Efficient Ways to Increase Boiler Pressure Bars

What Causes Low Boiler Pressure?

Before we delve into the solutions, let’s understand some common reasons for low boiler pressure:

• A water leak in the heating system
• Bleeding excess air from radiators
• A faulty pressure relief valve
• An issue with the expansion vessel

Checking for Water Leaks

The first step to increasing boiler pressure is to identify and fix any water leaks in the system. To do this, you can follow these steps:

1. Inspect your boiler for any visible leaks, such as dripping pipes or puddles of water.
2. If you can’t find any apparent leaks, check the radiators, valves, and connections for signs of water leakage.
3. If a leak is detected, you should contact a professional plumber to repair it.

Bleeding Excess Air from Radiators

Air trapped inside the heating system can reduce boiler pressure. To resolve this issue, you can bleed the excess air from your radiators by following these steps:

1. Switch off your boiler and allow it to cool down.
2. Locate the radiator bleed valve, which is usually situated at the top of the radiator, near one end.
3. Using a radiator key or a flat-blade screwdriver, slowly turn the valve anti-clockwise until you can hear a hissing sound. This indicates that air is escaping.
4. Once water starts dripping from the valve, close it by turning it clockwise.
5. Repeat this process for all the radiators in your home.
6. Finally, switch on your boiler and check if the pressure bars increase to the recommended level.

Checking the Pressure Relief Valve

The pressure relief valve is a safety component that ensures the pressure within the boiler does not exceed a dangerous level. If this valve becomes faulty, it can lead to low boiler pressure. Follow these steps to examine the pressure relief valve:

1. Switch off your boiler and give it time to cool down.
2. Locate the pressure relief valve, which is usually found on the top or side of the boiler.
3. Check if there is any water or signs of leakage around the valve. If so, it may need to be replaced.
4. If the valve appears to be in good condition, carefully lift its central mechanism using a flat-blade screwdriver. This action should release any trapped air or debris.
5. Once the mechanism is released, allow it to settle back into place.
6. Turn your boiler on and observe if the pressure bars rise to the desired level.

Inspecting the Expansion Vessel

The expansion vessel is responsible for absorbing excess pressure within the heating system. If the vessel is faulty or needs re-pressurizing, it can result in low boiler pressure. To inspect the expansion vessel, follow these steps:

1. Switch off your boiler and wait for it to cool down.
2. Locate the expansion vessel, which is usually connected to the boiler by a pipe.
3. Identify the Schrader valve on the vessel, similar to the one on car tires.
4. Remove the plastic cap from the valve and press it down with a tire pressure gauge.
5. Check the pressure reading on the gauge. If it’s below the recommended level, you will need to re-pressurize the vessel.
6. Consult your boiler’s user manual or contact a professional technician to understand the precise steps for re-pressurization.
7. Once the expansion vessel is correctly pressurized, turn on your boiler and verify if the pressure bars have increased.

By following these steps, you can efficiently increase the boiler pressure bars and restore the effective performance of your heating system. However, if you encounter any difficulties or are unsure about any procedures, it’s always best to consult a professional for guidance.