If your Worcester combi boiler’s pressure drops below the recommended range of 1 to 1.5 bar, you’ll need to repressurise it. Fortunately, you can do this without a special key, using either the manual pressure relief valve or the filling loop method. This comprehensive guide will walk you through the step-by-step process for each technique, ensuring your boiler is back up and running at the optimal pressure.
Method 1: Manual Pressure Relief Valve Adjustment
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Turn off the boiler: Ensure the boiler is completely shut off and allowed to cool down. This is a crucial safety step to prevent any scalding or burns.
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Locate the pressure relief valve: The pressure relief valve is typically found on or near the boiler. It resembles a small brass or silver lever or knob, often labeled “Pressure Relief Valve.”
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Prepare a container: Place a container or towel under the valve to catch any water that may be released during the adjustment process.
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Open the valve: Gently lift or turn the valve upward to release water and increase the pressure. Be cautious, as the water may be hot.
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Monitor the pressure: Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge while opening the valve. Close the valve once the pressure reaches the desired level of 1 to 1.5 bar.
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Check for leaks: After adjusting the pressure, inspect the area around the valve for any signs of leaks. If you notice any, turn off the boiler and call a professional for further assistance.
Method 2: Filling the Boiler via the Filling Loop
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Turn off the boiler: As with the previous method, ensure the boiler is completely shut off and allowed to cool down.
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Locate the filling loop: The filling loop consists of two flexible hoses with valves at each end. One end should be connected to the cold water supply, and the other end should be connected to the boiler.
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Identify the pressure gauge: Locate the pressure gauge on your Worcester boiler, as you’ll need to monitor it during the filling process.
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Open the valves: Slowly open both valves on the filling loop to allow cold water to flow into the boiler, increasing the pressure.
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Monitor the pressure: Keep a close eye on the pressure gauge as you open the valves. Close both valves once the pressure reaches the desired level of 1 to 1.5 bar.
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Check for leaks: Inspect the entire filling loop system, including the hoses and valves, for any potential leaks after adjusting the pressure.
Method 3: Bleeding Radiators to Increase Pressure
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Bleed the radiators: Air trapped in the heating system can lead to low pressure. Bleeding the radiators can help remove this air and increase the pressure.
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Check the pressure gauge: After bleeding the radiators, monitor the pressure gauge to ensure it reaches the recommended level of 1 to 1.5 bar.
Important Safety Considerations
- Always turn off the electricity supply to your boiler before attempting to repressurise.
- Ensure the boiler is completely shut off and allowed to cool down before starting any method.
- Monitor the pressure gauge closely to avoid over-pressurising the system, which can be dangerous.
- If you are unsure or uncomfortable with these methods, always seek professional advice from a qualified heating engineer.
Technical Specifications
- Ideal pressure range for a Worcester boiler: 1 to 1.5 bar when the system is cold.
- Pressure relief valve: Typically located on or near the boiler, it resembles a small brass or silver lever or knob.
- Filling loop: Consists of two flexible hoses with valves at each end, one connected to the cold water supply and the other to the boiler.
References
- Laura T. (2016, November 26). Worcester repressurising – no key and no hose!? – YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rW_dOnE34Ng
- (2019, February 19). Topping up a Worcester Boiler- Keyless Filling Link – YouTube. Retrieved from https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XUTakE3Eut4
- Worcester Bosch. (n.d.). What to do if your boiler loses pressure. Retrieved from https://www.worcester-bosch.co.uk/heating-advice/boiler-pressure
- JustAnswer. (2011, November 29). How to Repressurise Your Worcester 24i Boiler Without a Key. Retrieved from https://www.justanswer.com/uk-plumbing/5w8zh-worcester-24i-junior-need-pressurise-it-don-t.html
- JF Heating. (2023, November 20). How to Increase Pressure on Worcester Boiler Without Key. Retrieved from https://jfheating.online/blog/how-to-increase-pressure-on-worcester-boiler-without-key/