Are pressure problems getting you down?
As a landlord, it’s your responsibility to sort out any boiler problems your tenants may have, and unfortunately loss of pressure is one of the most common.
It could also mean your tenants are left without heating and hot water while they wait for a fix, so it’s inconvenient for everyone involved.
The good news is that it’s relatively simple to fix – so it isn’t always necessary to call out an engineer and pay unnecessary expenses.
Below, I’ve highlighted three problems that could result in a loss of pressure to your boiler, and easy pressure fixes for each, which you can try before you call in the professionals.
Pressure problem 1
It’s not uncommon for tenants to interfere with the radiators and air them out if they think there’s not enough heat getting through to the property.
However, because modern systems are pressurised, taking air out will result in a drop of system pressure. Imagine it as just like letting air out of a car tyre; it will have to be repressurised at the boiler.
Easy pressure fix 1
Go to the boiler and check the little gauge school shows 0-3 bars of pressure. This should be set at about 1.5 bars. Now, look just below the boiler for a metal braided hose with a tap on it. This will be connected to two pipes.This should be a little black tap which will turn clockwise 90 degrees.
If you turn this, you will hear water going into the system and see the gauge begin to climb. When it has reached 1.5 bars, simply turn the tap off. The boiler may start automatically, but if not, press the reset button on the front of the boiler.
(Look below for two alternative methods of repressurisation – as this will depend on your model of boiler)
Alternatively, you can always follow our video guides if you need more assistance.
Pressure problem 2
As pressurised systems get older, the pressure release valve could start to pass or leak water. Unfortunately, this does tend to happen in older boilers, especially if they are built with cheaper components.
However, it’s fairly simple to check for this particular problem, as there is always a discharge pipe which runs directly to the outside of the building.
Easy pressure fix 2
Look outside the back door or window to see if there’s a dripping pipe. If you can see this, there’s a good chance you have a leaking pressure release valve PRV.
All you need to do is simply top up the pressure to get hot water, and call your Gas Safe registered engineer to change the valve.
To top up the pressure, you can either follow the fix for pressure problem 1, or:
If you have a Worcester Bosch boiler, you’ll notice it has an internal filling loop with a key, which is located under the boiler. Take the bottom panel off, and you will see a plastic key fitted in the panel.
This should be put into the link underneath the boiler, where you’ll find there are two arrows which line up. When this is done, you should see a white tap to turn on.
Once you’ve turned the tap, you should hear water going into the system and see the gauge begin to climb. When it reached 1.5 bars, simply turn the tap off. The boiler may start automatically, if not press the reset button on the front of the boiler.
Our detailed video shows you exactly how to do this.
Pressure problem 3
Sometimes there could be a small leak in one of your radiator valves due to being knocked or bashed by the your vacuum cleaner, or by moving furniture.
You’d be surprised how easily this can be done – in fact, I’ve had this happen to a few of my clients in the past.
Easy pressure fix 3
If this is the case, the valve may just need tightened up and the system repressurised – however, if the pressure drops again, you may need to call an engineer to fix the valve or leak.
You can follow the steps above to top up the pressure and get hot water, or:
To top up the pressure on a Vaillant Ecotec Plus boiler, you’ll find there are two grey taps under the boiler which face you; both should say ‘closed’.
If you turn both taps 90 degrees, you will hear water going into the system and see the gauge begin to climb. When it reached 1.5 bars, simply turn the tap off. The boiler may start automatically, if not press the reset button on the front of the boiler.
You can always follow the guide on our videos if you need more assistance.
Time to call in the professionals
If the system pressure goes down again, you notice water at any of the radiator valves, or if you notice the discharge pipe outside dripping away, it’s time to call your chosen Gas Safe registered engineer or letting agent.
Warning: If you top up the pressure a couple of times and don’t see any water dripping from the pipe outside, or can’t find a leaking valve, do NOT try to repressurise again.
This is because there could be a more serious problem under the floor. You don’t want to keep filling with water which could drip to your downstairs neighbour if there a burst pipe.
Conclusion
Boiler pressure problems are one of the most common sources of heating-related headaches for landlords, but usually there is a simple fix that doesn’t involve calling out an engineer straight away.
Pressure problems can be caused by anything from tenants airing out radiators, to older parts breaking down and failing, to a simple bash from a vacuum cleaner or piece or furniture.
In these cases, follow my above instructions to top up the pressure to your boiler, and contact a Gas Safe registered engineer if and when necessary.
Remember: if you can’t locate the cause of the pressure problem, it could be a more serious problem under the floor, so it’s best to call in a professional rather than continually repressurising the boiler.
Have you experienced any of these pressure problems?
