BoilerFaultCodes.com
51 High Lockout

Your boiler's small pilot light has started, but the main burner is failing to ignite to provide heating and hot water.

Call an engineer soon

Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24–48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.

Technical description: PILOT LIT BUT NO MAINS GAS

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the boiler successfully lights its small pilot flame, but the main burner fails to catch light to start heating your home. This is usually caused by a blockage in the pilot injector that prevents the flame from reaching the sensor, or a mechanical failure within the gas valve that stops the main flow of fuel.

This issue often surfaces during the first cold spell of autumn when the boiler is asked to work harder after sitting idle over the summer months.

Typical repair cost £140-£280 (including labour)

Engineer required

This fault requires a Gas Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt gas-related repairs yourself.

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 51 — no call-out fees, no surprises.

Top rated
OpenFix
Boiler & heating care plans
Get a quote →
Hometree
from £12.95/month
Get a quote →
HomeServe
from £8.00/month
Get a quote →

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Ideal Mexico Super RS3 100-125 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.

UK's #1 online installer
Boxt
Fixed-price online quotes. Next-day installation.
Get a free quote →
Heatable
Instant online boiler quotes from £1,499.
Get a free quote →
iHeat
Fast installation. Price match guarantee.
Get a free quote →

Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.

Related fault codes