To reset a boiler you’ll need to find and press the reset button.
Now, not all boilers can be reset in the same way. Some models only need a quick press of the reset button while others need holding for a number of seconds. The best way to find out how to reset your boiler is by checking the manual.
You can also stick right here as we'll explain why your boiler may have stopped working and how to reset it.
If you’re experiencing problems with your boiler, it’s always recommended to contact a professional heating engineer. A heating engineer can give you peace of mind that your boiler is working safely. If you’re concerned about your boiler and unsure how to fix it, click the button below to find a trusted heating engineer near you.
Modern boilers have a safety feature where they lockdown when there’s an issue. This makes modern boilers very safe but can leave you with no central heating or hot water. Common boiler problems that cause a lockout include:
A fault in the system
Unsafe conditions to keep operating such as a bad supply of gas
You’ll know if your boiler has locked out because an error code will appear on the display screen.
Then, once the issue has been fixed, you’ll need to reset the boiler.
How to reset a boiler
All boilers have a reset button but its location and how to use it varies from model to model.
If you can't see the button, then check the manual that came with your boiler. This should also explain how to reset your boiler. In most cases though, once you've found the reset button you will need to:
Push the button and hold (for somewhere between 1-5 seconds)
Wait for the boiler to ignite (this could take several minutes)
Be careful not to press the button several times as this could make an issues much worse.
You'll be able to tell if the boiler has reset because the flame will ignite, the error code will disappear and you might see a green light (rather than red or orange). If the boiler hasn't reset then you should contact a qualified engineer who will be able to locate the fault.
As you’ll imagine, not all boilers reset in the same way. To find out how to reset your boiler, choose the manufacturer:
If you’re having problems resetting your boiler, we can help put you in touch with a Gas Safe registered engineer. Click the button below to find a trusted heating engineer who can help repair your boiler as quickly as possible.
Only reset your boiler once any problems have been fixed. If you’re not sure why your boiler isn’t working, take a look at our Baxi Problems and Repair Advice.
Baxi boiler
How to reset
EcoBlue Heat
Push and hold the reset button for 5 seconds
200, 400
Press and hold the reset button for 5 seconds
600, 800
Press and hold the reset button for 1-3 seconds
Platinum, Platinum+, Duo-Tec
Turn the selector switch to the R, hold for 5 seconds then let it go
How to reset Ideal boilers
Ideal boiler
How to reset
Logic
Turn the control knob round to reset then straight back to your desired setting
The reset button on Vaillant ecoTEC boilers has an icon of a flame with a cross through it. Their ecoFIT Pure range of boilers also uses this same icon but it’s next to the reset button rather than on it.
There are many reasons why your boiler might have shut itself down but some issues are more common than others.
Water pressure
If the water pressure is either too low or too high your boiler could stop working altogether, not just lockout. You can find out the water pressure by looking at the pressure gauge; you should aim to keep it at around 1 bar.
Ignition failure
Many boilers will lockout after 3 failed attempts to ignite. There are several reasons why this might happen (e.g. blocked burner, insufficient gas pressure) and you should contact a heating engineer to take a look.
Heat exchanger blocked
A build-up of limescale or sludge on the heat exchanger can restrict the flow of water and result in kettling. It’s given this name because the blockage can make sounds similar to a kettle.
Some of the faults you can resolve yourself but if you have any doubt get in touch with a qualified engineer who will be able to get your boiler back to working order. By using Boiler Guide, you can get free boiler quotes from up to 3 trusted engineers in your area who will each offer you a quote, allowing you to compare and pick the best one.
Boiler not turning on after resetting
You've repaired the fault, reset the boiler and are well on your way to getting the boiler going again only for it not to ignite. In this case, you'll need to look further than the issue that the fault code displayed.
If the original fault code wasn't about the boiler pressure then check the pressure gauge to see if it's too high or too low – the needle should be sat around 1 bar
Ensure that there is power getting to the boiler. You'll be able to tell because the display screen will be lit. This is particularly common after a power cut and it's a good idea to check your fuse box.
Get a more reliable boiler
A boiler that needs resetting on a regular basis probably has an ongoing fault within the system, such as:
A faulty pump
Leaking from the system
A blocked plate heat exchanger
An electric part of appliance needing to be replaced.
If you're having to reset your boiler then your boiler may be on its last legs. So it's time to consider replacing your boiler.
Finding a reliable and qualified heating engineer who’s also available in your area can be tricky, especially when you need one as soon as possible. Thankfully, our team at Boiler Guide can help you with this.
We can put you in touch with up to 3 Gas Safe registered engineers from our network. You’ll receive free quotes from each heating engineer, which you can then compare to make sure you’re getting the best price. Click the button below to receive your free quotes now.
Nick has a wide range of experience writing about conventional and renewable heating solutions, and is always increasing his knowledge by researching any new heating technologies on the horizon.
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