BoilerFaultCodesThe 6 most common faults
Your boiler has failed to light several times and has locked itself out for safety reasons.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler tries to ignite three times but fails to detect a stable flame. The most common reasons include a lack of gas reaching the burner, dirty ignition components that can't create a spark, or a faulty sensor that cannot 'see' the flame even if it has lit.
Check if your gas supply is active (e.g. check other gas appliances or pre-payment meter credit)Press and hold the 'Reset' button for 2 secondsOnce the boiler restarts, monitor it to see if the flame stays lit
Your boiler has stopped working because the water pressure is too low to operate safely.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the internal sensors detect that there isn't enough water circulating through the pipes and radiators. The most common reason is a small leak somewhere in the system or because the radiators were recently bled, causing the overall pressure to drop below the safe operating limit.
Locate the filling loop (a flexible silver hose with one or two small taps/levers) underneath your boiler.Slowly open the tap or taps until you hear water entering the system.Watch the pressure gauge and close the taps firmly once it reaches 1.5 bar, then restart the boiler.
Your boiler has failed to ignite after several attempts, meaning it cannot provide heating or hot water.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler's control system senses that a flame has not been established after several attempts to start. The most common reasons include a lack of gas reaching the burner, a faulty spark electrode failing to light the gas, or a sensor that cannot detect the flame even if it has lit.
Check if your gas supply is active by testing another gas appliance like a hob.Check that the white condensate pipe exiting your home hasn't frozen in cold weather.Press the 'Reset' button on the front of the boiler panel to restart the ignition sequence.
Your boiler has failed to ignite after several attempts, meaning it cannot provide heating or hot water until reset or repaired.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler tries to light the flame several times but fails to detect one, causing the system to shut down for safety. The most common reasons are a lack of gas supply to the unit, a worn-out ignition spark, or a faulty gas valve that isn't opening correctly. In some cases, a blocked flue or moisture on the internal components can also prevent the burner from staying lit.
Check if your gas prepay meter has credit and that the gas supply valve is openPress and hold the 'Mode' or 'Reset' knob for two secondsCheck that the white condensate pipe leaving the boiler is not frozen if it is winter
Your boiler has detected low water pressure in the system, which is preventing it from heating up.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the water pressure inside your heating system drops below a safe level, causing the boiler to shut down to prevent damage. The most common reasons for this are a leak somewhere in your radiators or pipework, or simply that air has been bled from the system without being topped back up. It can also happen if a component like the expansion vessel has failed, causing water to be discharged through the safety pipe.
Locate the filling loop (usually a silver flexible hose) underneath your boiler.Slowly open the valve(s) until you hear water flowing and watch the pressure gauge.Close the valves once the needle reaches 1.5 bar on the gauge.
Your boiler has detected low water pressure in the system, which means it cannot circulate enough water to heat your home or provide hot water safely.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the water pressure inside your heating system drops below a safe operating level, usually because water has escaped through a small leak or air was bled from the radiators. Without enough pressure, the boiler cannot move water around your pipes to heat your home, so it shuts down to prevent internal damage. The most common reasons are a leaking radiator valve, a failing expansion vessel, or a dripping pressure relief valve.
Locate the filling loop (usually a silver braided hose with small black valves underneath or near the boiler).Slowly open the valve(s) until you hear water flowing and the pressure gauge rises to 1.5 bar (the green section).Close the valves tightly and press the 'Restart' or 'Reset' button on the control panel.
on the Ideal Esprit HE
Based on parts cited in our fault code database. Your engineer will confirm what's actually needed after diagnosis.
Call a Gas Safe engineer if…
- You can smell gas or see signs of a leak
- The Ideal shows an Emergency or High severity code
- The boiler keeps locking out after repeated resets
- You've tried the DIY checks and the fault hasn't cleared
- There's visible water leaking from the boiler
- The flame is yellow or orange instead of blue