A boiler that will not fire is usually one of a handful of things, and several cost nothing to put right. Work through these in order.

1. Is it actually being asked to fire?

Check the programmer is on and the room thermostat is set above the current room temperature. It sounds obvious, and it is the cause often enough to check first. Battery thermostats fail silently when the batteries go.

2. Is there a fault code?

If the display is showing a code, that tells you what is wrong. See our guides for Vaillant, Ideal, Baxi and Worcester Bosch, or the full boiler advice section.

3. What is the pressure?

Below roughly 0.5 bar the boiler will not fire at all. Repressurise to 1 to 1.5 bar. See boiler keeps losing pressure.

4. Is there gas?

Check other gas appliances. If the hob will not light either, it is the supply. Check prepayment meter credit.

5. Is there power?

Check the fused spur next to the boiler and the consumer unit. A tripped RCD takes the boiler with it.

6. Is the condensate pipe frozen?

In cold weather this is one of the most common causes of all. See frozen condensate pipe. It usually comes with a gurgling noise.

When to stop and call someone

How Vantage can help

Gas Safe registered, covering Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire, emergency line answered 24 hours a day. No heat and no hot water are what we prioritise.

Frequently asked questions

Why has my boiler stopped working suddenly?

Most often pressure, a frozen condensate in winter, or the thermostat batteries.

How many times can I press reset?

Two or three at most.

Is it worth repairing an old boiler?

Over twelve years with recurring faults, usually not. We will give you the honest arithmetic.

Want it sorted properly?

Still stuck? We repair this fault regularly across Hertfordshire, Bedfordshire and Cambridgeshire. Call 01462 506374 to get an engineer booked, or to talk it through first if you would rather. Genuine 24 hour cover, 365 days a year.