BoilerFaultCodes
The most common Potterton faults
Your boiler has stopped working because it failed to light properly or the waste water pipe is blocked.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler tries to light but cannot detect a stable flame, prompting the system to shut down for safety. The most common reasons are a lack of gas supply, a dirty sensing probe that can't 'see' the flame, or a blockage in the waste water pipe that causes water to back up into the heat exchanger. In many cases, it is simply a sign that the components responsible for the spark or flame monitoring have worn out.
Check that your gas pre-pay meter hasn't run out of credit.Inspect the white plastic pipe (condensate pipe) outside to see if it is frozen or blocked.Attempt to reset the boiler by turning the control knob to 'R' for five seconds.
Your boiler has become too hot and has shut itself down as a safety precaution to prevent damage.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the internal temperature of the boiler rises above a safe limit, triggering a safety sensor to cut the power. The most common reasons are a failed pump that isn't moving water away from the heat exchanger quickly enough, or a buildup of limescale and sludge that restricts water flow.
Check that your radiator valves are open and not turned to the off position.Ensure your boiler pressure is between 1 and 1.5 bar on the pressure gauge.Press the 'Reset' button (usually a small 'R' or turn the selector knob to 'R' for 5 seconds) to see if the fault clears.
Your boiler has tried to light several times but cannot establish a stable flame, meaning it cannot provide heating or hot water.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler fails to detect a flame after several attempts to spark, causing the system to shut down for safety. The most common reasons are a temporary interruption in your gas supply, a build-up of carbon on the ignition probes, or a component failure that prevents gas from flowing correctly into the burner.
Check that your gas emergency control valve is turned on and that other gas appliances work.If you have a pre-payment meter, ensure you have active credit.Try resetting the boiler by turning the selector switch to the 'R' position for five seconds, then back to its original position.In freezing weather, check if your external plastic condensate pipe has frozen and needs thawing with warm water.
Your boiler is struggling to move water around the system correctly, which is causing it to shut down to prevent overheating.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the water inside the boiler gets too hot too quickly because it isn't being pushed away into your radiators or hot water tank. The most common reason is that the internal pump has failed or is physically jammed, but it can also be caused by a build-up of sludge blocking the pipework or an airlock trapped in the system.
Check that your radiator valves are openEnsure your boiler pressure is between 1.0 and 1.5 bar on the pressure gaugeGently bleed your radiators to remove trapped air
Your boiler has no electrical power, meaning the controls and display are completely dead.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the electrical supply to the boiler's internal brain has been interrupted or a critical component has failed. The most common reason is a blown fuse on the main circuit board or a failure of the internal transformer which converts power for the display. In some cases, it can be caused by an external issue like a tripped circuit breaker or a blown fuse in the wall switch.
Check if the boiler's electrical isolation switch is turned on.Inspect your home's main fuse box to see if a circuit breaker has tripped.Check the fuse in the boiler's fused spur switch, usually located on the wall nearby.
Your boiler has shut itself down for safety because it failed to light or detected an internal problem.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler has tried to ignite several times but failed to establish a stable flame. The most common reason is a lack of fuel reaching the burner, often due to a faulty gas valve or worn-out ignition sparks that can no longer light the gas safely.
Locate the reset button on the front control panel.Press and hold the reset button for several seconds.Check if your gas supply is active by testing another gas appliance like a hob.
Your boiler has stopped working and entered a safety shutdown mode, meaning it will not provide heating or hot water until it is reset or repaired.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler has tried to ignite several times but failed to detect a stable flame, leading the system to shut down for safety. The most common reasons are a lack of gas reaching the burner or a worn-out component failing to spark or sense the flame correctly. It essentially means the boiler’s internal computer has lost confidence that it can burn fuel safely.
Locate the reset button or control knob on the front panelTurn the knob to the 'Reset' position or press the reset button for 5 secondsWait for the boiler to attempt to restart; if the code returns, contact a professional
Your boiler has stopped working and locked itself out because it failed to light or stay lit correctly.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler's control board fails to detect a stable flame after several attempts to ignite. The most common reasons are a worn-out ignition spark that can no longer light the gas or a dirty sensor that cannot 'see' the flame even if it is burning. In some cases, it may be caused by an inconsistent gas supply or a failing gas valve that isn't opening correctly.
Check if your gas supply is turned on (try another gas appliance like a hob).Press the reset button once to see if the boiler restarts.Ensure your condensate pipe has not frozen if it is a very cold day.
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