Boiler error codes are never good news. They can also be something of a mystery, sometimes appearing and disappearing at random, and often making little sense. This article aims to shines a torch into the shadowy recesses of the main boiler fault codes, and offer advice on what to do if your boiler isn’t quite right this winter.
Also known as the ‘mystery code,’ error code E168 is also one of the most frustrating. It means that something is wrong with the boiler, but the exact cause is unknown. It’s tempting to simply reset the boiler when E168 appears, but it is vital that boiler fault code E168 is taken seriously. It is often an indicator of a minor problem that may followed by a major breakdown, leaving homes without heat during the cold winter months. If you start noticing E168 when turning on your boiler after the summer, it is definitely time to prepare your boiler for the winter with a professional service.
Also known as the ‘general fault code,’ error code E133 indicates that a Baxi boiler has failed to ignite. There are many different reasons why a boiler won’t ignite. Ignition requires a gas flow, air flow, and a spark. If there is an interruption to any of these, the system will not work. This is usually due to worn parts or a problem with the gas supply, although it could be from something as simple as frozen or blocked condensate pipes. If you see boiler error code E133, it’s time to call your local boiler specialist.
Error code E118 alerts you to low system pressure. Lower pressure is normal during the winter months, but E118 appears when the pressure is worryingly low. E118 can be caused by a wide range of problems, some of which are very simple. Frozen condensate pipes are often a culprit, and newly bled radiators can also cause the pressure to drop below 1 bar. However, a fault in the expansion vessel, a leak in the system, or a faulty pressure gauge can all trigger this code, and indicate much more serious problems. If your boiler continues operating despite this main boiler fault code, expect a sluggish performance and significantly increased energy bills.
The main boiler error codes are indicators of a symptom, not a diagnosis of a problem. For instance, a blocked condensate pipe can generate a range of different fault codes. Equally, there is no single error code for a blocked condensate pipe. As such, it is important to take all error codes seriously and ask for a professional opinion. If your boiler error code is accompanied by symptoms such as strange noises, temperature fluctuations, poor performance, or unexpectedly high energy bills, it is better to pick up the phone and prepare your boiler for winter sooner rather than later.
Regular boiler servicing can identify issues long before they evolve into a boiler fault code. To save yourself unnecessary costs further down the line, book a boiler service with Trusted Boilers today.
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