Common faults and issues can cause a boiler lockout. Lockouts occur when an error or fault is detected, protecting the central heating system from damage. The good news is that a simple reset may be enough to restart your boiler, and in most cases, you can do this yourself.
Diagnosing the underlying cause of the lockout may require professional help from a Gas Safe engineer – we cover this later in the blog post.
Where is the reset button on my boiler?
Before you can reset your boiler, you will need to find the reset button. This varies by boiler model, but it’s typically found on the front near the display.
Look for a button that is clearly labelled “reset” or marked with a symbol such as a flame or a circular arrow. The reset button on Worcester Bosch Greenstar boilers is located near the display screen.
If it isn’t immediately obvious, refer to your boiler manual. If the button is behind the casing, don’t attempt to remove it. In this instance, you will need to call a heating engineer.
Resetting your boiler in three steps
In most cases, you can reset your boiler in three easy steps without calling out an engineer.
- Press and hold the reset button. How long you should do this varies by boiler, though it’s typically between 3 and 10 seconds. Consult your boiler’s manual for the exact duration.
- Wait for a few minutes while the boiler restarts. Look to see whether the pilot light has reignited. You should see the display return to normal, though the fault code may still be present if the underlying problem persists.
- If your boiler fails to restart, repeat steps one and two. Often, it takes more than one try to reset the boiler.
After a second attempt, check that there isn’t a problem with your boiler’s fuel supply. You can do this by checking your other gas appliances to make sure they’re working correctly (for example, your gas hob). If you’re on a meter, ensure it’s topped up with credit.
Once you’ve exhausted these other lines of enquiry, it’s time to call in a Gas Safe registered heating engineer to help tackle the problem at its root cause.
What are the underlying causes of a boiler lockout?
A boiler lockout occurs to protect your central heating from further damage when a fault or problem needs addressing.
In the most straightforward cases, a fault code will appear on the display panel, pointing you towards the problem. You’ll find a list of fault codes and their meanings in your boiler manual and online.
Read more → Vaillant boiler fault codes
Read more → Worcester Bosch boiler fault codes
If the fault is caused by something like repressurising your boiler, you may be able to fix it yourself and clear the error code without any intervention from a heating engineer.
However, not all problems are this obvious. If there is no error code, it could be one of these problems:
- Ignition failure
- Blocked heat exchange
- Overheating
- Lack of fuel supply
- Blocked flue
- Electrical issues such as a blown fuse
- Faulty sensors
In all these cases, you will need the help of a professional, firstly to diagnose the problem, and secondly to fix it. These issues can’t be resolved safely with a DIY approach; they require an experienced Gas Safe engineer.
To prevent these problems from recurring, ensure your boiler is serviced annually. Regular maintenance will keep your boiler in top condition, ensuring it’s both safe and efficient.
