15/10/2026
🔧 A Routine Boiler Service That Turned Into a Much Bigger Job! 🔥
📍 Redditch, Worcestershire
We were initially called out to carry out a routine annual boiler service on an Ideal Logic Combi C30 for a homeowner in Redditch.
However, during our standard safety and performance checks, we discovered something that needed further investigation! ⚠️
As part of the service, we check the gas inlet working pressure at the boiler while it’s operating at maximum rate.
Our readings showed:
🔥Gas pressure at the meter: 19 mbar
🔥Gas pressure at the boiler: 10.89mbar
🔥Pressure loss through the pipework: 8.11mbar! ❌
This confirmed that we had a satisfactory gas supply pressure at the meter, but a significant pressure loss between the meter and the boiler.
After speaking with Ideal’s technical support team, we confirmed that the boiler required a minimum operating pressure of 14 mbar, with 17 mbar being their preferred working pressure.
So what was causing such a large pressure drop? 🤔
Unfortunately, most of the existing gas pipework was concealed beneath tiled flooring and heavily bonded vinyl flooring, making it extremely difficult to inspect.
There were several possible causes, including an obstruction, damaged pipework or simply an undersized gas supply.
We carried out a gas pipe sizing calculation, taking into account the boiler’s gas demand, the length of pipework and the number of bends and fittings.
The calculation indicated that 28 mm copper pipework was required, yet the visible sections of the existing supply were only 22 mm.
This strongly suggested that the original gas supply had been undersized, although we couldn’t completely rule out an obstruction or damage within the concealed pipework.
🛠️ Time for a new gas supply!
After carefully planning a new route to minimise disruption to the homeowner, we drilled through the external brickwork beneath the gas meter and gained access underneath the playroom floor.
What we thought would be a straightforward job became a little more challenging when we lifted the carpet and discovered not one, but TWO layers of flooring to get through! 😅
Once we had gained access, we installed the new appropriately sized copper gas supply, routing it beneath the playroom floor, up behind the fridge freezer and washing machine, and finally connecting it to the boiler.
With the new pipework installed, we carried out the required gas tightness testing before running the boiler at maximum rate again.
✅ The results speak for themselves!
🔥Gas pressure at the meter: 19 mbar
🔥Gas pressure at the boiler: 18.60mbar
🔥New pressure loss: Just 0.40mbar! ✅
We’ve gone from an unacceptable pressure loss of over 8 mbar to just 0.40mbar, comfortably within the permitted 1 mbar pressure drop for the installation.
The boiler was then retested to confirm satisfactory operation and combustion performance.
🏡 Another job completed!
All flooring reinstated, carpets back down, work areas thoroughly hoovered and everything left clean and tidy.
Most importantly, the boiler now has the correct gas supply pressure to operate safely and efficiently in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.
This is exactly why an annual boiler service is so much more than simply cleaning a boiler!
A thorough service includes essential safety and performance checks that can uncover problems which might otherwise go unnoticed.
At A Rated Heating Services Ltd, we take pride in carrying out thorough servicing, identifying issues and providing the right long-term solutions for our customers.
🔥 Gas Safe Registered
🔧 Boiler Servicing, Repairs & Replacements
📍 Covering Redditch, Alcester, Stratford-upon-Avon and surrounding areas
A Rated Heating Services Ltd – Keeping Your Heating Safe & Reliable.
