Boiler pressure top up in Exeter
Professional boiler pressure top up services in Exeter and surrounding areas. Local, reliable handyman - no job too small.
Price Guide
£60
Typical Duration
15-20 mins
Location
Exeter, Devon
Boiler pressure topped up to correct level so your heating and hot water work properly again. Quick 15-minute job - I'll show you how to do it yourself next time.
When The Pressure Gauge Is In The Red Zone
You go to put the heating on. Boiler makes a noise like it's trying, but nothing happens. You check the pressure gauge: it's down in the red, way below where it should be.
Low pressure = no heating, no hot water. Your boiler's safety features won't let it fire up.
The fix is simple - add water to the system until pressure's back in the right zone. Takes 15 minutes.
Why Boilers Lose Pressure
This is completely normal, by the way. Not a fault.
| Normal Pressure Loss | Problem Pressure Loss |
|---|---|
| Drops slowly over months | Drops weekly or daily |
| After bleeding radiators | Visible water leaking |
| Cold weather expansion/contraction | Constant need to top up |
If yours is the second column, you've got a leak that needs finding and fixing. I'll advise if that's the case.
The Top-Up Process
🔧 What I Do
- Check current pressure reading
- Locate your boiler's filling loop/valve
- Open valve carefully while watching gauge
- Fill to correct pressure (1-1.5 bar)
- Close valve
- Test boiler fires up properly
- Show you how to do it yourself next time
💡 You Get
- Heating and hot water working again
- Boiler at correct operating pressure
- Knowledge to DIY it next time
- Peace of mind system's okay
Pricing
| Job | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Boiler pressure top up | 15-20 mins | £60 |
£60 minimum. If I find a leak while there, I'll quote separately for the repair.
💡 Pro tip: Take a photo of your pressure gauge when it's at the right level. Makes it easy to check if it's dropped without remembering what the numbers should be.
Why Choose Us for Boiler pressure top up in Exeter?
Heating and hot water working again
Correct pressure for your system
Shown how to do it yourself next time
15-minute fix, done properly
What to Expect
Step 1: Check The Gauge
See exactly how low it's gone and where it needs to be. Most boilers want 1-1.5 bar.
Step 2: Find The Filling Loop
Every boiler's different. Could be integrated into the boiler, could be a separate braided hose underneath. I locate it and check it's working.
Step 3: Fill System
Open the valve gradually while watching the pressure gauge climb. Stop at the right pressure - usually around 1.2 bar.
Step 4: Test & Show You
Fire up the boiler, make sure heating comes on. Then show you the whole process so you can do it yourself when it drops again in six months.
🔧 DIY Tips
This is one you should definitely learn to do yourself:
🔧 Tools you'll need
- None - just your hands
- Maybe a torch to see under the boiler
📐 How to top up pressure
- Turn boiler off (just to be safe)
- Find filling loop - check your boiler manual if you can't locate it
- Note current pressure - look at the gauge
- Open filling valve slowly - you'll hear water flowing
- Watch pressure gauge - stop when it reaches 1-1.5 bar
- Close valve firmly - important! Leave it open and you'll flood
- Turn boiler back on - should fire up normally now
- Check for leaks from the filling loop
⚠️ Common DIY mistakes
- Filling too fast (hard to stop at right pressure)
- Forgetting to close valve after (water everywhere eventually)
- Panicking if it goes slightly over (it's fine, just bleed a radiator slightly to drop it)
- Not checking if there's an underlying leak causing frequent drops
💡 Pro trick: If your boiler keeps needing pressure adding, check underneath it and around all radiator valves for damp patches. That's where leaks usually are.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 While I'm there? If you've also got radiators that need bleeding, wonky TRV valves, or any other heating niggles, tell me when you book. Makes sense to sort them all in one visit.
Combination boilers (no tank in loft) need more frequent pressure top-ups than regular boilers. It's normal for them.
Just bled radiators? That's why your pressure dropped. When you bleed radiators you let air (and pressure) out. Always check boiler pressure after bleeding.
Older Exeter houses? If you've got an ancient back boiler or warm air heating, this advice doesn't apply - those systems are completely different. Call me and I'll advise.
Pressure keeps dropping? Book a proper leak investigation. Could be a pin-hole leak in a pipe, dodgy radiator valve, or the pressure relief valve passing. I can diagnose it properly rather than you constantly topping up.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do I know my boiler pressure is low?
Your boiler's pressure gauge shows it - usually a dial or digital display. Should be between 1 and 1.5 bar when cold. Below 1 bar and many boilers won't fire up. Also, error codes, flashing lights, or the heating just not coming on are classic signs.
Why does boiler pressure drop?
Totally normal over time - tiny water loss through the system. If you've just bled radiators, that'll drop it too (you let air out, pressure drops). If it's dropping constantly (like weekly), you've probably got a small leak somewhere that needs investigating.
Can I top it up myself?
Yeah, it's not complicated once you know how. I'll show you while I'm there - then you can do it yourself next time it drops. Your boiler manual has instructions too, but seeing it done once makes it much clearer.
What's the filling loop you mentioned?
It's the bit that lets you add water to your heating system - usually under the boiler. Could be a built-in tap, or a separate flexible hose you attach. Different on every boiler model, which is why it helps having someone show you the first time.
Can you overfill it?
Yes, but not disastrously. If you put too much in (over 2 bar), the pressure relief valve will dump the excess water outside. Bit wasteful but no actual damage. Ideal pressure is 1-1.5 bar when system's cold.
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