The combi (or combination) boiler is the most popular type of boiler as they offer a convenient, cost-effective and space saving way to heat the home and provide hot water. They are very sturdy and reliable pieces of equipment but still, problems can develop. A common problem with boilers involves its pressure – but how do you recognise it and what do you need to do about it?
What is a combi boiler?
If you are unsure if you have a combi boiler in your home, it is relatively easy to tell. A combi boiler gets its name because it combines both the central heating boiler and water heater into one single unit. Therefore, if you have a separate hot water heater to the central heating boiler, you don’t have a combi. Most houses who have had boilers fitted in the last decade or so will most likely have a combi boiler.
Combi boilers are popular because they allow hot water to be delivered through taps or shower at mains pressure. This means there is no need for a separate pump. It also requires less space and fewer pipes, reducing initial costs and the chances that pipes leak.
Signs of boiler pressure problems
Water pressure within a boiler is a way to indicate that everything is working properly. Constant water pressure is needed for the system to work, both supplying hot water to the taps and to the radiators to heat the house. There are a number of signs that pressure may have dropped.
The easiest one to look at is the gauge on the boiler. This is normally at the front of the boiler and should be showing around the 1 bar position with the red indicator needle. Sometimes it might be a little higher depending on the levels of your property. If the gauge is around the 3 bar mark, this indicates high pressure while under 1 indicates low pressure. This will naturally vary when the boiler is in use.
Dealing with high pressured boilers
One of the easiest ways to deal with high pressure in your boiler system is to bleed the radiators. This reduces the pressure in the system and therefore reduces the stress on the boiler. You might need at least two people to do the job – one to bleed the radiators and the other to watch the gauge to see when it has gone back down to a safe level.
Sometimes the boiler may need depressurising to resolve the problem. This is a more complex procedure and should only be carried out by a trained gas accredited engineer.
Getting help
Bleeding radiators can most likely be carried out by yourself but dealing with a pressure problem on your boiler can potentially be dangerous as there is a lot of hot water involved in the system.
For your own safety, it’s always advised that you contact a company offering boiler repairs by certified gas engineers.
DHS is a certified Bristol boiler company offering services across the South West, if you’re looking to get a boiler installed or think your boiler might have a pressure problem give us a call today on 0117 924 7200, email us or request a call back.
Unit 2 Septimus Buildings 
