Plumbing Advice Blog

I don’t know about you, but this outrageously hot weather really does seem to add an unnecessary pressure to my day-to-day life. Not just with work, but with the normal stuff, like doing the weekly shop, picking up my daughter from school, or generally making small talk with the neighbours. It’s like living in a sauna, 24/7.

With the temperature soaring, and very little rain to cool down the air, it just seems like everything becomes that much harder. So, it got me thinking – pressure can sometimes be a good thing.

Let’s talk boilers, then. After all, I am a plumber and this is the Tip of The Month.

One of the most common problems we’re called out to fix, is low boiler pressure, but what are the causes of low pressure, and why is it a problem?

Having good boiler pressure means that your hot water system runs more efficiently. Showers are that much more pleasurable, and hot water is right there when you need it.

To see if you’ve had a drop in pressure, take a look at the front of your boiler and check the pressure gauge. If it’s in the red, you’re low on pressure.

Firstly, it could be a leak in the boiler system itself. Whatever you do, DON’T open up the boiler to check it. However, it is worth checking your pipes and radiators for leaks and damp patches.

Secondly, if you’ve recently bled your radiators, that could have inadvertently lowered the pressure – it’s quite common for this to happen.

“How do I fix it?”, I hear you ask. The good news is, you’re quite likely to be able to sort it yourself. There are several types of boiler. Just whip out the user manual and it could well give you instructions as to how to adjust it. If you don’t have the manual, no sweat; go to the manufacturer’s website and see if they have the instructions there.

And, of course, if you are in any doubt whatsoever, just call a Gas Safe-registered plumber. Hey, you could even call us!

For any kind of heating or plumbing issue, call The Italian Plumber on 0208 9 457457 or book a callout.