How to Increase Pressure on Ideal Logic Boiler
If your Ideal Logic boiler has low pressure, you can usually fix it by using the filling loop under the boiler. This allows you to add water to the system and bring the pressure back to a safe level. Follow the steps below to increase the pressure correctly and keep your heating running smoothly.
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Why Boiler Pressure Matters
Your boiler relies on the correct water pressure to heat your home and provide hot water. If the pressure is too low (usually below 1.0 bar), your system may struggle to function or shut down completely. Common symptoms of low pressure include:
- No heating or hot water
- An error code (often F1 on Ideal Logic boilers)
- A pressure gauge reading below 1.0 bar
The good news? Re-pressurizing your boiler is often a simple DIY task.
What Should the Pressure Be?
When your Ideal Logic boiler is cold, the pressure gauge should read between 1.0 and 1.5 bar. If it’s below this range, it’s time to increase the pressure.
How to Increase the Pressure on Ideal Logic Boiler
Time needed: 6 minutes
Follow the below steps to increase the pressure on ideal logic boiler
- Turn Off the Boiler
Switch off the boiler using the control panel or fused spur switch. Wait for the system to cool down fully before starting. This ensures safe handling and avoids any risk of damage while adding pressure.
- Locate the Filling Loop
Look underneath your Ideal Logic boiler. You will find a silver braided hose with blue-handled valves at each end. This is the filling loop, which you will use to add water into the system.
- Prepare the Valves
Before opening the valves, check that both are fully closed. Slowly open the first valve. Then open the second one. Water will start to flow into the system, increasing the pressure gradually.
- Monitor the Pressure Gauge
Keep an eye on the pressure gauge on the front of your boiler. Allow the pressure to rise slowly. Once it reaches between 1.0 and 1.5 bar, close both valves firmly to stop the water flow.
- Disconnect the Filling Loop
If your boiler uses a detachable filling loop, unscrew it carefully and catch any water with a towel. Make sure the area is dry and there are no leaks before restarting the system.
- Restart the Boiler
Turn the boiler back on using the main control or fused spur. If the pressure remains steady and no error code shows, your heating system is ready to work as normal.
Causes to Lose Pressure On Ideal Boiler
Bleeding Radiators
One of the most common causes is bleeding the radiators. This process removes trapped air but also releases some water from the system, which lowers the pressure.
Leaks in the Heating System
Leaks in pipework, radiator valves, or joints can cause slow pressure loss. Even a small drip that goes unnoticed can reduce the system’s pressure over time.
Faulty Pressure Relief Valve
If the pressure relief valve is damaged or stuck open, it can allow water to escape unnecessarily. This fault often leads to frequent pressure drops.
Expansion Vessel Failure
The expansion vessel manages pressure changes inside the boiler. If it fails or loses its air charge, the system can lose pressure after each heating cycle.
Incomplete System Refill
After draining the boiler for maintenance or repair, the installer may not have fully refilled the system. This leaves it under-pressurized and prone to shutdown.
How to Prevent Losing Pressure
Check the Pressure After Bleeding Radiators
After you bleed your radiators, look at the boiler’s pressure gauge. If the pressure has dropped, use the filling loop to top it up to the correct level.
Inspect Pipework and Valves for Leaks
Watch for any damp areas or slow drips around pipes and radiator valves. If you see signs of a leak, arrange for a repair before the pressure drops too far.
Book an Annual Boiler Service
Have your boiler serviced once a year by a Gas Safe engineer. They will check key components like the pressure relief valve and expansion vessel to keep your system working efficiently.
Repressurize After Draining the System
If your system was drained for maintenance, ensure the installer has fully repressurized it before switching the boiler back on. Incomplete refilling can lead to pressure loss.
Monitor Pressure Regularly
Make it a habit to check the pressure gauge every few weeks. If the pressure keeps dropping and you cannot see a reason, ask a qualified engineer to investigate further.
What Fault Code We Get When We Lose Pressure on Ideal Logic Boiler
When the pressure drops too low, your Ideal Logic boiler will display the F1 fault code. This code tells you that the system does not have enough water pressure to run safely.
To clear this error, you need to add water using the filling loop until the pressure reaches the correct level. Once that’s done, press the reset button. The boiler should then start working again.
If the Ideal logic F1 code returns often, you may have a deeper issue like a leak or faulty internal part. In that case, it is best to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Conclusion
Increasing the pressure on your Ideal Logic boiler is a simple task that you can do yourself in just a few minutes. Using the filling loop, you can restore pressure and get your heating back on quickly. If your system keeps losing pressure, check for leaks or faulty parts. Always get help from a professional if you are unsure or the problem keeps coming back.
Frequently Asked Questions
You can increase the pressure by using the filling loop located under the boiler. Slowly open the valves and let water into the system. Watch the gauge and stop once it reads between 1.0 and 1.5 bar.
Turn the boiler off and locate the filling loop. Open both valves carefully and allow water to enter the system. Close the valves once the pressure gauge shows the correct range.
Use the blue-handled levers found on the filling loop under the boiler. Open both levers to let water in, and close them once the pressure reaches a safe level.
When cold, the boiler pressure should sit between 1.0 and 1.5 bar. If it drops below this, top it up using the filling loop. If it goes above 2.5 bar, call a Gas Safe engineer.
If pressure will not rise, you may have a stuck valve, a detached filling loop, or a closed isolation valve. Check the hose connection and valve positions. If nothing works, contact an engineer.
If the pressure goes above 2.5 bar, it could mean the filling loop was left open or the expansion vessel is faulty. Turn off the boiler and bleed a radiator to reduce pressure, or call an engineer.
The pressure gauge is usually located on the front panel of the boiler, near the bottom right corner. It shows the current system pressure and helps you monitor water levels.
