Why is my boiler pressure low?

Here are several reasons why the pressure in your boiler is too low.


  1. Overtime, it is quite normal for air to get into the system. You can tell if this has happened because you can feel cold spots on your radiators. Try bleeding the radiators, then topping up the pressure on the boiler.
  2. There’s a leak somewhere in the central heating system. Check pipes, radiators and radiator valves for signs of a leak, such as rust, corrosion or staining. You may not notice any water, because it may evaporate due to the heat of the pipework before it has the chance to drip. 
  3. The expansion vessel inside your boiler may need recharging or replacing. This is a job for a qualified, Gas Safe registered heating engineer.
  4. There could be debris inside the pressure relief valve. This is the safety valve that usually discharges water if the pressure in the system gets too high. If it is dripping with water and the pressure gauge is too low, your Gas Safe registered engineer will need to clean out or replace the safety valve. 

How to top up the pressure on my boiler

It is quite simple to top up the water pressure in your boiler. You should be able to do it yourself without having to call a heating engineer.

Related FAQs

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Serial number can usually be found on the drop down panel on the front of the boiler. Some boilers have a tag underneath the boiler. Find out more...

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Is it ok to turn off your boiler in summer? The short answer is: it depends on your home and your circumstances. Find out more...

How old is my boiler?

You can find out how old your boiler is by visiting the official industry database. Read more...

How often should I have my boiler serviced?

Boiler repairs can be expensive and inconvenient. We advise you have your boiler serviced every year in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

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