Combi Boiler Pressure gauge

[keyplus90]

I have Sime Ecomfort Boiler fitted only 5 months ago. Works fine. Just today I noticed there is not enough hot water coming through the tap in the bath. Central heating is off as whether is nice. I looked at the manual and it tells about Temp/pressure gauge which should be between 1 to1.5 bar. But it is just below 1. Is it temporary or I will have to call someone. Or is it something I can adjust myself, How can I do that. Thanks

[terence7556]

you need to top up the water in the system with your filling loop but what do your instructions say about the minimum level required? i assume you still have them after a short length of time
more importantly where has the water gone? it can,t be evaporation so it points to a leak or have you had problems with air and have been bleeding rads on a regular basis, unlikely i know, it sounds like a small leak. noticed any damp spots anywhere

[keyplus90]

I did bleed radiators about three months ago only once. Nothing after that. I still have all the manuals. I have not noticed any leakage or dampness any where. Since I put the question here, Water in the taps is better now but pressure gauge is still below 1. Any way how do you top up the water?

[Jugglering]

There should be a valve (which will look like a tap to you) underneath the boiler which you have to open by turning - this lets the mains water in .... until the pressure reaches the optimum level (1 to 1.5 bar) and then you turn off the valve (tap)... I am sure one of the great gas boiler fellas will be one here soon and will give you more precise directions regarding your pressure !

I only ever have to open my *tap* by turning it through 90 degrees and then I close if off again when the boiler has reached the required pressure level.

[lukeinea]

When doing the above check that you have a connecting pipe in place as some models have them fitted permanently and other have to be fitted and removed each time this is done. Wise move to get one fitted in situ permanently as then you just have to turn the tap on and off
axxasionally to top up the system after bleeding etc..

[keyplus90]

Thanks for all the answers. Is this the flexi pipe runing between two pipe with a small tape on it?

[gasman]

yes

[gasman]

The filling pressure of the system cold must
be 1 bar. Once the filling has been completed,
close the filling loop tap and disconnect the loop. This will not make the hot water any better though as the pressure is the Central Heating side...

[keyplus90]

Sorry gasman- Disconnect from where. All I know that it is running between two copper pipes. I did not know that we could disconnect it as well. Ok I will open the tap which should increase the pressure and just turn the tap off again. Or did you mean just take that pipe off. Sorry for being so dull I have never touched this before. Thanks for you replies.

[NewDazzler]

My particular filling loop needs two valves to be opened, but at least it has a permanent pipe in place. I always have to make a point to close both after the pressure has been reached. You should hear the noise of water flowing when you have opened the correct valve(s). Best of luck.

[terence7556]

the filling loop is supposed to be disconnected because of two reasons: children can reach the tap and the valve the tap is connected to can fail. these are unlikely events and a lot of loops are always connected but its a safety thing as each event could result in too much pressure by over filling
this may seem a big problem to you at the moment but you will get the hang of it and feel more comfortable about it in the long run

[gasman]

Two good point there from terence but he forgot to mention the main one !!! That it is an offence to have the loop permanently connected. Water supply regulations 1999, Schedule 2. Paragraph 24 prohibits the permanent connection of closed circuits to supply pipes or distributing pipes. The main reason been Primary circuits may contain additives and the water can be heavily contaminated and is classed as a fluid category risk 3, So backflow prevention must be provided. Therefore they are not to be permanently connected to any supply pipe.
It is therefore essential that when filling or replenishing of the primary circuit is completed, there shall be a discontinuity at the piont of connection to prevent possible backflow contamination of the drinking water.

So Keyplus90, There should be a valve you can operate with a screw-driver or a small lever at each side of the flexi pipe you mention. Both need to be turned to open the water supply and top up the circuit. When the correct pressure is reached you then turn off both valves at each side of the flexi pipe and then simply disconnect the flexi pipe by unscrewing it from the valves and store it somewhere safe. It is good practice to then affix a cap over the valves where the flexi pipes connect to prevent debris entering and leaking from faulty valves that do not shut down properly.

[keyplus90]

terence7556, Jugglering, lukeinea, gasman, NewDazzler

Thanks all of you, I have toped up the pressure and now will buy a cap over the weekend to fix on the valves as gasman said. I couldn�t have done it without all your help. I salute all of you.

The way gasman has explained everything so nicely, I am thinking, can I apply for a corgi license now. Lol just kidding.

[gasman]

Woof Woof....

[happyman]

I have a biasi combi boiler presure bar is 0.
underneath the boiler there is a black knob, I turn it to fill the boiler but after about a few minute I turned it off because the presure guage was unchanged.
Should I have waited a bit longer or do I need filling loop?
N.B

i ALSO NOTICED THAT ON THE PIPE WORKS THERE WAS A YELLOW KNOB WHICH I COULD TURN AND A BLUE KNOB I COULD NOT TURN. WHAT ARE THESE FOR?
THANKS YOU