Your boiler is not receiving gas or providing a spark, which means it cannot light the flame needed to provide heating and hot water.
Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24–48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.
Technical description: Ignition fault - the burner has failed to light
What causes this fault?
This fault occurs when the boiler tries to start but fails to detect a flame after several attempts. The most common reason is a lack of gas reaching the burner, often caused by a closed valve or a faulty ignition lead that can no longer generate a spark.
This fault often appears during the first cold snap of winter when components like the gas valve stick after being inactive over the summer.
DIY fix possible
Check that your gas emergency control valve is in the 'on' positionEnsure you have credit on your gas meter if you use a prepay systemPress the 'Reset' button on the boiler control panel
Find a Gas Safe engineer
Search the official register for a qualified engineer in your area.
Gas Safe Register →Protect yourself from future repair bills
A boiler cover plan would cover faults like F1 — no call-out fees, no surprises.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Glow-worm Xtramax is discontinued — time for a new one?
Parts for discontinued models can be hard to find and expensive. A new A-rated boiler could save you money on both repairs and energy bills.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.