jjk gas services repairing boiler

Boiler Fault codes

Common boiler issues you can remedy

One of the most commonly searched problems is boiler pressure. so what can you do to fix this issue?

What Should the Pressure Be?

Most boilers operate best when the pressure gauge reads between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold. When your heating is on, the pressure may rise slightly, typically sitting between 1.5 and 2.0 bar.

If the pressure falls below 1.0 bar, it’s considered low and may require topping up.

Combi boiler pressure gauage

How to Check and Top Up Your Boiler Pressure

Low boiler pressure is one of the most common issues homeowners face — and it can stop your central heating or hot water from working efficiently. Thankfully, checking and topping up your boiler pressure is a simple task you can do yourself, as long as you follow the steps carefully.

How to Check Your Boiler Pressure

  1. Locate the pressure gauge
    This is usually found on the front of your boiler’s control panel. It will either be a physical dial or a digital reading.

  2. Read the current pressure
    The dial will likely be colour-coded:

    • Green zone: Normal

    • Red zone (low): Pressure too low

    • Red zone (high): Pressure too high

Boiler Filling loop

How to Top Up Boiler Pressure

Before beginning, it’s important to turn off your boiler and allow it to cool down completely. Most systems will use one of the two following filling methods:

Method 1: External Filling Loop

  1. Locate the filling loop
    This is a silver, braided flexible hose underneath your boiler, connecting the central heating and mains cold water pipes.

  2. Turn both valves
    Slowly open both ends of the filling loop. You should hear water begin to flow.

  3. Watch the pressure gauge
    When the needle reaches 1.5 bar, close both valves immediately.

  4. Restart your boiler
    Once pressure is correct and valves are closed, you can turn your boiler back on.


Method 2: Internal Filling Key (e.g., Worcester Bosch Boilers)

  1. Insert the key
    Slot the plastic key into the filling point underneath the boiler and turn to lock it in place.

  2. Turn the filling knob
    Gently turn the knob to begin water flow. Monitor the pressure gauge carefully.

  3. Stop at 1.5 bar
    Once the correct pressure is reached, turn the knob back to the off position and remove the key.


Important Notes

  • Only top up the pressure when your system is cool.

  • Do not overfill. A pressure above 2.5 bar could lead to system damage or leaks.

  • If your pressure drops frequently, this could indicate a leak or fault in the expansion vessel. In that case, contact a Gas Safe engineer.


Still Having Issues?

JJK Gas Services offers professional, fast-response boiler servicing and repairs throughout Wigan and the surrounding areas.

We can identify pressure issues, repair faults, and ensure your boiler runs safely and efficiently.

Contact Us:
Phone: 01942 466 486
Booking: Contact JJK Gas Services: Wigan Gas Engineer – Call Today

 

No heating or hot water.

No Heating or Hot Water? Simple Checks Before You Call a Boiler Engineer in Wigan

One of the most common boiler issues searched by homeowners in the UK is: “Why do I have no heating or hot water?” This can be frustrating, especially in colder months. At JJK Gas Services, our Gas Safe registered engineers in Wigan are often called out to deal with this exact issue — but before you book a callout, here are a few safe steps you can take yourself.

These tips apply to combi boilers, system boilers, and regular boilers across homes in Wigan, Leigh, Tyldesley, Atherton, and surrounding areas.


1. Check Your Thermostat Is Set Correctly

Make sure your thermostat:

  • Has working batteries (if wireless)

  • Is turned up above the current room temperature

  • Is set to “heating” or “hot water” mode

Old thermostats or recent power cuts can reset your heating schedule, causing boiler downtime.


2. Review Your Heating Timer or Programmer

Whether digital or mechanical, ensure:

  • The time and date are correct

  • Heating and hot water schedules are set properly

  • The system isn’t accidentally set to “off” or “holiday” mode

Incorrect programming is a common reason for boiler faults in Wigan homes.


3. Check the Boiler Display for Error Codes

If your boiler has an LCD screen or status lights, note any fault codes or flashing indicators. Common error messages like F22 (Vaillant) or E119 (Ideal) often relate to low pressure or system faults.

Take a photo of the display — it can help us diagnose faster when we arrive.


4. Ensure the Boiler Has Power

Basic but vital:

  • Check the fused spur switch is turned on

  • Look for any tripped switches on your fuse board

  • Has the boiler been turned off by accident?

Power interruptions are a top cause of boiler shutdowns — especially during stormy weather.


5. Check Your Boiler’s Water Pressure (View Only)

Low pressure is one of the most searched combi boiler faults in the UK.

  • Look at the pressure gauge (should be between 1.0 and 1.5 bar)

  • If it’s below 1.0 bar, the system may need topping up

  • Only top up the pressure if you feel confident — otherwise, call a professional

Don’t attempt this if you’re unsure — contact a Gas Safe engineer in Wigan.


6. Radiators Cold at the Top? Bleed Them

Cold radiators could indicate trapped air in the system. Bleeding the radiators can restore proper heating, but be aware this can also lower boiler pressure — so again, proceed with caution.


Still No Heating or Hot Water?

If you’ve checked all of the above and the problem persists, your system likely needs expert attention. Common boiler issues we fix include:

  • Faulty diverter valves (hot water not prioritised)

  • Broken thermostats or sensors

  • Airlocks in the system

  • Low water pressure

  • PCB and pump faults


Book a Local Gas Safe Engineer in Wigan

At JJK Gas Services, we provide fast-response boiler repair, boiler servicing, and emergency plumbing across Wigan and Greater Manchester. We’re trusted by landlords, homeowners, and businesses for honest advice and top-rated heating services.

Gas-engineer-wigan-van

Frozen Condensate Pipe – Common Winter Boiler Issue

What Is a Frozen Condensate Pipe?

During freezing weather, the external condensate pipe connected to your boiler can freeze, causing blockages and forcing the boiler to shut down for safety. This is one of the most searched winter boiler faults in the UK and often affects combi boilers with external pipework.

Signs Your Condensate Pipe Is Frozen

If your boiler stops working suddenly during cold weather and displays a fault code (like F1, F28, or EA), it could indicate a frozen pipe. You might also hear gurgling sounds or see water dripping from a joint in the pipe.

How to Fix It Yourself Safely

If safe to do so, pour warm (not boiling) water over the external pipe to thaw the blockage. Start at the top and work your way down. You can also apply a warm cloth or hot water bottle to help melt the ice.

Preventing Future Freezing

Insulating the condensate pipe with foam pipe lagging is a simple and effective way to prevent future freezes. A boiler engineer can also reroute or upgrade the pipework for improved protection.

Need Professional Help?

If you’re still having issues, contact JJK Gas Services, your trusted local boiler specialists in Wigan. We provide fast, reliable repairs and winter-ready boiler servicing. Call: 01942 466 486 if your still having problems.

frozen condensate boiler pipe

Boiler Fault Code Encyclopedia

The complete database of 120+ error codes. Trusted by Wigan's leading engineers.

Worcester Bosch

CodeTypeMeaningHow to Fix / Action
EA / 227CheckIgnition FailNo flame detected. Check gas meter. Check condensate pipe for ice.
A1 / 229DIY FixLow PressureSystem water low. Top up via filling key/loop to 1.5 bar.
E9 / 224EngineerSafety LockoutOverheating in heat exchanger. Pump failure or thermostat issue.
C6 / 215EngineerFan FaultFan speed inconsistent. Blocked flue or fan failure.
D1 / 240EngineerReturn SensorReturn NTC sensor damaged or wet.
E2 / 222EngineerFlow SensorFlow NTC short circuit to ground.
E5 / 219EngineerReturn SensorReturn NTC sensor fault (open circuit).
C0 / 200EngineerFan SpeedFan running too high. Check mains voltage.
C2 / 204EngineerFan ErrorFan not spinning during startup. Motor seized.
A7 / 360EngineerHot Water NTCDHW sensor defect. Incorrect hot water temp reading.
A8 / 362EngineerBUS CommsCommunication error with thermostat/timer.
B7 / 257EngineerInternal ErrorControl board memory error. PCB replacement likely.
CE / 207DIY FixLow PressureSystem pressure very low. Top up immediately.
F0 / 238EngineerInternal ErrorGas valve check failed. PCB or Gas Valve fault.
H7 / 328DIY FixLow PressureWater pressure low (Dry Boiler). Refill system.

Baxi / Potterton

CodeTypeMeaningHow to Fix / Action
E119DIY FixLow PressureMost common. Top up pressure to 1.5 bar.
E133CheckGas FailureIgnition failed. Frozen condensate or gas off.
E168EngineerPCB Fault"Ghost Fault". Power issue or PCB memory error.
E110EngineerOverheatPrimary circuit overheated. Pump seized or airlock.
E160EngineerFan FaultFan speed threshold not reached.
E125EngineerCirculationWater not moving. Pump failure or air in system.
E118DIY FixLow PressureGauge is too low. Top up system.
E109EngineerPre-Check FailSystem has air or pump is stuck.
E20EngineerNTC FaultCentral heating thermistor faulty.
E28EngineerFlue SensorFlue gas sensor fault.
E154EngineerFlow CheckHardware detection fault. Control board issue.
E78EngineerGas ValveGas valve control unit not recognised.
E50EngineerDHW SensorHot water sensor short circuit.
E117DIY FixHigh PressureSystem over 2.5 bar. Bleed a radiator to lower it.
E193EngineerAir LockCirculation poor. Air trapped in heat exchanger.

Ideal Logic / Vogue

CodeTypeMeaningHow to Fix / Action
F1DIY FixLow PressurePressure low. Use filling loop to top up.
L2CheckIgnition LockFlame loss. Check condensate/Gas. Reset.
F2EngineerFlame LossFlame lit then went out. Flue/Gas Valve.
F3EngineerFan FaultFan failed to run.
FDEngineerNo Water FlowBoiler running dry. Pump seized.
F4EngineerFlow ThermistorFlow NTC sensor fault.
F5EngineerReturn ThermistorReturn NTC sensor fault.
F6EngineerOutside SensorExternal sensor battery dead or wiring cut.
F9EngineerPCB FaultPCB unconfigured. Needs reprogramming.
L1EngineerFlow Temp HighFlow temp too high. Poor circulation.
LCCheckIgnition5 failed ignition attempts. Reset boiler.
FUEngineerDiff TempFlow/Return temp difference >50C. Pump fail.
L9EngineerHeat ExchangerHeat exchanger overheat. Blockage suspected.
L5EngineerReturn HighReturn temp higher than flow. Sensor error.
FEEngineerPCB IDIncorrect personality plug inserted.

Vaillant ecoTEC

CodeTypeMeaningHow to Fix / Action
F.22DIY FixLow WaterTop up pressure using filling loops.
F.28CheckIgnition FailNo gas or frozen condensate pipe.
F.75EngineerPump/SensorPressure sensor clogged with sludge.
F.29EngineerPilot OutFlame lost during operation. Flue/Gas.
F.61EngineerGas ValveGas valve control logic error (PCB).
F.24EngineerLow WaterPump running dry. Temp rising too fast.
F.62EngineerGas ValveGas valve leaking or delay in closing.
F.72EngineerNTC FaultFlow/Return sensors drifted.
F.10EngineerFlow ShortFlow sensor short circuit.
F.20EngineerOverheatSafety limiter tripped. Pump failure.
F.32EngineerFan SpeedFan speed deviation. Blocked flue.
F.49EngineereBusLow voltage on eBus. Wiring short.
F.63EngineerPCBEEPROM error. Main board failure.
F.64EngineerElectronicsShort circuit in sensor wiring.
F.67EngineerFlame SignalFlame detected before ignition. Electrode fault.

Viessmann

CodeTypeMeaningHow to Fix / Action
F2EngineerOverheatPump seized or airlock in system.
F4CheckIgnitionNo flame signal. Check gas supply.
F5EngineerFan/AirAir pressure switch stuck.
F30EngineerThermistorBoiler water thermistor short circuit.
F50EngineerHardwareNo internal hardware detected.
F51EngineerDHW SensorOutlet temp sensor shorted.
F9EngineerFan SpeedFan speed too low on start-up.
A0EngineerGas ValveGas valve control module fault.
F10EngineerOutside NTCOutside temp sensor short circuit.
F59EngineerDHW SensorDHW sensor disconnected.
B7EngineerCoding PlugCoding card missing or faulty.
E4EngineerPower24V supply voltage fault.
E6DIY FixLow PressureWater pressure too low. Top up.
EEEngineerFlame SignalFlame signal weak. Clean electrodes.
F1EngineerFlue GasFlue gas temperature limiter tripped.

Glow-worm

CodeTypeMeaningHow to Fix / Action
F1CheckIgnitionNo gas or condensate blocked.
F22DIY FixLow PressureWater pressure low. Top up to 1.5 bar.
F75EngineerSensor/PumpPump running but no pressure rise.
F9EngineerCirculationPump failure or blockage.
F4CheckIgnitionNo flame detected.
F12EngineerUI FaultUser Interface board connection lost.
F13EngineerPCBMain PCB memory error.
F25EngineerFlue TempFlue temperature too high.
F28CheckIgnitionFailed to light after attempts.
F29EngineerPilot OutFlame lost during heating.
F61EngineerGas ValveGas valve control fault.
F62EngineerGas ValveValve leaking or stuck open.
F72EngineerNTC FaultFlow/Return sensors inconsistent.
F83EngineerBurnerBurner temp sensor fault.
F84EngineerNTC DiffFlow/Return temp difference invalid.

Alpha Heating

CodeTypeMeaningHow to Fix / Action
E10DIY FixLow PressureSystem needs topping up to 1-1.5 bar.
E01CheckIgnitionNo flame lit. Check gas supply.
E02EngineerOverheatThermostat tripped. Pump failure.
E03EngineerFlue BlockFlue pressure switch fault.
E05EngineerFlow SensorFlow thermistor faulty.
E06EngineerDHW SensorHot water sensor faulty.
E15EngineerReturn SensorReturn thermistor faulty.
E20EngineerSafetyFlame control safety lock.
E40EngineerValveGas valve stuck open.
E98EngineerPCBInternal control board error.
E99EngineerPCBInternal control board error.
A1EngineerPumpPump seized or failing.
A3EngineerFlueFlue sensor detected blockage.
47EngineerBurnerBurner thermostat open.
ClCheckRemoteRemote control connection lost.

Potterton

CodeTypeMeaningHow to Fix / Action
E119DIY FixLow PressureWater pressure below 0.5 bar.
E133CheckNo GasCondensate frozen or gas off.
E160EngineerFanFan not reaching set speed.
E110EngineerOverheatSafety thermostat operated.
E125EngineerCirculationPump failure or air lock.
E168EngineerPCBProcess error on PCB.
E20EngineerNTCFlow sensor fault.
E28EngineerNTCFlue sensor fault.
E50EngineerDHWHot water sensor fault.
E193EngineerAirAir removal cycle running.
E151EngineerPCBReset button pressed too often.
E152EngineerPCBReset button stuck.
E153EngineerResetBoiler locked out. Reset required.
E21EngineerPCBPCB manufacture fault.
E90EngineerWiringConnection to PCB lost.

Code Not Listed? Or Need a Repair?

Some faults are dangerous. We are Gas Safe Registered (555620).

Call 01942 466 486 Now

Wigan’s Trusted Boiler Repair & Heating Experts

Why Choose JJK Gas Services for Your Heating Needs?

At JJK Gas Services, we pride ourselves on delivering fast, affordable, and professional boiler repair and plumbing solutions throughout Wigan and the surrounding areas. Whether you're dealing with a frozen condensate pipe, low boiler pressure, or no heating or hot water, our Gas Safe registered engineers are just a call away.

Fast Response – Reliable Service – Local Experts

From boiler breakdowns to annual servicing and emergency plumbing, our team ensures you stay warm, safe, and energy-efficient all year round. We work with all major boiler brands and provide honest advice with no hidden fees.

Need Help With Your Boiler or Heating?

If you’re experiencing issues or have questions about your heating system, don’t hesitate to reach out. You can contact us via phone, email, our website, or social media. At JJK Gas Services, we’re always ready to help keep your home running efficiently and comfortably. call: 01942 466 486 or visit facebook for our messaging service or book a callback through the website at

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