It is important to check your pressure gauge once a month, as it should be a part of your household maintenance routine – completing this routine will ensure that you will locate and identify problems early, which will ultimately save you both time and money.

The Different Types of Water Pressure

There are actually several different sources and types of water pressure – within your home. The cold water running from your taps, for example, comes from your water company and, as a result, the water pressure is completely reliant on your company’s service. However, on the other hand, the hot water in your home receives its pressure from your very own heating cylinder or pump. There is also water pressure in your boiler, and that is what this article will discuss.

Different Boiler Types

Depending on what kind of boiler you have, there are two pressure options. Your system must rely on a water tank if your boiler is an older conventional boiler system model. This type of water tank determines the water levels in the system using a ball float device. If, however, your boiler is relatively new, and is a combination or standard boiler, then it is likely that you are operating with a Pressurized System. If you have a pressurized system in your home, it simply means that there is no water tank and that water enters your home’s system through the cold water supply.

Regularly Checking the Pressure

You will be required to locate the water tank, if you have an older conventional boiler system. The best place to start looking is in the loft. If you have a combination or standard boiler, you can directly head for it in your loft. If you have a standard or combination boiler, you should be looking for your pressure gauge. Although it may depend on your system, a normal reading should be between 1 and 1.5 bar, but specific pressure for your system should be located in your manual. Take immediate action if you gauge is reading below the recommended level.

Potential Causes of Pressure Drops

Leaks are generally the most common cause of a pressure drop. This can be the result of a bleeding radiator or a water leak – generally found directly in the system.

Repressurising the System

If your boiler is a newer model you will have to locate your filling loop – which should be easy to see – as it looks like a stop tap connected to the system with a metal hose. In order to allow the water to enter the filling loop, the next step to take is to open the tap. Start to slowly allow water to enter at a gradual rate – this way you can easily watch the rise of the pressure gauge – and stop the tap once the pressure is at the system’s recommended level.

Troubleshooting Help and Tips:

1. I am unable to connect my metal hose to the system.

This problem is not unusual. You can solve this problem by removing the cap from the capped end of the pipe and simply connect it to the metal hose.

2. I cannot locate my filling loop.

Your filling loop may be hidden in a cupboard, try locating it near the vicinity of your boiler. If you are still unable to find the filling loop, refer to your manual, as your boiler’s filling loop may be an integral structure in your system’s functionality. If this is the case, refer to the owner’s manual directly for instructions on how to repressurise the system.

3. The tap was not stopped in time and now my system is over pressurised, what do I do?

Generally, this is not a problem. Your boiler should revert itself to the recommended pressure level by releasing the excess pressure through its pressure safety valve. By taking the time to check the health of your home heating system, you are taking the right steps towards ensuring that your home is as energy efficient as possible. Ultimately, this will cut your heating bills and put more money directly into your pocket.