Boiler pressure check in Exeter
Professional boiler pressure check 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 checked and explained. If it needs topping up, I can do that. If there's a leak causing it, I'll advise on next steps.
The Gauge That Makes No Sense
You look at your boiler. There's a gauge. It's got a needle pointing to... something. Is that good? Bad? Should you be worried?
Your heating's not working properly. Someone mentioned "boiler pressure" but you've got no idea what that means or how to check if it's the problem.
💡 Pro tip: Most modern boilers have a pressure gauge on the front. If the needle's in the red zone (either end), that's your problem. If it's in the green (usually 1.0-1.5 bar), pressure's fine.
Why Boiler Pressure Matters
Combi boilers need correct pressure to work. Too low and they won't fire. Too high and safety valves open.
| ✅ Correct Pressure | ❌ Wrong Pressure |
|---|---|
| Boiler works normally | No heating or hot water |
| 1.0-1.5 bar when cold | Below 0.5 or above 2.5 |
| Pressure stable | Keeps dropping (indicates leak) |
| System working efficiently | Wasting water and energy |
What I'll Do
🔧 The Check
| Stage | What Happens |
|---|---|
| Read Gauge | Check current pressure |
| Explain | Tell you what it means |
| Diagnose | Work out why it's wrong (if it is) |
| Top Up | If it just needs filling (and no leak) |
| Advise | If there's a bigger problem |
Common Pressure Problems
Pressure Too Low (Below 1.0)
- Just needs topping up (I can show you how)
- Leak somewhere (needs finding)
- Radiators bled recently (normal, just top up)
Pressure Too High (Above 2.5)
- Filling loop left open (easy fix)
- Expansion vessel failed (needs heating engineer)
- Over-filled system (needs bleeding off)
Pressure Keeps Dropping
- Leak in system (could be anywhere)
- Pressure relief valve passing (needs replacing)
- Expansion vessel punctured (pro job)
Pricing
| Service | Time | You'll Pay |
|---|---|---|
| Pressure check + advice | 15 mins | £60 |
| Check + top up | 20 mins | £60 |
Based on £60 minimum. If leak needs fixing, that's heating engineer territory.
Why Choose Us for Boiler pressure check in Exeter?
Pressure gauge read and explained
Advised if it needs topping up
Shown where filling loop is
Peace of mind it's safe
What to Expect
Step 1: Check Pressure
Read the gauge, explain what it shows, whether it's in normal range.
Step 2: Diagnose
If pressure's wrong, work out why. Check for obvious leaks, see if filling loop's open, etc.
Step 3: Top Up or Advise
If it just needs topping up, I'll do it and show you how for next time. If there's a leak, I'll advise on getting a heating engineer.
🔧 DIY Tips
Want to check boiler pressure yourself?
📍 Where's the pressure gauge? Usually on the boiler front panel. Round dial with numbers 0-3 or 0-4, and colored zones (red/green).
✅ Normal reading Green zone, usually 1.0-1.5 bar when system's cold.
🔧 Topping up pressure yourself
- Find the filling loop (usually under boiler, braided hose between two valves)
- Turn both ends slowly until you hear water flowing
- Watch pressure gauge - stop when needle reaches 1.2 bar
- Turn both valves fully OFF
- Check no water dripping from filling loop
⚠️ Common mistakes
- Over-filling (above 2.0) - causes pressure relief to vent
- Leaving filling loop open (pressure keeps rising)
- Topping up constantly without finding the leak
- Panicking about slightly low pressure (it's not dangerous)
💡 Pro trick: Take a photo of the gauge when pressure's correct. Next time you check, you'll know instantly if it's changed.
Rather leave it to a pro? No problem - that's what I'm here for. Give me a call.
Good to Know
🎨 Annual service: Boiler pressure check is part of annual boiler service. If you're getting pressure drops, book a full service - there might be other issues too.
Older houses: Exeter's Victorian/Edwardian houses often have microbore heating pipes hidden in walls. These can develop pinhole leaks that are hard to find. Persistent pressure drops need a heating engineer with leak detection equipment.
Sealed vs vented systems: This advice is for sealed systems (combi boilers, most modern systems). Old open-vented systems with tanks in the loft don't have pressure gauges - they work differently.
When to call heating engineer: If pressure drops more than 0.5 bar per week, or if you smell gas, or if boiler's making weird noises - get a Gas Safe engineer. These are proper problems, not DIY fixes.
Frequently Asked Questions
What pressure should my boiler be at?
Most combi boilers should be between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when cold. Check your boiler manual, but that's the general range. Below 1.0 and it might not fire up. Above 2.5 and the pressure relief valve might vent.
Can you top up the pressure while you're here?
Yes - if it just needs topping up and there's no leak, I can do that. If there's a leak causing repeated pressure drops, that needs a heating engineer to fix properly.
What if the pressure keeps dropping?
That indicates a leak somewhere - could be radiator valve, pipe joint, or the boiler itself. I'll check obvious places and advise whether you need a heating engineer. Don't keep topping it up without finding the leak.
Why has my boiler pressure dropped?
Common reasons: small leak somewhere, radiators bled recently (removes water from system), or pressure relief valve vented (if pressure was too high). I can help identify which.
Is low boiler pressure dangerous?
No - low pressure just means the boiler won't fire up. It's a safety feature. High pressure (over 3 bar) is the one to worry about, but boilers have safety valves to prevent damage.
Boiler pressure check Also Available In:
Get a Free Quote in Exeter
Call us today for a free, no-obligation quote for your boiler pressure check job in Exeter.
01392 964094Request Online QuoteOur Rates
Got multiple jobs?
Make the most of your first hour - I can often tackle several small tasks in one visit. List everything you need done when you call!
Why Trust Us
Need Boiler pressure check in Exeter?
Get a free quote for your boiler pressure check job in Exeter today.