How to Check & Repressurise Your Boiler
When to do this:Â If your heating and hot water aren't working, and your boiler is displaying a fault code. Low pressure is one of the most common causes of boiler shutdowns.
What you'll need:
- Your boiler's user manual (if available)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Check the pressure gauge:Â Locate the water pressure gauge on the front of your boiler. It's typically a circular dial with green and red zones. When the system is cold, the pressure should be in the green zone, usually between 1 and 1.5 bar. If it's below 1 bar, you need to repressurise it.
- Switch the boiler off:Â Ensure the boiler is completely turned off and has had time to cool.
- Find the filling loop:Â Look for a flexible, braided metal hose or possibly a copper pipe that loops back underneath your boiler with a small lever or tap at each end. This is the filling loop.
- Open the valves:Â Open the valves at both ends of the filling loop by turning the handles so they are in line with the pipe. You should hear water flowing into the system.
- Watch the gauge:Â Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge. As soon as it reaches the recommended level (around 1.5 bar), close both valves firmly, one after the other.
- Reset and restart:Â Turn your boiler back on. You may need to press the reset button to clear the fault code.
Pro-Tip:Â If you find you are having to repressurise your boiler regularly, you may have a water leak somewhere in the system. In this case, you should call a Gas Safe engineer to investigate.
How to Thaw a Frozen Condensate Pipe
When to do this: During very cold weather, if your boiler has stopped working and is making a gurgling sound. This often means the pipe that drains condensation has frozen solid.
What you'll need:
- A kettle, watering can, or hot water bottle
- Warm (not boiling) water
Step-by-Step Instructions:
- Locate the condensate pipe: This is a plastic pipe (usually white or grey) running from your boiler to an outside drain. The blockage is most likely to be in the most exposed section of the pipe, such as at a bend or where it terminates.
- Apply warmth: Carefully pour warm water over the frozen section of the pipe. You can also hold a hot water bottle or a microwaveable heat pack against it. Do not use boiling water, as this can crack the plastic pipe.
- Repeat if necessary: Continue applying warmth until you see water start to drain from the pipe, indicating the ice has melted.
- Reset your boiler: Once the pipe is clear, you will need to reset your boiler. Check your manual for instructions. The boiler should then restart.
Pro-Tip: To prevent this from happening again, you can buy foam pipe insulation (lagging) from any DIY store and fit it around the external condensate pipe.
