British Gas has reported a significant surge in emergency call-outs from homeowners across the UK, as fluctuating winter temperatures trigger a wave of heating system failures.
What's Causing the Heating Crisis?
The energy supplier is dealing with a sharp increase in customers left without heating or hot water, primarily due to low boiler pressure. This common winter issue often arises after radiators have been bled or if there is a minor leak somewhere in the central heating system.
British Gas anticipates that approximately 35,000 customers will need boiler assistance this week alone. Last winter, their engineers attended over 1.2 million repair jobs to restore heat and hot water to households nationwide.
Expert Guidance for Homeowners
Ella Teakle, a British Gas service and repair engineer, urged homeowners not to panic if their heating fails. "Checking the pressure gauge is a good first step and, in many cases, it can be an easy fix," she advised. However, she stressed that anyone unsure should always call a professional.
For those willing to attempt a basic check, Teakle provided clear steps. First, locate the pressure gauge on the front of your boiler. A healthy system should typically read between 1 and 1.5 bar. If the needle is below 1 bar, the pressure is too low.
It is also crucial to inspect pipes, radiators, and the boiler itself for any signs of dampness or minor leaks, which could be the underlying cause.
How to Safely Repressurise Your Boiler
If the pressure is low, repressurising the system involves adding more water. The process can vary, so consulting your boiler manual is essential. For many modern combi boilers, the general steps are:
- Switch off the boiler and allow it to cool completely.
- Locate the filling loop, usually a flexible silver hose with valves at each end.
- Slowly open both valves to align with the pipe; you should hear water flowing.
- Watch the pressure gauge and close the valves once the reading reaches between 1 and 1.5 bar.
- Turn the boiler back on and press the reset button if required.
When to Call a Professional Engineer
British Gas emphasises that safety comes first. Homeowners should call for expert help if:
- The boiler pressure continues to drop after repressurising.
- There are visible signs of a leak.
- They do not feel confident performing the checks themselves.
The company offers same-day engineer visits for customers without heating or hot water. More detailed guidance on boiler pressure and safe repressurising can be found on the British Gas website.
