The problem is that the combi boiler is failing in its comfort role. The E160 fault code on Potterton boilers is a fan fault. The Boiler Fault FInding Solution; Boiler Fault Finder is an easy to navigate, technical support workmate, providing many features such as fault finding & diagnosis, boiler manuals, electrical safety checks, system component testing and sequence of boiler operation. The E163 fault code isn’t one that can be fixed on a DIY basis. Table A - boiler start and burner related fault finding table for all Grant Vortex oil fired boilers Fault Cause Action Boiler will not start Low pressure cut-out activate Refill system to 0.5 - 1.0 bar. For more boiler issues regarding any other type of Boiler then please visit the Boiler Problems And Cures page. For example, if the fan is running but there is no ignition, the fault is at or after the fan but before the boiler firing. The E40 fault code on your Potterton boiler is another NTC thermistor problem. Central heating fault finding, troubleshooting tips and how boilers work. Skills Training Group’s boiler fault-finding & breakdown course is designed for heating engineers, who have little or no knowledge of boiler fault finding techniques and want to improve or enhance their skills and practice in a comfortable and welcoming environment. However, if your gas valve is beyond repair, you’ll need a replacement. But, the E40 fault code is specific. On many occasions, this means that a replacement isn’t needed. Test the electrical circuits by checking for short circuits, continuity (earth) and resistance (to earth). All boilers, BAXI boilers included, are prone to lockouts from time to time, but this fault has been particularly common with the Baxi Solo 1PF and 2PF over the years. Increasing the volume of water in the heating system, is going to mean that pressure also increases. 0. Valves are known for sticking. They’ll be checking for things such as the pump being seized, air locks, and even electrical power. The PCB has determined that there’s a false flame, but that might be the case. The E134 fault code on Potterton boilers, like the two above, is a gas supply issue. The app greatly simplifies current repair execution techniques by eliminating time consuming and inconvenient phone calls to … It will be a fault with the fan speed, flue airways, air pressure hose(s), thermistor(s), air pressure switch or its connections, printed circuit board, gas valve, ignition components, or condensate pump. The Fix: The diaphragm washer can … If it is the thermostat that’s tripping, then it’s going to need to be replaced. When Potterton boilers display the E83 fault code, there’s a problem with room thermostat or timer. Suprima by Potterton, 30-80 and 30L-80L (but NOT Suprima HE). Establish if the fault is constant or infrequent and whether it affects the hot water, the central heating, or both. Fortunately, all components carry out obvious actions and in most instances will share basic functions with its counterpart in other combi boilers. A fluctuation in temperature via the NTC thermistors could indicate a problem, and the boiler locks out. Air locks in the heating system can lead to poor circulation, as can a build up of heating sludge. It is common knowledge within the industry that many engineers struggle with boiler fault finding, a fact that has been borne out by independent research. If heating sludge is an issue, your heating repair company will need to use chemicals to get rid of this sludge. That’s useful information for your boiler service engineer. © HeatandPlumb.com | Pioneer Bathrooms Ltd - Address: 9 Dennis Lane, Stanmore, Middlesex, HA7 4JR | Phone: 0203 113 2122 | Sitemap, Combi boilers have been installed in the UK since, There are approximately 25 major combi boiler manufacturers, There are free standing and wall mounted combi boiler options. The longer problems like this are left, the more expensive the fix becomes. Share on Facebook. Fault finding on combination boilers is about solving the problem. However, if the overheat is genuine, your boiler engineer is going to need to focus on anything that affects the circulation of water. This helps to highlight where the break in the circuit is, and therefore, which part is the culprit. Is there a switch on the boiler to turn on/off RF singal or could this be a battery issue? By. The air pressure switch notices this and locks the boiler out as a safety precaution. These are extremely important to the engineer and it is vital to always follow the manufacturer's instructions. All these airways need to be clear. The E20 fault code on Potterton boilers, relates to an NTC thermistor issue in your appliance. The fact that it’s just the NTC thermistor on the return side, helps to narrow down the problem quickly. There must be no equipment or appliance used that you think may be faulty. The most obvious explanation for this, is that the gas valve is faulty. When your boiler develops a fault, a code will be shown on the display panel. Fault finding logic does get easier with practice and as your approach develops. Like most boilers from the 90s and 2000s, the Potterton Suprima is easily repaired should it suffer a breakdown. A boiler repair company will be able to test the PCB, gas valve and all wires/connections using a PCB to determine where the problem lies. This guide is meant for informational purposes only, you should never attempt to fix an issue within your boiler if you aren’t a Gas Safe registered engineer. use professional tools, use quality parts from a reputable wholesaler, avoid damage to other components, and use a pipe freezing machine if drain down is necessary. That also means, that any parts that have been exposed to water damage, are going to continue to be exposed; you’re risking damage. The problem is that the combi boiler is failing in its comfort role. 0 Servicing or fault finding on a combi boiler is about learning about many different types of boiler and realising they are all slightly different. Typically, the E15 fault code relates to a command fault. Central heating sludge can block up important components, reduce circulation, and cause overheats. The E129 represents a boiler that had an established flame, but it’s been lost. So, finding and fixing the problem early will save you vast amounts on boiler repair bills. Hello and welcome back to all our existing customers, and new entrants to our profession. If that’s the case, the fan can be adjusted, so it creates a big enough draught to push gases out of the flue. As you can see we have now added more courses with more options for both 1 on 1 days & and standard days. The offending parts will need to be replaced. Each section of this guide covers specific fault codes on Potterton boilers, and what you need to do next in terms of servicing and repairs.. EPHG LIMITED © 2016 to 2020 © All Rights Reserved, Air locks in the heating system (especially the pump), A pump that’s blocked full of debris, or completely faulty, Blockage in the heating system (such as a radiator, or towel rail). In some cases, we’ve found the problem is electrical, but other contributing factors aren’t helping. Fortunately, all components share basic functions, which should know. That’s going to include checking the flue for debris blockages, and the condensate pipe. If there’s a problem with the PCB, or with wiring and connections to/from it, the signals could be misleading. Once they’ve done so, they can top up the boiler’s pressure, and reset it to clear the fault code. For a quick and easy check conduct the following: Electrical. That said, your boiler service engineer will want to first check the safety thermostat. With gas valves, they tend to stick. It relies on the fan to push gases up and out the flue, so this needs to be running before the boiler can ignite. This includes checking the pump and heating system for air locks, as well as ensuring the central heating sludge isn’t an issue. After your boiler engineer has found the problem causing the lock out, they’ll be able to reset the boiler and the fault code will be cleared from the display panel. If this is the case, the sensor is going to need to be replaced. The E384 fault code can be fixed by first, determining the exact cause of the problem. The gas valve might not be receiving the signal to open, or, it might be open, even when the PCB thinks it isn’t. The repair of that component(s) often involves replacement on a like-for-like basis and is straightforward in most cases. Your boiler engineer will be able to check the gas valve to see if this is the case. If the supply of gas isn’t the problem, it could be a sensing fault. If you’re having a problem with your Potterton boiler, it will be listed in this guide. On Potterton boilers, the E384 fault is a false flame. These are the top 10 most common boiler problems: Common Boiler Problems: Hot water but no heating; No heat or hot water; Boiler is leaking; Boiler is kettling However, on some occasions, the damage is much more serious. Check that the system has correct polarity. Like all mechanical parts in your boiler, the fan can fail over time. Sometimes, there can be cross-overs in radio channels between your thermostat, and a neighbour’s. single speed, two speed, three speed, modulating, twin pump, and five or six metre head. This is always the same. If it is, they’ll attempt to free the valve. The Fix: Call a Worcester Bosch service engineer or an accredited engineer, who will … But, it’s not always the ignition lead and probe that are to blame. For instance, if the heat exchanger is overheating, it could weaken and crack. A combi boiler should be serviced regularly, ideally every year, by a competent person and this person must be CORGI registered, as this is the law. Your boiler engineer will be able to test this using a multi-meter. But, there are other common reasons that the E125 is displayed. Potterton Suprima 60 Boiler Fault Customer reported boiler repeatedly locking out. If they think the valve needs replacing, it’s likely to cost around £300. They’ll be able to tell exactly which one is at fault, by testing all NTC thermistors on the boiler using a multi-meter. If your boiler is losing pressure, it’s likely you have a leak. However, when this sensor is faulty, it could be signalling there’s no flame, even when there is. For instance, if a gas hob, cooker or fire still works, the problem isn’t the gas meter. Potterton state that this fault code occurs when a boiler requests the gas valve to open, but no gas is detected. If your boiler keeps failing to ignite, it’s likely to show the E128 fault code. Your heating system is sealed, and it’s the volume of water in the system, that determines pressure. If they don’t fix the leak causing water damage, this is likely to happen again, not to mention the fact that other parts could get damaged too. A logical approach is required to quickly track down, isolate, and repair the fault. The most obvious explanation for this, is that the gas valve is faulty. Cause Error If the fault lies with the thermistor, it’s likely the problem stems from a short circuit, faulty NTC thermistor, or the connections between the PCB and thermistor aren’t secure (or, possibly damaged). The fault code displayed will indicate the specific type of fault as listed in the manufacturer's instructions. Damage can occur to these wires from boiler vibrations, water and even old age. Sometimes, the damage is minor. You’ll need to press the boiler reset button to clear the code, but only after the boiler has been fixed. Whichever fault diagnosis procedure is used, the objective is always to achieve: It is important to use a logical approach to fixing the boiler and for it to deliver the full capability. It is important to have adequate understanding to enable recognition of each component, how it works and how it relates to the other components within a combi boiler. Follow safe working procedures and always carry out electrical safety checks. Ensure system has appropriate electrical polarity. Typically, anything that affects the circulation of water is going to be something your heating repair engineer needs to look at. There’s a good chance that they’ve been damaged. diaphragm, paddle diaphragm, reed or thermistor. This is a simple DIY fix, but it’s still wise to call an engineer. Common Fault 5: Baxi 105e combi boiler – no hot water. paul - December 19, 2018. If you accidentally top up water pressure to above 1.5 bar, it can be released. It is important to understand which kind of system that you have before you start any type of fault finding or maintenance. The gas valve should be closed, but the PCB is still detecting a flame. Boiler Fault finding logic. It’s the thermistor on the return side (water coming back to the boiler via pipework to be re-heated) causing the problem. And, a steady flow of gas needs to be provided to the burner. It’s the fan that keeps your boiler operating safely. When they notice a temperature differential between the two sensors that is too high or low, they’ll lock out the boiler and display a fault code. You should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £250 (the price will vary, depending on the exact boiler model you have). So, you shouldn’t keep resetting your boiler, as continued operation is likely to damage these components, leading to further expensive repair bills. These are mechanical parts, and mechanical parts wear out over time. pressure differential, diaphragm or reed. The E133 fault code on Potterton boilers is a common one. There could be a problem with the supply of gas. A Gas Safe boiler engineer will be able to narrow down the problem, by checking gas supply to other gas appliances. As you can see, there are a lot of different problems that can contribute to the E40 fault code being displayed. That means they can discount problems such as the meter, and gas pipework to the boiler. These jets are incredibly delicate, so a tiny spec of debris, could be enough to limit the supply of gas. Your boiler repair company will need to check the whole heating system to find and fix the leak. That’s going to cause a gas supply issue that could be dangerous. The gas valve is an electronic component, controlled by the PCB. Accompanying these hands-on courses are the manufacturer's installation, service, repair, and fault finding instructions. So, if the switch is faulty, it’s going to be feeding back the wrong signals to the PCB and lock out the boiler. Like the E129 fault code, the problem usually stems from the burner, or from the gas valve. Expect to pay somewhere in the region of £250, and that includes both parts and labour. Instead, it’s the thermostat tripping, causing the boiler’s PCB to think the max temperature has been reached, even when it hasn’t. If there seems to be no problem with the gas valve, the next point of call, is the PCB. Typically, the E321 stems from an electrical fault. But, it also causes what is known as a dry fire. Working backwards, your boiler engineer will need to check the gas supply into the burner (i.e. Instead of attempting DIY fixes, speak to a boiler repair company instead. The gas valve should be closed, but the PCB is still detecting a flame. DAY 1 – FAULT FINDING. On Potterton boilers, the E384 fault is a false flame. Analyse the electrical circuits by using a multimetre inspecting for for short circuits, earth continuity and earth resistance. When the E15 fault code is displayed on your boiler, it’s another gas related fault. So, it might not be reading the readings from the thermistor correctly. Boiler Fault Finder is an easy to navigate, technical support workmate, providing many features such as fault finding & diagnosis, boiler manuals, electrical safety checks, system component testing and sequence of boiler operation. The E384 fault code can be fixed by first, determining the exact cause of the problem. However, unlike some of the other gas related fault codes, this is an interruption of gas supply within the boiler. Basically, water is not able to circulate around the heating system correctly. The pump will be working too hard to circulate water and could burn out. This allows the boiler’s PCB to monitor the appliance’s operation. 3737. The boiler locks out to protect you, and anyone else in the property. If it’s a new thermostat, there’s a good chance that the setup process has been completed incorrectly. Making Boiler Fault Finding Easier. As we’ve mentioned, a boiler repair specialist can sometimes work the valve loose. If it’s a particularly old thermostat, it’s likely they’ll test it using a multi-meter. Boiler Fault Finding Courses Learn How To Repair Gas Boilers & Heating Faults Becoming a good heating repair and boiler breakdown engineer requires a thorough understanding of the design, operation and fault finding sequence for gas boilers and their respective heating controls. If the pump is faulty, replacements can be found from leading brands such as Grundfos. If it’s the PCB that is faulty, a replacement will be needed. However, water damage is a different story. Common fault 4: Strange banging noises. use knowledge of the components installed, knowledge of operating principles, and knowledge of firing sequence. All mechanical and electrical appliances eventually breakdown and need to be repaired or replaced, central heating boilers and combination boilers are no different. Gas Boiler Fault Finding and Repair - Level 1-3. use knowledge of the components and operating principles to remove the cause of the fault. If necessary, contact the manufacturer using the technical advice lines for specialist advice. That’s letting gas into the burner, even when it shouldn’t be. The thermistors monitor the temperature of water. Your boiler engineer will start by checking that the ignition lead and probe are in good condition. This code is displayed on Potterton boilers when the boiler has tried to ignite 12 times and failed. Remember, working on a gas boiler, is a job for Gas Safe qualified repair engineers. Typically, this is to preserve internal boiler components. Firing in domestic hot water mode eliminates all of the above possible faults but now includes the central heating low limit thermostat, diverter valve and time switch, central heating part of the printed circuit board, and room thermostat/programmer etc. Hissing and banging sounds from your radiators, heating pipes or boiler means that the system is overheating. These thermistors monitor the temperature of water, to and from the boiler. Your boiler repair specialist will also need to analyse the components in your boiler such as the thermistors and PCB. This could be due to old age, faulty wiring, or water damage. Not only does this problem need to be fixed to prevent scalding, it also needs to be done to protect internal boiler components. If the boiler continues to lose pressure and the E270 fault code is displayed again, it’s likely that the problem is with the pressure release valve or expansion vessel. Basic Fault Finding Procedure When troubleshooting your Biasi Combi or System boiler please follow the following safety checks need to be done: - Gas Supply: verify basic boiler gas supply, check if it is clean and gas has a free passage. If you suspect a problem, trying to fix it on a DIY basis without Gas Safe accreditation or constantly trying to reset your appliance, could put all the people in your property in danger. My room thermostat is suddently showing A21 error, according to the manual, A21 fault code indicates no RF signal. That means your boiler engineer is going to be focused on wiring and connections to/from the valve. They’ll fault find by testing the connection to the PCB from the gas valve, as well as checking the PCB and gas valve for faults. In many cases, there may not be a problem with the boiler itself but a problem with the supply. Leaks can come from all sorts of places, including: Technically, topping up your boiler’s pressure and resetting it, would work as a temporary fix. There’s not a DIY fix for the E09 fault code. But, the E129 fault code on Potterton boilers isn’t just limited to airway blockages. The E125 fault code on Potterton boilers, is another common one. But before getting into the finer details of boiler fault finding, be sure to make sure that you first eliminate the obvious causes. It will also show a static cause code. If the PCB is faulty, the signals it gives and receives are going to be wrong. For instance, there could be a problem with the PCB. The E135 Potterton fault code is another that’s related to the supply of gas. On most occasions, this is a quick and simple fix; usually, a replacement NTC thermistor is needed. The first thing your boiler engineer is going to want to do, is determine whether this is a new thermostat, or if it’s been working prior to your current problem. If your Baxi 105e combi boiler is failing to provide you with hot water, or the water is only heating up when the central heating is turned on, it could be a problem with your diaphragm washer. Some combi boilers have a built-in diagnostic system that illuminates LEDs or neon's, either on the control board or the user panel. When the boiler isn’t working within tolerances and the PCB recognises that there’s a fault, it’s going to display a fault code on the display panel. Doing it efficiently is about understanding the concepts and principles of combi boiler components and how they work, especially in relation to each other. If it’s the burner, it’s usually a case of a small amount of debris build-up in the jet. ... Hissing or Banging From Boiler or Heating Pipes. This can cause you to control their boiler, and vice-versa. Typically, a boiler PCB replacement is going to cost in the region of £500. There are hundreds of models and many variations; it is important, therefore, to understand combi boilers collectively. The Suprima is a strikingly small boiler. Your boiler has an air pressure switch. Typically, the most likely problem is that the NTC thermistor’s connections have come loose due to boiler vibrations, or the unit has failed due to old age. However, on some occasions, the cause of the E321 fault code being displayed is the PCB. Your boiler service company will be able to check both components using a multi-meter. This helps your boiler repair company to quickly diagnose what the problem is, rather than having to fault-find every single component in your boiler; the fault code system makes repairs cheaper. There are traditional and balanced flue options; There are standard efficiency and high-efficiency condensing boiler models, There are a range of outputs for each model, There are a range of models to suit varying budgets, Models change and evolve substantially about every five years. It’s the PCB that gives the signal to the valve to open, and receives a signal back from the gas valve, to say that is has opened. The huge number of combi boilers available means there are millions of variations of components and it is impossible to specifically describe each one. The boiler can then be reset to clear the E160 fault code. Potterton Suprima Gas Boiler Faults, Problems and Fault Finding. They’ll then fit a boiler filter, to stop sludge build-up happening in the future. To make recognising a fault as straightforward as possible, modern boilers display a digital boiler error code to let you know exactly what’s causing the fault. The problem here is with an NTC thermistor in the boiler. The Cause: If you hear a strange banging noise when your boiler fires up, this is usually a problem with the gas valve communicating with the fan speed. Is designed specifically for Worcester boilers, like the E129 fault code on boilers! Likely they’ll test it using a multi-meter components installed, knowledge of operating principles, even... Wrong signals, or with wiring and connections can be fixed by first, determining the exact of... Leds or neon 's, either on the boiler problems and Cures page common reasons that the boiler... Keeps your boiler needs a clear airway to operate correctly principles, not... Power outage, determining the exact cause of the E270 fault code or message has appeared on behalf. 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Then please visit the boiler reset button to clear the E160 fault code on Potterton boilers like! User panel goes above 3 bar, or too cold magnetic system filter gas related fault codes, the.!