There’s nothing more frustrating than a radiator that just won’t heat up properly, more so when you know that the boiler is on and everything should function properly. Nine times out of ten, the culprit is boiler pressure. It is one of the most common heating issues in UK homes, and yet, most homeowners don’t know why it happens or what to do about it.
The good news is that low boiler pressure is rather easy to address when you hire the right plumbers in Cardiff. However, if the problem keeps coming back, it is usually a sign that something needs immediate attention.
What Is Boiler Pressure and Why Does It Matter?
The boiler is a sealed setup that uses pressurised water to distribute heat around your home. The pressure gauge on the boiler indicates whether the system is within its correct operating range. For most boilers, the ideal pressure when the system is cold sits between 1 and 1.5 bar.
When the pressure drops below 1 bar, the boiler struggles to function efficiently and may even shut off as a precautionary/ safety measure. That’s when the flashing warning lights show up. This is usually when people start looking up on the internet for what to do.
Why Does Boiler Pressure Drop?
There are several reasons why the boiler loses pressure, and understanding what the problem is behind the faulty boiler could help you get it back up and running as quickly as possible.
The most common cause is a small leak. This doesn’t even need to be a visible leak. Sometimes these leaks occur at joints, valves, or even radiator fittings: barely visible but capable of reducing water volume in the system. If the pressure drops even after you’ve topped it up, the leak may be in the pipework or around the boiler itself.
Bleeding radiators can also be a cause at times. When air is released from a radiator, a small amount of water is also lost; this tends to create a modest pressure drop.
What Can You Do About It?
If the boiler pressure has dropped and the gauge is reading below 1 bar, repressurising the system is usually the first step. Most modern boilers have a valve that allows water to be added to the system. This brings the pressure back up. However, repressurising is a solution to the symptom, not the cause.
If the boiler pressure drops again within a few days or weeks, something is allowing the pressure/ water to drop, and that needs to be investigated. Continuing to top up the system without addressing the underlying issue can put unnecessary strain on the system. This is why you should get in touch with professional plumbers in Cardiff for the right solution.
When Should You Call a Professional?
If you notice water pooling near the boiler or around any radiator fittings, there’s a certain leak that needs to be addressed. If the pressure relief valve is also not working right, that’s another sign worth checking out. Hiring plumbers in Cardiff who have experience handling such issues can be of great assistance.
At RG Waters Ltd, we know that a persistently dropping boiler pressure isn’t something to keep patching up. As experienced and seasoned plumbers, we go beyond the surface fix. The plumbing system is literally the foundation of any property, which is why we treat every job with the attention to detail it deserves. Contact our team today.