BoilerFaultCodesWorcester Bosch 281 Fault Code
The Worcester Bosch 281 fault code means: your boiler's internal pump is unable to move water because it is jammed or contains trapped air, stopping your heating from working.. It appears on 7 Worcester Bosch models in our database.
Technical description: Pump stuck or running in air
What causes the Worcester Bosch 281 fault?
This fault occurs when the boiler's internal pump is unable to circulate water through the system, usually because the pump has physically seized during a period of inactivity. It can also be triggered if air pockets are trapped inside the pump head, preventing it from creating the necessary pressure to move water around your radiators.
This issue is particularly common in autumn when homeowners turn their heating back on for the first time after the pump has sat stationary all summer.
DIY fix possible
Check that your radiator valves are openEnsure the boiler pressure is between 1 and 1.5 bar on the front displayGently bleed your radiators to remove any trapped airReset the boiler to see if the pump clears the blockage
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Gas Safe Register →Worcester Bosch models that show the 281 fault code
Click a model for the full fault code list and model-specific repair notes.
Source
Worcester Bosch 281 fault code information on this page is sourced and cross-checked against the official Worcester Bosch service / installation manuals for each affected model.
Reviewed by the BoilerFaultCodes Editorial Team · Last reviewed 27 April 2026