Ah, London is the one place where the weather’s constantly changing, but your need for a warm house isn’t. So, if your boiler keeps dropping pressure, that’s not merely an inconvenience; it’s a headache. If you’re trying to beat the morning chill or simply need a cozy evening in, a boiler constantly losing pressure will kill the vibe.
At Local Boiler, we have been servicing homes in Greater London for the past eight years and ensuring their boilers are running correctly. We’ve seen it all, from installing brand-new boilers to saving homes from the brink of freezing. Today, we’ll talk about tackling one of the most common (and frustrating) boilers losing pressure.
Did you know that London had the highest rate of boiler failures, with 2.91% of homes suffering a boiler breakdown, according to a survey conducted in 2019? So, while you feel you are the exception, this is a problem for many of us. But why, and what are you supposed to do about it?
The Lowdown on Low Pressure: Why Does My Combi Boiler Keep Losing Pressure?
Your boiler keeps losing pressure for many different reasons. Some are painfully obvious, and others require a specialist’s keen eye.
Here are some of the common culprits to look out for:
- Leaks: The number one offender! A small leak at the pressure valve will cause a noticeable pressure loss.
- Age: Boilers are like us; as they age, they become crankier. If your boiler is reaching its retirement age, it will likely constantly lose pressure.
- Air in the system: Trapped air can drop pressure, especially after you’ve bled your radiators.
- Expansion Vessel Issues: Sounds fancy, right? If your expansion vessel (the part that manages the pressure) breaks down, you’ve got a boiler losing its cool (literally).
Telltale Signs Your Boiler Pressure Is Too Low:
Now, here’s the rub: boilers are like teens. They’ll tip you off that something’s wrong, but you’ve got to catch it. When your combi boiler keeps losing pressure, you’ll probably notice:
- Slower Heating: Do your radiators always take too long to heat up? Your boiler could be complaining that it’s running short of steam (literally).
- Infrequent Shut-offs: If your boiler’s throwing in the towel mid-operation, it’s a surefire indicator of low pressure.
- Drop in Water Temperature: If your morning shower was like an Arctic dip, your boiler losing pressure may be the culprit.
Due to rising energy bills, 60% of UK adults are worried about keeping their homes warm during winter. And here’s the thing: a boiler that’s constantly losing pressure not only makes your home colder — it also raises your energy bills.
How to Fix a Boiler That Keeps Losing Pressure:
A few quick fixes can temporarily relieve the problem when your boiler keeps losing pressure. Here’s a handy guide:
- Check for leaks: Observe your radiators, pipes, and boiler for water leaks that can escape your attention. Bad joints or cracked pipes are sure suspects. Then, dial Local Boiler if you notice something suspicious.
- Top up the pressure: You can manually increase the boiler by opening the filling loop valve. Keep an eye on the bar, and stop when it hits the sweet spot—usually 1 to 2 bars.
- Bleed the Radiators: Air in the system may cause your boiler to lose pressure. Use a radiator key to bleed your radiators to release any trapped air, then test the pressure once more.
These quick fixes may help you in a jam but are short-term solutions to a much deeper issue. A long-term resolution needs you to call in the professionals. For example, Jenna from Southwark thought she could handle the problem that arose, which was that her combi boiler kept losing pressure.
She topped up the pressure every few days, but the problem kept recurring. She didn’t see a little leak behind her living room radiator. One call was made to the local boiler once, and her issue was fixed quickly. No more pressure drops—just a warm and fuzzy house!
Why Does My Boiler Keep Losing Pressure After Bleeding the Radiators?
Great question! If you’ve been bleeding the radiators to remove air and the pressure keeps dropping, it could indicate a more significant issue in the system. It may be as simple as pumping backup pressure (bleeding radiators make your system pressure go down), but if it doesn’t stop, you must look for leaks or malfunctioning parts.
Better to be safe than sorry—after all, 74% of homes in England rely on mains gas central heating. If your home is one of them, you’re well aware of your boiler’s vital role in keeping your household running.
Call in the Experts: Why Local Boiler is Your Best Bet?
If we’re being honest, no one enjoys a weekend spent dealing with a boiler that’s constantly on the fritz. And if you’re not a mechanical engineer, you might do yourself more harm than good.
That’s where Local Boiler comes in. We have eight years of experience in plumbing and heating London homes and understand boilers. From fixing leaking valves to replacing expansion vessels, we’ve seen it all and done it all. And we don’t break under pressure like your boiler!
Did you know 9 in 10 UK homes had boiler problems before the winter, with low pressure being one of the top complaints? With over 450 projects completed and over 5000 customers, we will ensure you’re back to cozy living in no time.
Don’t Let Pressure Loss Get You Down:
Whether you are living the nightmare of a boiler running out of pressure or constantly wondering why my combi boiler keeps losing pressure for no apparent reason, the solution is close at hand. Remember, an efficient boiler guarantees a cozy house and means lower energy costs. So, if your boiler is acting up, get it to chill you to the bone in the middle of winter.
Contact Local Boiler today, and let’s get your heater working like a charm. We think every London home deserves to be warm, comfy, and stress-free this winter.
Sunny Saini is a certified heating engineer with over 15 years of experience in maintaining and repairing boilers. He specializes in diagnosing complex boiler issues and providing reliable solutions to ensure homeowners stay warm and comfortable throughout the year.