauge
Once you hear the water flowing, the gauge arm will start to move. When it reaches 1.5 bars, turn off the tabs by turning them to 90 degrees anti-clockwise.
Step#7: Turn on your boiler
Once the pressure gauge rating is topped up to 1.5 bars, disconnect the filling loop and turn on your boiler.
What if I have accidentally increased the pressure of my boiler?
There’s no need to worry. You can reduce the boiler pressure by bleeding out your radiators. To learn how to do it, read our helpful guide on how to bleed your radiators.
What if my problem still needs to be solved?
If the pressure rating does not remains steady after following the above guide, the problem might be related to faulty internal components or leakage within the system’s pipework. To solve this, you will require professional assistance.
Conclusion
After reading the above, you know how to increase your boiler pressure. Also, if you are facing a high-pressure boiler problem, read our blog, “My Boiler Pressure is Too High.” In case of faulty components, boiler breakdown, or any other related problems, feel free to contact us on 0345 3192 247. One of our representatives will assist you on call.
The information provided in this article has been collected from various sources. However, we suggest you consult a certified Gas-Safe Engineer in your area before making any decisions, as every individual’s home situation is unique.