Low boiler pressure is one of the most common problems with boilers. Luckily though, it is unlikely to cause any damage to your boiler so is not a cause for immediate panic. It can however have a big effect on the efficiency and the effectiveness of your heating system. This means it will be harder to keep you home warm and your energy bills are likely to increase.

For these reasons, if you notice your pressure has dropped then you shouldn’t ignore it.

Most UK homes use a gas combi boiler for their heating and hot water. On a combi boiler there will be a pressure gauge which looks a little like a car speedometer. It may have green and red zones on it to highlight when the pressure is too high or too low. If your pressure gauge is within the green zone then it is too low and you should take action.

The most common causes of a boiler having low pressure are either a water leak or as a result of bleeding the radiators.

If you have a leak, this can often be identified simple by visual examination. Check around the radiators or any pipework for signs of a leak and also look out for damp patches. If you can’t see any visible leaks then you should not attempt to look inside the boiler itself. At this stage you should contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

To fix the problem the boiler will need to be repressurised. Please consult your boiler manual for instructions on how to do this.

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