Common problems guide

The most common Main boiler problems

The faults we see most often across the Main range — with plain-English causes, what to check first, estimated repair costs, and whether it's a DIY job or needs a Gas Safe engineer. Based on fault-code data across 18 Main boiler models.

146 unique codes
18 models covered
5 DIY-safe (top 8)
8 engineer needed

The most common Main faults

01
E110 High DIY-safe

Your boiler has switched itself off because it has reached an unsafe temperature, usually due to a lack of water flow or a circulation problem.

Why it happens: This fault occurs when the water inside the boiler gets too hot, triggering a safety switch to prevent damage. The most common reasons are a pump failure that stops water from moving or a blockage in the system pipes that traps heat inside the heat exchanger.

What to try first

Check if your radiator valves are openCheck the boiler pressure gauge and top up to 1.5 bar if lowPress the 'R' or 'Reset' button for 2 seconds once the boiler has cooled down

Est. cost
£100-£350
Parts
Overheat Thermostat, Circulation Pump, Internal Pipework (unblocking)
Full guide for Eco Compact Combi E110
02
E125 High DIY-safe

Your boiler is struggling to move hot water around the system, which is usually caused by a blockage or a pump issue that is preventing the unit from cooling itself down.

Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler detects that water is not moving through the system quickly enough to carry heat away from the burner. The most common reasons are a failed internal pump that can no longer push the water, or a build-up of debris and sludge that has physically blocked the pipes or heat exchanger. Effectively, the boiler shuts down because it is getting too hot too quickly and needs to prevent internal damage.

What to try first

Check that all radiator valves are fully openEnsure the boiler pressure is between 1.0 and 1.5 bar on the gaugeGently bleed air from your radiators using a radiator key

Est. cost
£150-350
Parts
Circulation pump, Plate heat exchanger, Main heat exchanger
Full guide for Eco Compact Combi E125
03
E133 High DIY-safe

Your boiler has failed to light because it is not receiving enough gas or cannot detect the flame used to heat your water.

Why it happens: This fault occurs when your boiler tries to light itself several times but fails to establish or maintain a steady flame. The most common reason is a shortage of gas reaching the burner, often caused by an external supply issue or a blockage in the internal components. It can also happen if the sensor that monitors the flame is dirty or damaged, preventing the boiler from knowing it has successfully fired up.

What to try first

Check if other gas appliances, like a cooker hob, are working to confirm your gas supply is active.If you have a prepayment meter, check that you have enough credit.Locate the white pipe beneath the boiler and ensure it hasn't frozen if the weather is very cold.Press the 'Reset' button for five seconds to see if the boiler restarts.

Est. cost
£100-£350
Parts
Gas Valve, Ignition Electrode, Printed Circuit Board (PCB)
Full guide for Eco Compact Combi E133
04
E118 High DIY-safe

Your boiler has stopped working because the water pressure in the system has dropped too low and needs topping up.

Why it happens: This fault occurs when the pressure within your central heating system drops below a safe operating level, usually because water has escaped the circuit. The most common reasons for this are a leak in the radiator valves or pipework, or air being released from the system through recent bleeding of the radiators.

What to try first

Locate the filling loop (usually two braided silver hoses or blue levers) underneath the boiler.Open the valves slowly until you hear water entering the system.Watch the pressure gauge and close the valves tightly once the needle reaches 1.5 bar.

Est. cost
£0-120
Parts
Filling loop, Expansion vessel, Pressure relief valve
Full guide for Eco Compact Combi E118
05
E128 High DIY-safe

Your boiler has lost its flame while running, which means it has safely shut down to prevent issues.

Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler's control system loses the signal that a flame is present while it should be firing. It is often caused by a buildup of carbon on the electrodes or a blockage in the condensate trap that backs up and 'drowns' the flame. In some cases, it can also be triggered by an inconsistent gas supply or a failing gas valve that cannot maintain a steady flow.

What to try first

Check if other gas appliances, like a hob, are working to confirm gas supplyEnsure your pre-pay gas meter has sufficient creditPress and hold the Reset button for five seconds

Est. cost
£100-£350
Parts
Ignition electrode, Flame sensing electrode, Gas valve
Full guide for Eco Compact Combi E128
06
E20 High Engineer

Your boiler has detected a fault with the internal sensor that monitors the temperature of your central heating water, causing the system to stop working as a safety precaution.

Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler's control board loses communication with the temperature sensor or receives an illogical reading that suggests the component has failed. The most common reason is that the internal sensor has suffered an electrical short or has aged to the point where it can no longer accurately track the heat of the water. In some cases, the issue is caused by loose or damaged wiring between the sensor and the main circuit board.

Est. cost
£90-£160
Parts
Central heating NTC temperature sensor, Connecting wiring harness
Full guide for Eco Compact Combi E20
07
E160 High Engineer

Your boiler has stopped working because the internal fan, which safely exhausts gases, is not spinning at the correct speed or has lost power.

Why it happens: This fault occurs when the boiler's control system detects that the fan is not spinning fast enough to safely remove exhaust fumes. The most common reasons are a mechanical failure within the fan motor itself, loose electrical connections, or a fault on the main circuit board that prevents power from reaching the fan.

Est. cost
£180-350
Parts
Fan assembly, Fan wiring harness, Main circuit board (PCB)
Full guide for Eco Compact Combi E160
08
E130 High Engineer

Your boiler has shut down because a sensor has detected that the exhaust gases are becoming too hot, which is a safety feature to prevent damage.

Why it happens: This fault occurs when the internal temperature of the exhaust gases exceeds a safe limit, triggering a safety shut-off to protect the boiler. The most common reasons are a build-up of debris or limescale inside the main heat exchanger which prevents heat from transferring to the water, or damaged internal insulation that is allowing too much heat to reach the sensor.

Est. cost
£100-£220
Parts
Flue NTC sensor, Main heat exchanger (cleaning or replacement), Burner insulation
Full guide for Eco Compact Combi E130

Avoid the next call-out bill

Monthly cover means no unexpected bills when your boiler breaks down.

Approved partner
Domestic Appliance Guard
Unlimited call-outs, 24/7 helpline, no price-hike promise
Get a quote →

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