If you’ve gone to switch on your boiler and found that it has an error, or it simply isn’t working properly, you may need reset your boiler.
Your boiler can be pretty clever, particularly when detecting a problem. So if you get a sign on the control panel or lights flashing at you, your first port of call may well be a boiler reset. Usually this is a quick fix that will get things up and running again, so it’s always worth knowing how to do it.
In this guide we’ll talk you through how to reset a boiler, why you might need to reset your boiler and what you can do to prevent the problem happening again.
When to reset your boiler
If you’ve noticed that your central heating isn’t working, or there’s no hot water, then the likelihood is that you have a fault with your boiler.
Usually this will show itself by a boiler light flashing red or green, or a fault code being shown on the display screen. If you notice these signs, check your boiler manual for guidance. It may suggest that you need to try a boiler reset.
If you’ve already tried a reset and you’re looking at how you could diagnose other problems, you may be interested in our guide on common boiler problems which will give you information on what could be stopping your boiler from working to its full potential.
What is boiler lockout and why does it happen?
The term “boiler lockout” refers to a safety feature that kicks in when there is a fault or safety risk within the boiler.
This means that if there is a dangerous situation or serious risk to the system, your boiler will switch off and show an error or light, as we mentioned above. If this happens then it’s sensible to look into reasons behind why your boiler is locking out and look to resolve any problems sooner rather than later.
In most cases, the best thing to do in the first instance is to try a boiler reset. if this doesn’t work, and you’ve checked your manual for any error code diagnosis, then it sounds like it’s time to call an engineer.
Is it safe to reset my boiler?
Before you try to reset your boiler check the following:
- Is it switched on?
- Have you paid your gas bill or have credit on your prepaid meter?
- Check for low or high pressure on your boiler pressure gauge
If your boiler has power and your boiler pressure is 1-2 (normal boiler pressure) or in the green range on the dial, then you’re safe to try a boiler reset.
If you’re concerned in any way or unsure about how to reset your boiler (even after reading the steps below), you should seek the advice of a competent Gas Safe registered engineer.
How to reset a boiler in 3 easy steps
If you’re comfortable with your boiler settings, you can reset your boiler by following these simple steps.
1) Refer to your boiler manual
Firstly, you need to locate your boiler’s reset button. It may well be obvious, but the best way to find it is by looking in the manual. Here it will also tell you how to do a manual reset for the specific model and make of your boiler.
On most boilers the reset button normally has a flame or a cross on it, clearly labelled “reset”.
2) Push the reset button for 10 seconds
Usually, you push the reset button on your boiler and hold it in for 10 seconds. You should only have to do this once, then wait for 2-3 minutes and allow for the boiler to start up again. If your reset has been successful, then the flame will ignite in the boiler. This will usually mean that any flashing lights and error codes should stop.
3) Call a professional
If you’ve attempted to reset your boiler 3 times and it’s still not working, then you have a fault with your boiler.
In this case you should call a Gas Safe registered engineer to diagnose the problem and make any repairs. It’s really important that you don’t ignore faults with your boiler as they can often become more serious the longer you leave them.
If you find you’re in need of an emergency repair you can use our one-off repairs service and one of our expert engineers will get things up and running as soon as possible.
How to reset a Worcester Bosch boiler
To reset your Worcester Bosch boiler, all you need to do is press and hold the reset button which is situated at the front of your boiler’s control panel.
You must hold the reset button down for between 3 and 5 seconds. This is to ensure that the boiler correctly resets before you can check the system again and see that it’s working as it should be.
If your boiler lacks a reset button, it may instead feature a light on the thermostat dial. To reset this type of boiler, turn the thermostat dial to the reset light and hold it there for 3-5 seconds. If in doubt, check the manual to see if your boiler has a reset light.
How to reset a Vaillant boiler
For a Vaillant boiler, the reset button is located on the boiler’s display screen and will likely show a flame with a line crossed through it. You’ll only need to press the reset button for 3 seconds before the boiler resets, at this point the display screen should change.
It’s recommended to always check your Vaillant boiler manual, as some models may have slightly different reset instructions.
How to reset an ideal boiler
Reset procedures will vary depending on the exact model of your Ideal boiler but most modern boilers have a dedicated reset button.
Esprit Eco 2
Simultaneously press the select and arrow up button together for 2 seconds the will reset the boiler
Logic
Turn the control knob to the reset position, and then immediately turn back to the setting of your choice.
Logic+
Simply press the dedicated reset button underneath the digital display.
Vogue Max
Simply press the dedicated reset button underneath the digital display.
Why is my boiler not turning on after resetting?
If your boiler doesn’t turn on after resetting or the error code is still there, then you’ll need to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer to look into this problem for you.
Why do I have to keep resetting my boiler?
If you find that you reset your boiler and it works for a short time before stopping again, then you’re likely to need a professional eye to look over it for you.
Our guide on reasons you might have to keep resetting your boiler could be a good place to start. If the problem persists then you’re likely to need a heating engineer to take a look for you.
Experience peace of mind with our reliable boiler repair services
If you find that the problem with your boiler continues, there’s a good chance that you may need a Gas Safe registered engineer to look at it for you.
That’s where we can help. You can book one of our engineers for a one-off boiler repair and we’ll get someone to look at the problem for you.
Going forward, you may want to consider protecting your boiler all year round. With boiler cover from just £9 a month, you can get peace of mind that help is at hand should a problem occur.