Common problems guide

The most common Vaillant aquaPLUS problems

The faults most likely to send a Vaillant aquaPLUS into lockout — with plain-English causes, what to check first, estimated repair costs and whether you need a Gas Safe engineer.

This model is discontinued. Parts can be harder to source and expensive. If repair costs are mounting, a new A-rated boiler may be the smarter choice.
94 documented codes
6 most common
5 DIY-safe checks
1 engineer needed

The 6 most common faults

01
F.20 High DIY-safe

Your boiler has switched itself off because it has reached an internal temperature that is too high, often caused by a blockage or poor water flow.

What to try first

Check that all radiator valves are fully openEnsure the boiler pressure is between 1.0 and 1.5 barPress the reset button (flame symbol with a cross) to restart the boiler

Est. cost
£120-£350
Parts
Overheat Thermostat, Circulation Pump, NTC Temperature Sensor
Full guide for F.20
02
F.22 High DIY-safe

Your boiler has detected that there is not enough water pressure or flow to operate safely, causing it to shut down to prevent overheating.

What to try first

Check the pressure gauge on the front of the boiler; it should be between 1 and 1.5 bar.Locate the filling loop (usually two silver braided hoses) underneath the boiler.Slowly open the valves to let water into the system until the gauge reaches 1.5 bar, then ensure they are closed tightly.Press the reset button (indicated by a flame with a cross through it) to restart the boiler.

Est. cost
£100-£350
Parts
Circulation Pump, Pressure Sensor, Expansion Vessel
Full guide for F.22
03
F.24 High DIY-safe

Your boiler is heating up too quickly because the water inside isn't moving fast enough, usually due to trapped air or a struggling pump.

What to try first

Check that your radiator valves are fully openBleed all radiators to remove trapped air from the systemCheck the boiler pressure is between 1.0 and 1.5 bar and top up if necessary

Est. cost
£150-£350
Parts
Circulation Pump, Flow/Return NTC Sensor, Automatic Air Vent
Full guide for F.24
04
F.28 High DIY-safe

Your boiler is failing to light the gas flame despite several attempts, meaning you currently have no heating or hot water.

What to try first

Check that your gas emergency control valve is in the 'on' position.Verify if other gas appliances in your home, such as a hob, are receiving gas.If you have a pre-payment meter, check that you have active credit.Press the 'Reset' button (indicated by a flame with a line through it) for five seconds.

Est. cost
£120-280
Parts
Gas Valve, Ignition Electrode, Spark Leads
Full guide for F.28
05
F.29 High DIY-safe

Your boiler has lost its flame while running and cannot manage to relight itself, likely due to a problem with the gas supply.

What to try first

Check if other gas appliances in your home, like a hob, are working correctly.Ensure your gas meter has credit if you use a prepay system.Ensure the gas isolation valve under the boiler is fully open.Press the 'Reset' button (flame symbol with a cross through it) to restart the ignition sequence.

Est. cost
£100-350
Parts
Ignition Electrode, Gas Valve, Condensate Trap or Pipe
Full guide for F.29
06
S.32 High Engineer

Your boiler has paused because the internal fan is not spinning at the correct speed to safely clear waste gases.

Est. cost
£180-350
Parts
Fan assembly, Printed Circuit Board (PCB), Harness wiring
Full guide for S.32

on the Vaillant aquaPLUS

Overheat ThermostatCirculation PumpNTC Temperature SensorPressure SensorExpansion VesselFlow/Return NTC Sensor

Based on parts cited in our fault code database. Your engineer will confirm what's actually needed after diagnosis.

Call a Gas Safe engineer if…

  • You can smell gas or see signs of a leak
  • The Vaillant shows an Emergency or High severity code
  • The boiler keeps locking out after repeated resets
  • You've tried the DIY checks and the fault hasn't cleared
  • There's visible water leaking from the boiler
  • The flame is yellow or orange instead of blue
See the full 94-code list for the Vaillant aquaPLUS