If you have a Worcester boiler system, or any other make for that matter, sooner or later you will run into an issue. Even though Worcester Bosch boilers offer great quality, they are not without issues. Before you panic, you need to know that this is completely normal.
Machines can malfunction and break down. What makes it more daunting is not knowing what exactly is going on. But if you have a list of the common faults, it may make you feel more relaxed.
So, this post provides a guide to the most common Worcester boiler issues and how to fix them. Whether you should attempt to do that on your own is a different matter. We always advise users to call in an expert just to make sure the system is running smoothly. If you need a Worcester boiler repair in London, you might want to give us a call as soon as possible!
Key Takeaways on Common Worcester Bosch Boiler Problems
- The most common Worcester Bosch boiler faults affect the water pressure and ignition; there may be a sudden drop in pressure and kettling, a leaking Worcester boiler, or the boiler could overheat
- When there is an issue or your gas boiler has stopped working, Worcester Bosch boilers display an error code
- It’s worth noting that the issue you may encounter with your boiler will vary depending on the model and make of the unit. To play it safe, you should always get a Gas Safe engineer.
Boiler not Firing up Pilot, Light not Working
There are different reasons why a boiler can’t fire up. It is possible that the wired connections are damaged or the valve is blocked. If the pilot light isn’t turning on either, this might indicate a blockage around the jet.
Boiler Thermostat Problems – Worcester Boiler Overheating
If you have boiler problems with no heating, it may be a faulty thermostat. You will notice problems with the temperature. The unit may turn off when it shouldn’t or turn on when there is no need for it, leading to overheating.
Worcester Boiler Low Pressure – Boiler Keeps Locking
Whether you have a system boiler or a combi boiler, it needs pressure to function properly. If the boiler gets below a certain pressure, it may be that the unit is not heating the water to the right temperature. It could also be that it’s not working at all. This is due to a malfunctioning expansion vessel, a leak in the system, or an issue with the pressure relief valve. Since it cannot function like this, the boiler will lockout.
Now, keep in mind that these units will slowly lose pressure over time. However, if it happens all of a sudden, then you are having a problem.
To check the current boiler pressure, all you have to do is look at the pressure gauge on the system. If it indicates anything below 1 bar, it might be because of an issue with the unit.
Worcester boiler pressure too high
Too much pressure on a boiler means there is an overfilling in the system. Hence, you need to bleed a radiator to release some of that. You are aiming to get a number between 1 and 1.5 bar. Bleeding means releasing trapped air.
Boiler losing pressure but no leak
You can absolutely have low pressure in your boiler system without a leak. This could be caused by bleeding radiators, a pressure relief valve problem, a vessel problem, or a filling loop problem.
How to repressurise Worcester boiler
Before you can change the pressure on your boiler, you need to identify what kind of filling system you are using.
For an external filling loop, you have to locate one valve that is connected to the heating system and another running from the mains cold water. Use the hose to connect the two together. Open the mains cold tap and follow it up by opening the second tap.
The pressure will begin to rise. Wait until it reaches one bar. Now, turn off the two taps. Remove the hose.
For an internal filling loop with a key, you need to find the key underneath the boiler. It should be in the form of a flap. Next, locate an open black port on the right-hand side in the front part of the unit. This is where the key should go.
If you take a good look at the port, you will see pictures of an open and closed padlock. The key itself has an arrow right on the shaft. Align the key with the open padlock on the picture and push it inside the open port.
Now, turn the key. The pressure will go up. When it reaches the number you are looking to get, turn the key back. You want to open the padlock and take it out. There may be drips resulting from this.
How to increase pressure on Worcester boiler without key
If you have a keyless filling loop, there should be a blue lever at the bottom of the unit. All you have to do is pull that lever down to repressurise the system. When the pressure is more than one bar, you can release the lever.
Boiler is Leaking – Worcester Boiler no hot Water
If there’s no hot water in your boiler system, this could be caused by a variety of reasons, which you need to inspect one by one. For example, there could be issues with the thermostat, the valves, the heating pump, or the pressure. Sometimes the reason is as simple as a lack of water in the system. Since you want to have warm water, you need to address this issue as soon as possible.
Worcester boiler leaking water
A leaking boiler is another problem that needs your attention. If you are dealing with an old boiler, you should check for corrosion. Another possible and common cause is a build-up of pressure in the system. When a boiler is leaking, this may also occur as a result of issues with the valves and the pump. Last but not least, you ought to inspect the seals to make sure they are not damaged.
How to turn down water temperature on Worcester boiler
In order to reduce the temperature of your unit, you need to locate the hot water dial on the panel. It should have numbers from 1 to 6 imprinted on it. Choose one number down or whatever setting you prefer.
Boiler Kettling: Boiler is Making Banging
Many people are concerned when they hear a kittling noise. There is a reason the boiler industry uses this name. When limescale accumulates inside the heat exchanger, it sounds a lot like a kettle boiling. As you know, limescale can make your unit less efficient, thus you should address the issue at some point.
Common Worcester Boiler Error Codes
Common Worcester boiler problems come with their designated codes. Well, most of the time. If your unit is showing a fault code, check out what it could mean from our list of common error codes:
- E9 224 – High limit thermostat or flue or activated
- C7 214 – Fan not operating
- D5 – Condensate pump failure
- 202 O – Unit is in anti-cycle mode
- A1 – New boiler pump is required or there is a leak
- EA – Flame not detected
- 203 – The unit is on standby
- 227 and boiler keeps locking out – pressure loss or overheating
- Red steady on – Lockout
- Slow flash – Ignition lockout
- 3 flashes 5 seconds off – An error with the gas valve
Worcester boiler flashing red light: a red light means that your unit has to be inspected by a professional boiler engineer.
Worcester boiler flashing blue light: A blue light usually indicates that the unit has switched to service mode. This may be because you knocked the switch by accident or that you recently had the boiler serviced and the technician left the service mode on.
Worcester boiler reset button flashing: if there is some fault with the system, the blue mains light will flash as well as the reset button (once per second).
How to Reset a Worcester Boiler
If you want to reset your boiler, you have to locate the Central heating temperature knob and then switch it to the RESER position (turning it anticlockwise should help). Hold that position for a few seconds. This will activate the reset. Then, turn the knob clockwise to the initial setting.
How Do You Get Air out of a Worcester Boiler?
First of all, switch the unit to the highest heat setting. All radiators should be heated before you proceed. Wait as long as necessary. Then check each one for cold spots by feeling them. If you encounter any that is cold, it means it has trapped air bubbles that you have to release.
To do that, turn off the boiler. The radiators should cool before you start bleeding them. Find the bleed valve of the radiator in question. It should be located at the top side of the unit.
Put the bleed key in the designated slot and a container below the valve so that if water leaks, it won’t pool on the floor. With the key in, turn the valve anti-clockwise. As you do this, you should hear a hissing sound from air escaping the unit.
Has Your Worcester Bosch Boiler Warranty Expired?
Every boiler make and model comes with a different guarantee spanning from 1 to 10 years. In the case of Worcester makes, you should expect to get up to 12 years for models like the Worcester 8000.
If you aren’t sure what problems are covered under the warranty, go through the documentation that came with the unit. You can also get in touch with the manufacturer and ask away.
The documentation should also specify when your warranty will expire. If it doesn’t, go to the official Worcester website and enter the serial number of the product.
Keep in mind that your warranty will be valid provided that you keep up with your annual maintenance after installation. Not providing the yearly service might dissolve the warranty.
When you reach the expiration date, you want to get in touch with the accredited installer to ask them if there is something you can do about it. They will probably require some kind of charge in order to prolong the guarantee.
Who Should Replace a Worcester Boiler: a Heating Engineer or Another Specialist?
If your Bosch boiler has been heating your place for a long while, it may be time to consider replacing it. You should definitely leave the job to an accredited installer. Not only will this ensure your unit performs effectively, but it will allow you to use your warranty whenever needed. Trusting your boiler with an authorised person is the best way to avoid unexpected issues with the central heating system.
FAQs About Worcester Common Boiler Issues
What are the most common Worcester Bosch boiler issues?
The most common issues with this make are boiler lockout, no hot water, leakage, high or low boiler pressure, banging noises, low water levels, overheating boiler, a clocked condensate pipe, and no power.
How to know if your Worcester Bosch boiler is faulty?
There may be different hints. For example, you may notice that the pilot light is out or the system is not heating. Perhaps one of the biggest indications is that the house is cold or the radiators aren’t evenly heating. In addition, your Worcester Bosch boiler will display an error code.
Which Worcester boiler problems need a heating engineer?
Any problem you encounter with your boiler that’s outside your scope of expertise should be inspected by a Gas Safe boiler engineer. These people are trained and certified to fix faulty parts. They use a special pre-determined system of rules that they follow when they have to inspect and address issues. Plus, you always get a free boiler quote.
Why is my Worcester boiler banging?
It could be that there is a build-up of limescale or debris in the heat exchanger. You may also be faced with a faulty thermostat.
How long does it take to fit a new boiler?
A new boiler installation usually takes a few hours or, in some cases, a few days depending on the size of the job. If you are facing a problem with your Worcester Bosch boiler and you’ve had it for quite a while, it may be a good idea to replace it with a new one.
Do you have a faulty diverter valve?
You may be dealing with a faulty diverter valve if the radiators don’t turn on while the hot water taps are still working. Having only lukewarm water is another indication of an issue with the diverter valve.
Bottom Line on Common Worcester Boiler Faults
If you have a Worcester boiler installed in your home, you should be familiar with the common problems they experience so that you know how to act accordingly. Of course, the best plan of action, once you identify the problem, is to hire an expert to have it fixed. Some mild issues might be manageable by homeowners themselves. But if you aren’t confident in your skills or knowledge, don’t risk it or you may lose your warranty.
As we mentioned above, there may be different reasons why a boiler will experience faults. Take for instance a new Worcester boiler overheating, or it may be that you have a boiler that is locking on and off or a boiler with low pressure. If you want to know what your Worcester Bosch error means, you should use our guide as a reference or check the boiler manual for faults.
If you notice any gas leaking, you should leave your boiler and your property until the issue is inspected and addressed. There may be harmful gases to be aware of.
On that note, the annual Worcester boiler service in London is a must. This will prevent you from experiencing these issues often or at all. All things considered, you should not worry if you run into an issue because this is pretty normal.
Word of caution
Please note that each boiler brand has unique settings and requires a customised approach. You can’t apply the above tips to all boiler types and situations, as there are certain differences to be wary of. If you want to read up on Vaillant boiler problems article, we have a separate post about that. Don’t forget to check it out.
