Fix Your High Boiler Pressure with These Simple Steps

To ensure efficient functionality of your central heating, it's important to maintain water pressure within the optimum range of 1 to 1.3 bar. This information can be found in your boiler system manual. When the boiler pressure exceeds or falls below this range, the heating system won't function at an optimum level due to the design and functioning of its components.

If you're wondering about the safety of high boiler pressure, Ideal Heating has got you covered. High pressure is generally not harmful even if it's substantially higher. However, one should not exclusively rely on the pressure relief valve to prevent overpressurization as it could be both inefficient and dangerous if it's defective or jammed.

It may be challenging to determine when your boiler pressure is too high. A good starting point is to check your boiler's pressure gauge. The gauge may be in either analogue or digital form, displaying the pressure and its ideal range. Leakage from your heating system could also signify a faulty pressure gauge. Look for joints and radiators if you see puddles. A plumber may need to fix any leakage, in addition to regulating the pressure.

Assuming you've determined that your boiler pressure is high, you can release it through several methods. The easiest approach is to open the filter valve if you have one. Many central heating systems have filters that remove impurities as water cycles through continually. They also have drainage valves. You'll find it near the boiler, and it will be either cylindrical or conical in shape. A valve at the bottom permits you to release the pressure. Keep an eye on the gauge and close the valve at 1 bar. If you don't have a filter, you may find a drain-off valve in the pipework—usually Y or T-shaped—that requires the use of a spanner to open. A bucket or tub underneath the valve will help you catch any water released. Keep the pressure gauge in view and close the valve once it reaches 1 bar.