How to Reset a Boiler

If your boiler has stopped working, there is no need to panic. It might be that all it needs is a simple re-set. Thankfully, we’re here to help! At City Warmth Plumbing and Heating, we know everything there is to know about boilers and anything we don’t, simply isn’t worth knowing. In this article, we talk you through the process of resetting your boiler. Let’s get started!

Step 1: Refer to Your Boiler Manual

Every boiler comes with a manual. If you can’t find the hard copy, you should be able to download your boiler’s manual online.

Referring to your boiler’s manual is an important first step in the reset process as it tells you where the reset button for your boiler is located. The manual will also explain how to safely reset your particular boiler model. Every boiler model will reset slightly differently, which is why referring to your boiler’s manual is such a helpful first step.

Step 2: Push the Reset Button

Every boiler has a reset button. As mentioned above, the location of the reset button will be outlined in your boiler’s manual.

When you push the boiler’s reset button, it’s important to hold it for about 10 seconds. You should only do this once. Your boiler should turn off and you should then wait for 2-3 minutes to see whether the system starts up again. If the reset has worked, your boiler should reignite after a couple of minutes.

Step 3: Repeat the Reset

If your boiler does not restart after you hold the reset button for 10 seconds and wait for 2-3 minutes, you can repeat this step twice more. Please note, it’s vital you do not repeatedly press your reset button as this can break the control panel and damage the system, leading to a costly boiler repair.

Try to be patient. Attempting to reset your boiler by pushing the boiler’s reset button should prove successful, but if it doesn’t after a couple of tries it is time for the next step.

Step 4: Check the Fault Code

If you have tried resetting your boiler and it won’t fire up again, you need to look at the fault code being displayed. It could be there are a few different issues, such as:

Boiler Pressure: your boiler may not be turning back on because the pressure is too high or too low and the system knows it risks damage if it reignites. Check the pressure gauge to see what your boiler’s pressure is like. The needle should be at 1 bar.

Power Supply: you should also check whether there is a power supply that is reaching your boiler without any faults. Many boilers power down after a power cut, for example, so checking the power supply to your boiler can be helpful.

Step 5: Call City Warmth

If you’ve tried the steps above without any success, it’s time to call our team. Our Gas Safe Certified engineers can usually diagnose your boiler problem over the phone, saving you time and money.

All you need to do is explain what’s happened and our engineers will talk you through the next steps, answer any questions you may have, and do their best to diagnose the problem. Often, this is enough to get your boiler up and running again. However, it is possible your boiler won’t restart because there’s a problem that needs repairing. In this case, we will book an in-person appointment for you and send one of our engineers round to help.

If You Have to Regularly Reset Your Boiler

Having to reset your boiler can be frustrating and time-consuming. While occasional resets are normal, if you are having to regularly reset your boiler, there could be an underlying fault that requires professional attention. In this case, it is best to call the City Warmth team. We can send an engineer to diagnose the problem and carry out any necessary repairs.

The longer you leave boiler issues, the more likely your boiler is to break down completely. If you’re having to reset your boiler on a regular basis, it’s important to seek professional advice as soon as possible to prevent problems from worsening.

Why Boilers Stop Working

There are many reasons why boilers turn off by themselves and require a reset. Some of these problems are easy to fix, while others signify an underlying problem that needs professional attention. Let’s take a look at why boilers stop working.

Boiler Pressure Issues

If you are lucky, you’ve never had to think about your boiler’s pressure. However, when things go wrong and your boiler system turns off by itself, there could be an issue with the pressure. Boiler pressure that is either too high or too low could damage your system.

If the pressure in your boiler is too high, it’s very likely your boiler will develop leaks. However, if the pressure is too low, your boiler won’t work properly. With either of these problems, boilers tend to switch themselves off to avoid problems worsening.

Blocked Heat Exchanger

If your boiler has shut down, this may be due to a faulty or blocked heat exchanger. Heat exchangers are devices that transfer heat around your boiler. As water passes through the radiators and pipework in your home, the water reduces in temperature. As the water re-enters the heat exchanger, it is reheated and your boiler can continue supplying warmth to your home.

When a heat exchanger becomes blocked, it no longer works effectively. Blockages are commonly caused by an accumulation of limescale or a build-up of sludge. These issues can cause your boiler to overheat, forcing a shut down. A blocked heat exchanger must be fixed by a certified engineer.

Reduced Air Intake

Your boiler system needs a good amount of oxygen to fire up and heat water for your home. When a boiler experiences reduced air intake, the system will shut down. Reduced air intake is often the result of a blockage in the system that needs to be professionally removed.

Tripped Circuit Breakers

Most modern boilers are wired to circuit breakers. This helps protect boilers from electrical overload, forcing an immediate shutdown if anything electronically malfunctions within your home.

Electronic malfunctions can have numerous causes, from poor electrical wiring and faulty appliances to damaged power lines, power cuts, and even lightning strikes! If a tripped circuit breaker is the reason why your boiler has shut down, it’s a good sign your boiler is protecting itself from damage. This can usually be fixed with a simple reset.

Damaged Boiler Pump

The water pump in your boiler is what pushes water around your home’s central heating system. If there is a problem with your boiler pump, due to damage or old age, your boiler won’t work properly and will typically shut down.

If your boiler has a damaged water pump, the best solution is to repair or replace the pump as quickly as possible. Our engineers can do this for you.

Is it Safe to Reset My Boiler?

Modern boiler systems are very clever. They have built-in safety features that prevent them from firing if there is a problem within the system. If your boiler won’t reignite after you’ve attempted to reset it, you should get in touch with us.

Final Words

So, there you have it; how to reset a boiler. We hope the advice in this article allows you to successfully reset your boiler. If you would like more advice about boilers, check out our blog!