Like most things in life, your boiler benefits from a little TLC every now and again. For instance, did you know your boiler has an optimum water pressure?

Your boiler needs to have a constant water pressure to make sure it works properly and continues to keep your house nice and cosy. It’s important to know that different types of boilers have different ways to keep pressure constant.

For example, if you have an older conventional boiler, your heating system will rely on a water tank which keeps water levels constant by using a ball float device. But if your boiler is quite new and is a combination or standard central heating system, then you need to check your water pressure about once a month to make sure it’s correct.

Checking on the pressure of your hot water system is quick and easy to do. Just take a look at the pressure gauge and make sure the reading is between 1 and 1.5, the perfect pressure range. If it drops below 0.5 or rises above 2.5, the pressure is incorrect and your hot water system won’t work as well as it could – and could even shut out.

If your pressure reading is too low (below 0.5), you need to repressurise the system by topping it up with water via the filling loop. The filling loop looks like a small tap which is connected to the system via a small hose. To add more water into your boiler, simply turn the tap while you watch the gauge to make sure you let in enough water to raise the pressure to the correct level (1-1.5).

There are a few reasons why your boiler may lose pressure, including leaks in your system. If this is the case, you should get the leak repaired as soon as possible to make sure your boiler continues to run efficiently.

Another reason for pressure to drop is when air has been removed after a radiator has been bled. So try and remember next time you bleed your radiators to check the pressure afterwards, just to make sure it has not been affected.

If there’s anything you’re unsure about when you come to repressurise your boiler, we’d always advise you to speak to an expert.

Visit www.britishgas.co.uk for more tips on how to repressurise and look after your boiler.