BoilerFaultCodesYour boiler has failed to light several times and has locked itself out for safety reasons.
Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24–48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.
Technical description: If the boiler does not light after 3 attempts the fault code L 9 will be displayed (referenced as 'L' and '9' in sequence).
What causes this fault?
This fault occurs when the boiler tries to ignite three times but fails to detect a stable flame. The most common reasons include a lack of gas reaching the burner, dirty ignition components that can't create a spark, or a faulty sensor that cannot 'see' the flame even if it has lit.
This fault is more common during extreme cold spells because the gas supply can fluctuate or the external condensate pipe can freeze, causing the boiler to fail the ignition sequence.
DIY fix possible
Check if your gas supply is active (e.g. check other gas appliances or pre-payment meter credit)Press and hold the 'Reset' button for 2 secondsOnce the boiler restarts, monitor it to see if the flame stays lit
Find a Gas Safe engineer
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Gas Safe Register →Protect yourself from future repair bills
A boiler cover plan would cover faults like L9 — no call-out fees, no surprises.
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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.
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