Why is pressure dropping on my boiler every day?

It’s not uncommon for a boiler to lose a little pressure slowly or even just slightly. Some boilers need to be re-pressurised every now and again, using your manual to do so.

However, if your boiler pressure drops quickly, or it repeatedly loses pressure after being re-pressurised, it’s usually a sign of a problem somewhere within the system.

So, if the pressure is dropping on your boiler every day, read on. We’ll explore the most common causes and how to remedy the problem.

How do you know if your boiler has lost pressure?

Firstly, how do you know if your boiler has lost pressure?

Low boiler pressure can affect your hot water temperature and your radiators.

So if you notice your hot water isn’t as warm as it should be or your radiators fail to heat up, check your boiler pressure.

How to check boiler pressure

Most gas boilers will have a pressure gauge on the front of the boiler under the control panel cover.

This typically displays a dial numbered from 0 to 4, with red and green zones. If the needle is in the red zone, your boiler pressure is either too low or too high.

Some of the latest generation boilers have a built-in digital pressure indicator.

What is normal boiler pressure?

Boiler pressure should be between 1.0 to 2.0 bars. Check your boiler manual to find out exactly what it should be for your make and model.

Is it safe to use a boiler with no pressure?

It’s not unsafe to use a boiler with no pressure, but your central heating system will be inefficient and your energy bills could be adversely affected. It could also cause much bigger problems and your boiler to stop working.

Therefore, if your boiler pressure is repeatedly dropping, it’s recommended you contact a Gas Safe Engineer as soon as possible.

What causes a boiler to lose pressure?

The most common reason for a boiler to lose pressure is a leak. However, this is not the only possible cause. A boiler could lose pressure due to:

• Bleeding the radiators
• An expansion vessel problem
• A filling loop problem
• A pressure relief valve problem

While you may be able to investigate whether there are damp patches or water around your pipes, radiators, and boiler, never attempt to investigate inside the boiler itself.

Contact a Gas Safe Engineer who will be able to investigate the cause of the fault and recommend the appropriate remedy safely and efficiently.

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