If a building suffers from problems with its hot water, a boiler that's losing pressure is often at the source of the issue. Before you can properly start on fixing the issue, however, you’ve first got to determine what exactly is causing it. Luckily, most plumbing and heating issues with a boiler losing pressure can be traced to three main causes.

The boiler may have a leak

This is one of the most common explanations for a boiler losing pressure. In a nutshell, if it’s losing pressure that’s probably because it’s losing water. What’s more, this leaking water could be causing damage elsewhere in the house, so it’s something you’ll want to track down as soon as you can. Start by checking all parts of the system, from the pipework down to individual radiators. Pay particular attention to the connections between fittings, which are the places where leaks are most prone to developing.

Key thing to remember: if these parts are wet to the touch, it doesn’t necessarily mean they’re leaking, as it could just be condensation. There’s a simple way to definitively check for leaks - just dry the suspected area with a paper towel, and place a piece of paper underneath it. If this paper is in any way wet when you return, it’s likely that it’s leaking. Don’t forget that leaks could also be happening in places that the average homeowner wouldn’t normally be able to access, either; like under the floor.

Bleeding the radiators

If the radiators in the building are subject to regular bleeding, it may eventually cause the boiler to lose pressure. This is because the process basically involves the radiator releasing air. Over time, this can lower the pressure in the system. To avoid this, bleeding should only take place when necessary.

The pressure release valve may be faulty

Sometimes known in the industry as the overflow, the pressure release valve will be connected to a pipe leading from the boiler to the outside of the building. You’ll need to check if this pipe is regularly dripping (again, the easiest way to do this is sometimes by placing something underneath it). If it is, the valve may well be faulty, which likely means that it’s allowing a minor but continuous flow of water from the system. Ultimately, this will cause the pressure in the boiler to drop, denying the occupants of the building access to hot water (at the very least!).

Promptly identifying the cause of the pressure drop can make it a lot easier for you to solve. And here at R&J Builders Equipment, we are your one-stop shop for everything you need to get the job done. Our plumbing and heating section contains all the supplies you need for your work with heating systems, including replacement radiator valves, and copper fittings which are less likely to corrode. Browse them right here on our site, or give us a call on 01254 52525 if you have any questions or need any advice.