How To Reduce Your Boiler Pressure

08-06-2018

A high water pressure shouldn't stop your boiler working, however reducing the pressure to the recommended levels could help your boiler operate safely and efficiently.

Reducing the water pressure in your gas boiler is a task that can be completed without needing to call out a Gas Safe registered heating engineer. However, if you're unsure about anything, encounter any difficulties or have any questions, contact our friendly team on 01295 224844, or email hello@mnheating.co.uk and we'd be happy to assist you.

Before you attempt to reduce the water pressure, ensure your boiler is switched off, your central heating system is cold and hasn't been in operation for at least one hour.

It is recommended that the water pressure in heating system should be between 1 and 2 bar. Your boiler heats water, which causes the pressure in your system to increase. Boilers are designed and manufactured to handle quick increases in water pressure, and have a pressure relief valve if the pressure gets too high.

To determine whether you have a high water pressure, you can check the pressure gauge often found on the front of your gas boiler. If the water pressure is above 2 bar when your boiler is not in operation, then it is recommended you reduce to pressure to between 1 and 2 bar.

Firstly, check the valves on the filling loop are securely closed as they may have loosened or accidentally left open when re-pressurising your boiler. The filling loop should be found on the underside of most boilers, with two valves at both ends (either tap handles or flat-head screws on older boilers).

Alternatively, you may need to bleed your radiators to release pressure from your heating system. If the water pressure remains high after checking the valves on your filling loop are securely closed and you've bled your radiators, you may have an issue with your boiler's expansion vessel, pressure gauge or filling loop. This is a job for a Gas Safe registered heating engineer as only qualified individuals are legally allowed to work on gas appliances.

If you're unsure about these instructions or think you may have an issue with your boiler's expansion vessel or filling loop, pressure gauge or filling loop, then contact our friendly team on 01295 224844 today.

Recap

1. Switch off your boiler and ensure your heating system is cold for at least one hour.
2. Check the pressure gauge, which is often found on the front of your boiler.
3. If above 2 bar, your boiler has a high water pressure and needs de-pressurising.
4. Locate the filling loop and check the valves are securely closed.
5. Bleed your radiators to release trapped air from your heating system.
6. If the water pressure remains above 2 bar, contact a Gas Safe registered heating engineer as your boiler's expansion vessel, pressure gauge or filling loop may be faulty.