Why is my boiler losing pressure?

Date published: 2nd February 2015

If you notice that the pressure on your boiler is dropping, the first thing you need to look for is any sign of a leak. Check all radiators, valves, visible pipework and joints to see if there are any cracks or splits.

If you notice leaks or splits, it’s advisable to get a plumber out ASAP to repair the damage. This should stop your boiler losing pressure.

No leaks

If you can’t find any leaks, it could be that the pressure release valve is faulty. This valve allows water to escape if the pressure gets too high. If this is the likely problem, get a plumber around to check the valve and replace it if necessary.

Looking after your boiler

Problems such as drops in pressure can be easily avoided if you take care of your boiler. So many people neglect to have their boiler serviced and they end up with more costly issues further down the line. Chances are that if your boiler’s going to fail, it’ll choose to do it at the worst possible moment, leaving you without hot water or central heating.

The answer is to have your boiler serviced regularly by an experienced and qualified plumber. If you have a newer model, you can probably get away with a service every two years but on older models, you should be getting them serviced annually.

When you call your plumber out to service your boiler, make sure you’re ordering a full service, rather than just a quick health check. This will probably take around an hour and involves taking the boiler apart to have a good look at all the vital components.

Having a full service done means that not only can you rest assured that your boiler’s not going to break down any time soon, you can also be confident that it’s not posing any threat to you and your family. Carbon Monoxide poisoning can be fatal, and an unloved boiler can be one of the biggest culprits. What’s more, a boiler that’s in really good condition is likely to be more energy efficient, saving you money on your bills.

Gas safe

If you’re booking a service on your boiler, make sure that the plumber you hire is Gas Safe registered. Depending on the age of your boiler, a full service can cost anywhere from £50 to £200. Gather some like-for-like quotes to make sure you’re getting a good deal. But remember that the cheapest deal is not always the most cost-efficient: be certain you’re going with a reputable, reliable plumber.