What your boiler's error code is telling you
A code on the display is the boiler describing its own fault. Here is how to read it, and when to call someone.
When a combi boiler stops, it usually shows a code on its display: a letter and a number, like F28 or EA. The code is the boiler's own description of what went wrong, and it is different for each make.
The common ones
- Ignition failures (often shown as F28, EA or similar): the boiler tried to light and could not. Check that your gas is on at the meter and that other gas appliances work.
- Low pressure: the gauge on the boiler reads below about 1 bar. Many boilers can be topped up with a filling loop; your manual shows how.
- Overheating or flow problems: often a pump, a blocked filter or air in the system.
What you can safely do
You can check the gas supply, check the pressure and reset the boiler once using its reset button. If the code comes back, stop. Never take the boiler's cover off: only a Gas Safe registered engineer may work on a gas appliance.
Let CallOut read it for you
When you book, photograph the display. CallOut reads the code, tells you what it means in plain English and sends it to the engineer before they set off, so they arrive with the right part more often.
If you smell gas at any point, leave the property and call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999.
