Worcester combi boiler dripping through key

Our Worcester combi boiler is dripping from the filling key after I increased boiler pressure. It is very tiny dripping but seems not stopping with key in any position. Is there anything I can do to stop dripping?

Asked by Oto on 19th Feb 2025
Expert Trade Answers
"The keys should actually be left out and when removing you will have a small amount of water come out. If after the key is removed if you are still getting a small leak you may have to have the Integral Filling Link Charging Link Assembly (thats the bit the key goes in) replaced. The part would cost on average about £30 and can be a bit of a pig to get the old one out but it is a pretty striaght forward job but has to be carried out by a Gas Safe Regesteried person. I say its about an hour to hour and half job and labour cost will vary but would guess at around £80.

Hope that helps.

Dave"
Answered on 19th Feb 2025 - Member since Dec 2024 - report
"The filling loop is faulty it will need replacing by a gas registered engineer"
Answered on 19th Feb 2025 - Member since Nov 2021 - report
"The internal filling device will have to be changed as
the seal is leaking."
Answered on 19th Feb 2025 - Member since Jan 2017 - report
"Hi it seems most likely you will need filling loop replacing. I can't say much without looking at it."
Answered on 19th Feb 2025 - Member since Mar 2023 - report
"Replace washer on the key. Or replace thr filling loop key."
Answered on 19th Feb 2025 - Member since Dec 2024 - report
"It sounds like the internal filling key on your Worcester combi boiler isn’t fully sealing after you’ve topped up the pressure. This is a common issue with Worcester Bosch boilers that use a plastic key for filling. Here’s what you can try:

1. Ensure the Key is Fully Locked
• Turn the key to the locked position (usually a quarter turn).
• Ensure the grey knob next to the key is fully closed (turn it clockwise).

2. Remove and Reinsert the Key
• Turn the key back to the open position and gently pull it down to remove it.
• Check for any dirt or debris inside the key housing.
• Reinsert the key firmly and turn it to the locked position.

3. Check the Rubber O-Rings
• Inspect the key for any damaged or perished rubber O-rings (small black seals on the key).
• If they look worn or damaged, replacing the key (around £10–£15) can solve the issue.

4. Slightly Reduce Pressure
• If the system pressure is at the higher end (e.g., 1.5–2 bar), try bleeding a radiator slightly to lower it to around 1.2 bar. Sometimes high pressure can cause minor leaks.

5. Replace the Key or Upgrade to an External Filling Loop
• If the leak persists, replacing the key is an easy and cheap fix.
• If this keeps happening, you might consider installing an external filling loop, which is more reliable and easier to use than the built-in key system.

If the drip continues even after trying these steps, the filling loop valve may be faulty and might need replacing. Let me know if you need further help!"
Answered on 20th Feb 2025 - Member since Feb 2025 - report
"Have you removed the key? Also they are prone to drip when you put them in and remove them the key that is thanks"
Answered on 19th Feb 2025 - Member since Aug 2023 - report
"Hello Oto thankyou for getting in touch i would say from previous experience the filling loop would need replacing which is a very simple job and we can install a keyless one which is more easier to top the pressure up and removes the key which you have currently if you could send over some photos we are more than happy to send a quotation over and we could get this resolved as quick and tomorrow"
Answered on 19th Feb 2025 - Member since Feb 2025 - report
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