S.23 High

Vaillant S.23 Fault Code

Also written as S23 — same fault.

The Vaillant S.23 fault code means: your boiler is having trouble lighting the flame when you turn on your hot water taps.. It appears on 41 Vaillant models in our database.

Call an engineer soon

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

Technical description: DHW ignition error

What causes the Vaillant S.23 fault?

This fault occurs when the boiler fails to establish or sustain a flame specifically while trying to heat your tap water. It is usually caused by a component failure that prevents the spark from jumping or the gas from flowing correctly, meaning the system cannot safely ignite to provide heat. The most common reasons include a worn-out ignition probe or a faulty gas valve that isn't opening as it should.

Typical repair cost £120-£350 (including labour)

Engineer required

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

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Vaillant models that show the S.23 fault code

Click a model for the full fault code list and model-specific repair notes.

Source

Vaillant S.23 fault code information on this page is sourced and cross-checked against the official Vaillant service / installation manuals for each affected model.

Reviewed by the BoilerFaultCodes Editorial Team · Last reviewed 27 April 2026