BoilerFaultCodesYour boiler is struggling to move water through the system, either because the pump is jammed or there is not enough water present.
Book a Gas Safe engineer within 24–48 hours. Your boiler may be unsafe or could break down completely if left.
Technical description: Pump stock or running dry
What causes this fault?
This fault occurs when the boiler's internal pump is unable to circulate water, leading to a rapid heat build-up that triggers a safety shutdown. The most common reasons are a pump that has seized due to debris or a lack of water pressure caused by air trapped in the system or a leak.
This issue often appears at the start of autumn when the heating is turned back on after sitting idle all summer, which can cause the pump components to stick.
DIY fix possible
Check your boiler pressure gauge and top it up to 1.5 bar if it is too lowBleed all your radiators to remove trapped air from the systemTurn the boiler off and on again to see if the pump restarts
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 A1281 — no call-out fees, no surprises.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.
Worcester Bosch CDi Classic is discontinued — time for a new one?
Parts for discontinued models can be hard to find and expensive. A new A-rated boiler could save you money on both repairs and energy bills.
Affiliate links — we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you.