How To Reset Potterton Boiler and Maintain Right Pressure
A working boiler keeps your home warm and gives you hot water. If you have a Potterton boiler, it’s good to know how to reset it if there’s a problem and how to keep the pressure at the right level. This guide will show you when and how to reset your boiler, how to check and maintain the pressure, and when it’s time to call a Gas Safe engineer for help.
Table of contents
- When Should You Reset the Boiler?
- How to Reset Your Potterton Boiler (Step-by-Step)
- How Often Do I Need to Reset It?
- Common Reasons to Reset a Potterton Boiler
- What’s the Right Pressure for a Potterton Boiler?
- How to Keep the Pressure Right for a Potterton Boiler
- When to Call a Gas Safe Engineer
- Conclusion
- Frequently Asked Questions
When Should You Reset the Boiler?
You might need to reset your boiler if:
- There’s been a power cut. The boiler may need restarting.
- The boiler locks out. This can happen if it finds a fault like low pressure or a blockage.
- It was recently serviced or repaired. A reset can help it start working again.
If you’re resetting the boiler often, there’s likely a bigger problem. A boiler shouldn’t need resets regularly.
How to Reset Your Potterton Boiler (Step-by-Step)
Time needed: 5 minutes
Follow the below steps to reset potterton boiler
- Find the Reset Button
Locate the Reset button to start the process, typically it will be on control panel.
- Press and Hold the Button
Press and hold it for about 10 seconds. You might hear a click.
- Wait for the Boiler to Start
After letting go of the button, the boiler should try to restart. Give it a few minutes.
- Check If It’s Working
If the boiler runs normally with no warning lights or odd sounds, you’re good to go.
- If It Still Doesn’t Work
Don’t keep trying. Call a certified gas engineer to check your boiler.
How Often Do I Need to Reset It?
Ideally, you shouldn’t need to reset your Potterton boiler regularly. If you find yourself doing it frequently, it’s a sign that something might be wrong. In such cases, it’s crucial to have a professional engineer inspect your boiler to identify and fix the underlying issue.
Common Reasons to Reset a Potterton Boiler
- Low water pressure – If the pressure drops below the required level (usually under 1.0 bar), the boiler may stop working.
- Power cuts – A sudden loss of electricity can cause the boiler to go into fault or standby mode.
- Ignition failure – The boiler may not light due to gas supply issues or a faulty igniter.
- Frozen condensate pipe – In cold weather, the condensate pipe can freeze and cause the boiler to shut down.
- Blocked flue or ventilation issues – This can stop the boiler from working safely, triggering a fault.
- Overheating – If the boiler gets too hot, it will shut down for safety.
- Sensor or thermostat errors – Faulty readings from internal sensors can cause lockouts.
What’s the Right Pressure for a Potterton Boiler?
Your boiler should have a pressure between 1 and 1.5 bar when it’s cold. This is the best range for it to work properly. If the pressure drops below 1 bar, the boiler might not heat your home or water properly. If it goes above 2.5 bar, there could be a problem that needs fixing.
How to Keep the Pressure Right for a Potterton Boiler
Check the pressure gauge:
Look at the front of the boiler to see the pressure reading. It should be between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold.
If the pressure is too low (below 1.0 bar):
- Locate the filling loop (usually a silver braided hose under the boiler).
- Slowly open both valves on the filling loop.
- Watch the pressure rise on the gauge.
- Once it reaches 1.2–1.5 bar, close both valves tightly.
If the pressure is too high (above 2.5 bar):
- Bleed a radiator using a radiator key to release some water and reduce pressure.
- Have a towel or bowl ready to catch any water.
Check for leaks:
If pressure keeps dropping, there might be a leak in the system. Call a Gas Safe engineer if you suspect one.
Recheck after bleeding or filling:
Make sure the pressure stays stable after adjustments.
When to Call a Gas Safe Engineer
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer if:
- The boiler keeps locking out even after a reset.
- The pressure drops often or rises too high.
- There are strange noises or smells from the boiler.
- You see error codes or flashing warning lights.
It’s safer to let a qualified engineer handle serious issues. They can find and fix the real cause, so your boiler works safely and properly.
Conclusion
Resetting your Potterton boiler is easy if it’s a small issue, like after a power cut. But if it keeps happening or the pressure won’t stay right, don’t ignore it. Keeping an eye on the pressure and calling a professional when needed will help your boiler last longer and work better.
Frequently Asked Questions
Continuous pressure loss in your Potterton could be because of leaks in the system, either from pipework, radiators, or the boiler itself. Another potential cause is a failing pressure relief valve. It’s best to have a certified engineer inspect for leaks and component failure.
Constantly having to press the reset button on your boiler is often a sign that there is a fault in your heating system. Don’t be tempted to ignore constant boiler resets. The underlying fault will invariably lead to problems, maybe even boiler breakdown in the future.
Locate the Reset Button: Look for the reset button on your Potterton boiler. It’s usually a red button that’s easy to spot. Press and Hold: Gently press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. You might hear a clicking sound.
Some boilers don’t have an obvious reset button or may have different instructions to the ones below. Find your reset button and push it for 10 seconds. Wait 2 to 3 minutes, then turn on the heating or hot water. The boiler should fire up.
Turn the selector switch to the reset position and hold for at least 5 seconds. If the boiler does not relight, or the code is displayed regularly contact your installer or service engineer.