How to Reset Your Boiler

It is not unusual to experience faults with your heating system, and sometimes before you call out the professionals, it can be easy enough to take some action yourself to try and fix the issue fast. Resetting your boiler is one of the quickest (and usually effective) ways to fix small problems with the unit, so in this guide we’ll look at how to do this safely and efficiently depending on the boiler model you currently have in your home.

Why do I need to reset my boiler?

There are a number of reasons why a boiler might need resetting, and you will usually be able to tell that it is experiencing a fault by locating a flashing light somewhere on the unit – or an error code if your model has an in-built screen. You may simply suddenly notice that you aren’t able to get heating and hot water in your home. Either way, resetting your boiler is a useful first step to take, as it will inform you whether the fault needs engineer’s assistance to rectify it. 

If you suspect your boiler is experiencing more serious issues, for example a leak, frozen pipes or problems with the gas or electricity, we recommend you contact a Bbright engineer before trying any small fixes yourself. 

What is boiler lockout?

‘Lockout’ means that your boiler is not working due to a safety fault. Boilers will automatically switch off to prevent danger, and so this could suggest that there is a serious fault. If you are experiencing a boiler lockout, be sure to contact an engineer as soon as you can.

How to reset a boiler

Exactly how you reset your boiler will vary slightly depending on your make and model, and you should be able to find detailed information in your instruction manual. In this blog we will provide a general overview of reset instructions, but if you need further assistance you can always contact our experts.

  • Locate the reset button

All boiler models should have a reset button, and you will be able to find this on the outside of the unit. Its location will vary depending on your model, but in most cases it shouldn’t be too difficult to spot. If you are having trouble, consult your manual or call an engineer. 

  • Press and hold the reset button

To reset your boiler, press and hold the reset button for about 10 seconds. Then, wait several minutes – your boiler may be starting up, and pressing the reset button again too soon will cause it to stop. You will be able to tell if your reset has been successful if any fault codes disappear, or if the flashing light becomes a steady light. You may also hear the system powering up again.

  • Repeat if unsuccessful

We recommend repeating the process only once more if the first attempt was unsuccessful. If you press and hold the boiler reset button too many times, you risk damage to the control panel. Try once more, and if you are still seeing no changes, then it’s time to call a professional boiler engineer.

Why do I keep needing to reset my boiler?

IfIf you find you are resetting your boiler fairly frequently, this could mean your boiler is in need of an upgrade. Unfortunately, boilers do have an end to their lifecycle, and once they start needing regular repairs, you may also start to experience higher bill costs due to the boiler losing its efficiency. If you’re unsure, call an engineer to have them assess your boiler and recommend the ideal replacement.

Need an updated boiler that will save you hassle and money? Get in touch with our boiler experts or get a quote right now to see how quickly we could fit your new unit.