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Boiler Repairs

Low boiler pressure: how to fix it

4 min readGas Safe registered advice · Birmingham 

Hands adjusting the pressure controls beneath a domestic combi boiler

Low pressure is the single most common reason a boiler stops heating, and in many cases it's something you can put right yourself.

The correct pressure

Aim for 1 to 1.5 bar with the system cold. Anything under 0.7 bar will typically trigger a lockout; anything over 2.5 bar cold risks the pressure relief valve discharging.

Re-pressurising step by step

With the boiler switched off and the system cold:

  • Find the filling loop, usually a braided silver hose or a built-in key beneath the boiler.
  • Open both valves slowly and listen for water entering the system.
  • Watch the gauge and close both valves at around 1.2 bar.
  • Reset the boiler and check it fires.

When it isn't a DIY job

If pressure drops again within days, or you can't find a filling loop, stop there and book an engineer. If you'd rather not tackle it yourself, we cover Birmingham and surrounding areas, seven days a week.

Want it done for you?

If you want your plumbing or heating problem fixed professionally for you, contact Matt Plumbing & Heating today for fast, reliable service across Birmingham and surrounding areas.

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