BoilerFaultCodes.com
E020 High Lockout

Your boiler has shut down because it has reached an unsafe temperature, triggered by a safety sensor that prevents the unit from overheating.

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: Limit thermostat

What causes this fault?

This fault occurs when the water inside the boiler gets too hot, causing a safety switch to Cut off the system to prevent damage. The most common reasons are a pump failure that stops water from moving or a blockage in the heat exchanger that restricts flow.

This issue often appears when the heating is first turned on after summer, as the internal pump can seize up after long periods of inactivity.

Typical repair cost £120-280 (including labour)

DIY fix possible

Check that all radiator valves are fully open to allow water to circulate.Ensure your system pressure is topped up to between 1 and 1.5 bar.Turn the boiler off and on again, or press the 'Reset' button to clear the lockout once the system has cooled down.

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 E020 — 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