BoilerFaultCodes.com
F9 High Lockout

Your boiler has detected an issue with the sensor that monitors water pressure, which means it cannot verify if there is enough water to run safely.

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: Water pressure sensor fault

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the boiler's internal computer loses communication with the sensor that measures water levels within the system. The most common reason is that the sensor has suffered an electrical failure or has become blocked by debris and sludge, preventing it from sending a reliable reading. Because the boiler cannot confirm there is enough water to operate safely without overheating, it shuts down as a precaution.

Typical repair cost £140-230 (including labour)

DIY fix possible

Check the pressure gauge on the front of the boiler; it should be between 1.0 and 1.5 bar.If the pressure is too low, use the filling loop underneath the boiler to carefully top it up.Press the reset button (usually marked with a flame or 'reset') once the pressure is corrected.

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 F9 — 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.

Could it be time for a new boiler?

If repair costs are adding up, a new energy-efficient boiler could be the smarter long-term choice.

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