Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
Your guide to the most common Vaillant fault codes and what they mean.
Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes Guide
This guide covers the most common Vaillant fault codes, explains what causes them, what you can safely check yourself, and when it's time to call in a professional, so you can diagnose problems quickly and keep your heating running smoothly.

Ignition & Flame Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
F27 – Flame detected when it shouldn't be
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler detects a flame signal even though the burner is switched off. It's usually caused by a faulty flame sensor, a stuck gas valve, or an electrical fault on the control board.
Can I fix it?
This isn't one to attempt yourself. Turn the boiler off at the isolation switch and avoid repeatedly resetting it.
When to call a professional?
As soon as possible. This relates to flame safety, so it needs a Gas Safe registered engineer.
F28 – No flame detected during ignition
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler tries to ignite but the flame signal isn't detected. Common causes include a gas supply issue, a faulty ignition electrode, or a blocked flue.
Can I fix it?
You can safely check the gas supply is turned on and try resetting the boiler once.
When to call a professional?
If the fault persists after resetting, call a Gas Safe registered heating engineer.
F29 – Ignition failed after flame loss
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler loses its flame during operation and then fails to reignite. Common causes include a fluctuating gas supply, a faulty ignition electrode, or air trapped in the system.
Can I fix it?
You can safely check your gas supply is on and try resetting the boiler once.
When to call a professional?
If the fault returns after resetting, or keeps happening, call a heating engineer.
F67 – Flame signal fault
Why this happened?
This occurs when the signal the boiler uses to sense the flame becomes unreliable or implausible, often due to a worn ignition electrode or a fault on the main circuit board.
Can I fix it?
No, this is an internal electrical fault and isn't safe to investigate yourself.
When to call a professional?
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect the electrode and control board.
Fan / Flue Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
F32 – Fan fault
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler's fan isn't running correctly or its speed can't be confirmed, meaning waste gases can't be cleared safely. Common causes include a blocked flue terminal, a faulty fan, or a wiring fault.
Can I fix it?
Check that the flue terminal outside isn't blocked (leaves, snow, a bird's nest). Don't attempt any internal or electrical repairs yourself.
When to call a professional?
If clearing the flue terminal doesn't fix it, this needs a Gas Safe registered engineer, as it involves safe removal of exhaust gases.
F35 – Blocked air or flue duct
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler detects restricted airflow through the air intake or flue duct, which can prevent safe combustion.
Can I fix it?
Check the external flue terminal for obvious blockages. Don't remove or dismantle any flue components yourself.
When to call a professional?
If the blockage isn't visible or clearing it doesn't help, call a heating engineer to inspect the flue run.
F77 – Flue non-return flap or condensate pump fault
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler doesn't get a response from the flue flap or condensate pump, which are both part of safely removing waste gases and condensate.
Can I fix it?
Not safely. This involves internal boiler components.
When to call a professional?
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer to check the flue flap and condensate system.
Water Pressure Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
F22 – Low water pressure
Why this happened?
This occurs when the system's water pressure drops too low for the boiler to operate safely, often due to a small leak, recently bled radiators, or a filling loop left slightly open.
Can I fix it?
Yes. Check your pressure gauge and, if it's below 1 bar, top it up using the filling loop until it reaches around 1.5 bar.
When to call a professional?
If the pressure keeps dropping after topping up, there may be a leak, so call an engineer to investigate.
F74 – Water pressure too high
Why this happened?
This occurs when the system pressure rises above the safe operating range, sometimes after topping up the system too much or due to a faulty expansion vessel.
Can I fix it?
You can check the pressure gauge and, if it's very high, bleed a radiator slightly to bring it down.
When to call a professional?
If the pressure keeps climbing or the relief valve is discharging water, call a heating engineer.
F75 – No pressure change detected on pump start
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler doesn't detect the expected pressure change as the pump starts, which can point to a stuck pump, trapped air, or a closed valve somewhere in the system.
Can I fix it?
You can try resetting the boiler once. Bleeding radiators to remove trapped air can also help.
When to call a professional?
If the fault keeps returning, call an engineer to check the pump and system valves.
Temperature Sensors Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
F13 – Cylinder or warm start sensor fault
Why this happened?
This occurs when the sensor that monitors your hot water cylinder or warm start function isn't connecting properly or has developed a fault.
Can I fix it?
No, this involves an internal sensor and wiring.
When to call a professional?
Call a heating engineer to test and, if needed, replace the sensor.
F23 – Flow and return temperature spread too great
Why this happened?
This occurs when there's too big a temperature difference between the water flowing out of the boiler and the water returning to it, usually a sign of poor water circulation.
Can I fix it?
Check that all radiator valves in the property are open and nothing is restricting water flow.
When to call a professional?
If the fault continues, it may point to a blocked pipe, faulty pump, or sludge in the system, so call an engineer.
F71 – Flow or return temperature sensor problem
Why this happened?
This occurs when one of the temperature sensors on the flow or return pipework becomes disconnected or gives an unreliable reading.
Can I fix it?
No, this is an internal component fault.
When to call a professional?
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer to test and replace the sensor if needed.
Electrical & PCB Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
F49 – eBUS undervoltage or short circuit
Why this happened?
This occurs when there's a problem with the eBUS connection used to communicate with a room thermostat or control, often caused by a wiring fault or overload.
Can I fix it?
You can try turning the boiler off and back on once.
When to call a professional?
If it persists, call an engineer to check the thermostat wiring and connections.
F61 – Gas valve control fault
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler detects a fault in how the gas valve is being controlled, which is a safety-critical function.
Can I fix it?
No, this must not be investigated by anyone other than a qualified engineer.
When to call a professional?
Immediately. Call a Gas Safe registered engineer to inspect the gas valve.
F63 – PCB communication fault
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler's circuit board and display aren't communicating properly, often due to a wiring or connector issue, or a fault on the board itself.
Can I fix it?
You can try resetting the boiler once.
When to call a professional?
If the fault returns, call an engineer to check the board and connections.
F65 – Main PCB overheating
Why this happened?
This occurs when the main circuit board reaches an unsafe temperature, which can be caused by poor ventilation around the boiler or a fault on the board.
Can I fix it?
Make sure nothing is blocking ventilation around the boiler casing, then try resetting once.
When to call a professional?
If the fault persists, call an engineer, as the board may need replacing.
Water Circulation & Pump Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
F24 – Water circulation fault
Why this happened?
This occurs when the temperature inside the boiler rises too quickly, usually a sign that water isn't circulating properly through the system.
Can I fix it?
Check that all radiator valves are open and the pump isn't obviously stuck or noisy.
When to call a professional?
If the fault continues, call an engineer to check the pump and look for blockages such as sludge in the system.
F89 – Pump fault
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler detects a problem with the central heating pump, such as it not running correctly or being incorrectly identified by the system.
Can I fix it?
No, the pump is an internal component.
When to call a professional?
Call a heating engineer to inspect and, if needed, replace the pump.
Overheat & Safety Cut-Out Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
F20 – Safety cut-out from excess temperature
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler's safety cut-out is triggered because a temperature reading has gone above the safe limit, shutting off the gas valve as a protective measure.
Can I fix it?
You can try resetting the boiler once.
When to call a professional?
If the fault returns, this needs a Gas Safe registered engineer, as it's a safety-related shutdown.
F25 – Flue gas temperature too high
Why this happened?
This occurs when the temperature of the exhaust gases leaving the boiler is higher than it should be, often linked to a heat exchanger or flue issue.
Can I fix it?
No, this isn't something to investigate yourself.
When to call a professional?
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer, as it involves the safe removal of combustion gases.
F76 – Primary heat exchanger overheating
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler's protection against overheating in the primary heat exchanger has been triggered, often due to restricted water flow or a build-up of limescale or sludge.
Can I fix it?
You can check your system pressure and that radiator valves are open, then try resetting once.
When to call a professional?
If the fault persists, call an engineer, as the heat exchanger may need cleaning or descaling.
Gas Supply & Combustion Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
F54 – Insufficient gas supply
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler isn't receiving enough gas to operate properly, which can be due to a supply issue, a part-open valve, or a problem with the meter.
Can I fix it?
You can check that your gas supply is on and, if you're on a prepayment meter, that there's credit available.
When to call a professional?
If the supply checks out fine and the fault continues, call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
F56 – Combustion safety lockout
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler detects unsafe combustion conditions linked to carbon monoxide levels and locks out as a safety precaution.
Can I fix it?
No. Do not attempt to reset this repeatedly, and check that your carbon monoxide alarm hasn't also activated.
When to call a professional?
Immediately. This is a safety-critical fault and needs a Gas Safe registered engineer straight away.
F62 – Gas valve switch-off delay
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler detects a delay in the flame switching off after the gas valve closes, which can point to a fault with the valve or its control circuit.
Can I fix it?
No, this relates to the gas valve and isn't safe to investigate yourself.
When to call a professional?
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer as soon as possible.
F87 – Electrode malfunction
Why this happened?
This occurs when the ignition electrode, which creates the spark to light the boiler, is worn, dirty, or has failed.
Can I fix it?
No, this is inside the combustion chamber.
When to call a professional?
Call an engineer to inspect and clean or replace the electrode.
F88 – Gas valve disconnected
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler can't detect a connection to the gas valve, often due to a loose or faulty wiring connection.
Can I fix it?
No, this involves gas-carrying components.
When to call a professional?
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer to check the wiring and valve connection.
Communication & Display Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
F90 – Communication fault
Why this happened?
This occurs when the boiler's circuit board can't communicate properly with the display or control interface, often due to a loose connector or a fault on one of the boards.
Can I fix it?
You can try turning the boiler off and back on once.
When to call a professional?
If the fault keeps coming back, call an engineer to check the wiring and boards.
DIY Troubleshooting & When to Call a Professional
While some minor Vaillant boiler fault codes can be resolved safely at home, many faults require a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer. Knowing what you can handle and when to call a professional will keep your boiler safe and prevent further damage.

Safe DIY Checklist
You can attempt these actions for minor faults:
- Check boiler pressure – ensure it is between 1–1.5 bar.
- Reset the boiler – press the reset button once.
- Check radiator valves – make sure they are open for proper circulation.
- Inspect external flue – look for obvious blockages outside your home.
- Check gas supply – ensure other gas appliances are working.

Do Not Attempt
Never attempt the following as they are dangerous and illegal in the UK:
- Opening the boiler casing
- Electrical repairs or internal wiring work
- Gas repairs, adjustments, or replacements
- Replacing internal sensors or components

When to Call a Professional
You should contact a Gas Safe registered engineer if:
- Fault codes indicate ignition, flame, fan, or overheat issues (e.g., F27, F28, F32, F20)
- The boiler repeatedly locks out or displays persistent faults
- You smell gas or suspect combustion issues
- You are unsure about any fault code or repair
Legal Note: Gas appliances must be serviced by a Gas Safe registered engineer in the UK. Attempting unsafe repairs can be dangerous and may invalidate your warranty or insurance.

Expert in Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
We are experts in Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes, fully accredited and experienced in handling all models. Our skilled engineers carry out fast, reliable repairs, ensuring your boiler runs safely and efficiently. With extensive experience in Vaillant boiler repairs, we provide professional service you can trust every time.
Common Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes We Fix
Even the most reliable Vaillant boilers can develop faults over time. Our Gas Safe registered engineers frequently fix these common issues:
- F28 – No flame detected (ignition failure)
- F22 – Low system pressure
- F20 – Overheat safety cut-out triggered
- F32 / F35 – Fan or flue faults
- F24 – Water circulation issues
Areas We Cover for Vaillant Boiler Fault Codes
Whether you live in central Edinburgh or the surrounding suburbs, our team is on hand to deliver fast, professional Vaillant boiler fault fixes. We're here to help.


