Boilers · every brand

Boiler won't light

An ignition code means the boiler tried to light and couldn't, or lost the flame. The cause is often outside the boiler: the gas supply, or in winter a frozen condensate pipe.

  • 10 codes
  • 4 brands
  • Often easy to fix

The code on each brand

Same fault, different code. Each one opens a page with the maker's own checks and a verdict.

Can't read yours?

Check these first, whatever the brand

  1. Check your other gas appliances

    If the hob or other gas appliances don't work either, the problem is the gas supply, not the boiler.

  2. Check the meter

    On a prepayment meter, make sure there's credit left. Check that the gas valve next to the meter is on.

  3. Frozen condensate pipe?

    In freezing weather, check the plastic pipe that runs outside from the boiler. If it's frozen, thaw it with warm water, then reset. See frozen condensate pipe.

  4. Reset, but only as the manual says

    Press reset and wait. Makers say to try only once or twice: repeated resets won't fix a real fault.

When it's time for an engineer

If gas is reaching the boiler and it still won't light after a reset, a Gas Safe engineer will check the ignition electrode, the flame sensor and the gas valve.

Questions people ask

Why won't my boiler light?

Most often the gas supply, such as a prepayment meter out of credit or a closed valve, or in freezing weather a frozen condensate pipe. Otherwise a part such as the ignition electrode or flame sensor may have failed.

How many times can I reset my boiler?

Follow your manual. Most makers say to try once or twice. If the fault keeps coming back, call a Gas Safe engineer.

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