What is a Boiler Filling Loop?

A boiler filling loop is an incredibly useful tool that is often used during boiler installations and boiler fixes. 

In this guide, we’re going to be explaining exactly what a boiler filling loop  is, how it works and answering some of the most commonly asked questions about these handy tools.

What is a Boiler Filling Loop Used For?

A boiler filling loop is a tool used to provide a temporary connection between the boiler and the mains water supply, allowing you to re-pressurise your boiler and fill your heating system with water.

How Does a Boiler Filling Loop Work?

Fortunately, even if you don’t have much experience fixing boilers, a boiler filling loop is a rather simple tool to use.

If your boiler pressure has dropped below the recommended bar, you will need to top up the pressure to ensure your boiler operates as it should. 

Anything below half a bar can have significant consequences on how your boiler operates and could lead to long term issues if left unfixed, so it’s absolutely essential to know how to top up the pressure if it does drop.

Topping Up Your Boiler Pressure Using a Filling Loop

• Braided hose pipe 

• Filling loop valves

• Blanking caps

Before attempting to re-pressurise your boiler, make sure to check that the filling loop valves are in the ‘off’ position before continuing (see image below).

How to Top Up Your Boiler Pressure Using a Boiler Filling Loop

1. Attach the filling loop valves to either end of the braided hose pipe.

2. Connect the boiler or the water mains with the filling loop valves.

3. Using your hands, ensure the filling loop is fixed firmly in place onto the braided hose pipe.

4. To turn the valves into the ‘on’ position, turn one valve so that it matches the direction of the pipe. This should allow water to start coming from the mains into your central heating system.

5. As the water enters your central heating system, the reading on the boiler pressure gauge should start to rise.

6. Once the gauge reaches the recommended bar for your boiler (usually around 1.4 bar), turn the valves back so they are once again closed.

7. Make sure to disconnect the filling loop from your boiler once you have finished using it.

This step is incredibly important as, although it may seem like a good idea to leave it in place for future use, this is actually against regulations as it could cause irreparable damage if left connected. 

Boiler Filling Loop FAQs

What Causes a Boiler to Lose Pressure?

A boiler sometimes loses pressure by itself over time and it isn’t usually a cause for concern so long as it doesn’t keep on dropping.

Persistent low boiler pressure can be caused by two major problems: a leak or an issue with the boiler itself. 

If you think your central heating system may have a leak, or if you suspect there is an issue with your boiler that may be causing the pressure to constantly drop, don’t hesitate to call a Gas Safe registered engineer to come and take a look.

What Pressure Should My Boiler Be?

Different boiler brands and models have different boiler pressure recommendations, but most boilers are designed to be around 1 and 2 bar units.

Make sure to always check your manual before you make an adjustment to your boiler pressure. 

Taking the pressure too high or low, even for a second, can waste fuel and might end up with you losing control of your boiler entirely.

How to Tell if Your Boiler Pressure is Too Low

You can check to see if your boiler pressure is too high or low by taking a look at your boiler pressure gauge and ensuring it is within the recommended pressure range for your individual boiler model.

Certain electronic boiler models also use error codes to tell you about major problems, such as a change in boiler pressure. 

Here are some of the most common boiler brand error codes relating to boiler pressure.

Viessmann Boiler Pressure Error Codes:

• Fault Code C1 = Differential air pressure.

• Fault Codes B9, ED, F0, F-E5, F-EC, F-ED, F-EE, F-EF, F-FD, F-FF = Maximum pressure limiter issue.

• Fault Code F5 = Faulty gas pressure switch.

• Fault Codes EE and EF = Faulty air pressure switch.

• Fault Code 0F = Service required.

Alpha Boiler Pressure Error Codes:

• Fault Code 1 = General ignition failure.

• Fault Code 2 = Low pressure in the primary system.

• Fault Code 61 = Incorrect system pressure, air in the pump.

• Fault Code 0A37 = Insufficient pressure and flow (switches the boiler off automatically).

• Fault Code 0E37 - Insufficient system pressure.

Worcester Boiler Pressure Error Codes:

• Fault Code E9 = Safety limiter.

• Fault Code A1 = Dry pump.

• Fault Code F0 = Major internal error.

• Fault Code CE 207 = Low water pressure.

• Fault Code H07 = Low water pressure that is impacting performance.

• Fault Code 1065 B = Pressure sensor is defective.

• Fault Code 1970 B = Sudden, rapid drop in pressure.
  

Is Low Boiler Pressure Dangerous?

If a high or low boiler pressure is left untreated for an excessive amount of time, you could end up destroying a large part of your heating system, especially if the boiler relies on the constant movement of water to function properly.

Why Aren’t Some Boiler Filling Loops Connected to the Boiler at All Times?

One main reason for this is because water regulations strictly prohibit used water from flowing back into the mains. 

This is because if you water that runs through your radiators accidentally comes out of the shower and taps then you could be exposed to a highly contaminated water source!

Where is My Boiler Filling Loop?

Typically, the engineer that installs your boiler will leave it nearby so you can easily access it should any issues arise later down the line.

However, if you are unable to find it, you can easily find a replacement online or at your local DIY shop. 

How Much Does a New Boiler Filling Loop Cost?

A new boiler filling loop costs between £7 and £20 - a worthwhile investment to ensure you have one on hand should you ever need it.

If your boiler is over 15 years old and you find that it keeps losing pressure, it may be time to get a new efficient boiler to replace it. 

At iHeat, we install a wide range of high quality A-rated boilers from top brands such as Worcester Bosch, Viessmann, Alpha and Ideal. 

Get a free, fixed quote today!

For more advice and information about your boiler, check out our handy boiler guides. 

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