Boilers are an essential asset to every house and yet they remain one that many know little about. It is easy to set a boiler up and running, then neglect it for years to come. Adjustments and tampering for many is out of the question. This is problematic when considering the issues that can be common over the course of a boilers’ lifespan. At the event of a fault, a plumber is often called without hesitation. The callout can be costly. This can be especially frustrating when you realise that the issue may have been minor.
For instance, do you know what the pressure of your boiler should be? Are you able to locate the gauge and check if things are running smoothly? The pressure gauge is most likely to be the first indicator of an issue your boiler may be experiencing. As such, it is the most important to be familiar with. Regardless of what brand of boiler you own, the pressure gauge is fundamental. Typically, it can be found on the lower half of your boiler and will have a display that measures from 1 to 5. Depending on certain conditions the gauge will read slightly differently when running. Whether the boiler is currently hot or cold, for instance, will affect the number being displayed. The increment should never be too large, however, and it should usually read between 1 and 1.5.
If your boiler reads higher than this then there may indeed be a problem. High pressure can lead to the boiler failing and your home losing hot water altogether. Before you pick up the phone, it is important to check a few things first. There is a possibility that the pressure has grown because of a unit it is supplying. For instance, a radiator or towel rail that is drawing from the main water tank may require bleeding. Try draining one while keeping an eye on your boiler and you may see the pressure decrease.
Alternatively, you may find little to no pressure, which could be indicative of a leak. Again, before arranging assistance, try adjusting the pressure yourself by adding more water to the boiler. For safety, it’s best that the boiler is off when repressurising. Once you have located your filling loop, twist it to hear the water stream through. Then, once the pressure is at a healthy level, turn the loop back to close it.
Simple techniques and checks like these can stave off the need for a professional. If you do not feel entirely confident, reading through your boiler’s manual will help. Oftentimes they will include directions on how to perform basic tweaks and fundamental upkeep. If you do experience any further issues, problems that may escape a simple fix, it is important to contact a trusted boiler technician who can repair your boiler as well as prevent any further damage. Many experts, such as http://ecosafe.co/, can be found online and are readily available to assist with your home.
