Your home boiler will not be able to properly heat your home if it ever loses pressure.You can repressurize your boiler without a professional.Depending on the age and type of boiler, you can add water by opening the water filling valves or by using the filling key.Your boiler will start working as it should with a little luck.
Step 1: The power to the heating system should be turned off.
Wait a few hours after turning off your boiler to cool it down.You could hurt yourself or damage the system if you don't turn it off.Wait 4 to 6 hours before working on the boiler after you turn it off.
Step 2: The tray is hidden under the boiler.
The tray may be plastic on newer boilers.Older boilers may have metal trays.Pull the tray out of the boiler.
Step 3: The filling key is in the tray.
A small piece of plastic or metal is attached to the tray when you remove it from the boiler.The key will be secured to the tray with a clip.Pull the key out of the clip.
Step 4: Put the filling key in the key manifold.
Next to the nut is the key manifold.You will need to turn this square nut later.The key manifold hole and nut can be made from metal or plastic.Once you locate the key, gently slide the filling key into it.If there are arrows on the key, they should be pointed at the hole.The key needs to fit into the manifolds.
Step 5: The key should be turned into the unlocked position.
A padlock, lock, or other symbol is used to represent the closed position on the manifolds.If you turn the key, it will be in the unlocked position.The symbol will be an unlocked padlock.The key will have to be turned 45 degrees.It should feel completely secure when the key is unlocked.
Step 6: Use a wrench to turn the nut.
Slowly and gently turn the nut.You should hear water coming into the boiler system once you turn it around.The system should be under more pressure.
Step 7: When the gauge hits 1.5 bars, turn the nut.
The arm on the pressure gauge should move slowly as the water fills the boiler.Many systems have a gauge that will read between 0 and 4 bars.When the arm reaches 1.5 bars, turn the nut clockwise until the water stops.Continue to watch the pressure gauge until it equals 1.5 bars.
Step 8: If there is a lot of pressure, turn the release knob.
You need to release pressure from the system if you see the arm on the pressure gauge going into red.The release knob is located next to the release valve.You should not stand near the release valve as it will release hot pressurized air.Within seconds, the pressure on your boiler should be lowered.
Step 9: The key must be turned into the locked position.
After turning the nut back to the off position, gently turn the key back into the locked position.If you do this, you will make sure that no one can accidentally turn the manifold nut and increase the amount of water in the boiler.
Step 10: Return the filling key to the tray.
Remove the key from the manifolds.You can see a few drops of water when you do this.This is normal.Place the key back in the tray after removing it.The tray should be slid into the slot beneath the boiler.Check to see that the manifold nut is completely closed if the water continues to trickle after a few minutes.Water will continue to enter the boiler if it is not.When trying to remove a key, contact a boiler repair technician.The boiler could be damaged or the unit could become over pressurized if you take it out wrong.
Step 11: The boiler should be turned back on.
You will need to hit the main power switch and power the boiler back on after you return the key to the tray.The pressure fluctuates a little bit at first.It should be stable within a few minutes.A certified boiler repairman will be able to inspect and repair your boiler if it begins to depressurize again.
Step 12: The boiler should be switched off.
Hit the main power switch.Wait 4 to 6 hours for the system to cool down.Allow your boiler to cool off even more if you have the time.If the boiler is hot, you don't want to work on it.
Step 13: Check to make sure the filling loop hoses are attached.
To see if they are attached correctly, turn the hoses.Water may be leaking out of the hoses if they are loose.It can cause your boiler to lose pressure.If they are loose, tighten them.You may need a wrench to tighten them completely.Check the pressure relief valves and the expansion tank for leaks.A small leak can lead to a drop in pressure.If hard water and scale build up inside pipes is a problem in your area, this could cause pressure fluctuations if a pipe is partially blocked.The boiler system may need to be flushed out.
Step 14: The filling valves can be opened with a screwdriver.
Next to the hoses is where the filling valves are located.To open the valves, turn your screwdriver clockwise.The cold water will enter the boiler.You should be able to hear water flowing as you do this.Wait for a few minutes if valves are hard to turn.The screw head can be damaged if you try to force the valve to turn.
Step 15: When the pressure gauge is 1 bar, close the filling valves.
As cold water enters the boiler, the arm on the pressure gauge should move up.The valves should be turned clockwise when it moves to 1 bar.The flow of water will be turned off.The pressure in the boiler should be stable after 30 seconds.If you can't see the gauge when you fill the system, you may need someone's help.If you hear the pressure valve releasing water, stop filling immediately.
Step 16: The boiler needs to be turned back on.
The main power switch should be hit after the pressure has gone down to 1 or 1.5 bars.The boiler should be pressurized at this point.If your boiler starts to lose pressure again, turn it off and call a certified boiler repair person.