Baxi Boiler Not Working — Fault Codes & Fixes
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Baxi boilers are reliable workhorses found in thousands of UK homes, but like any heating system, they occasionally display fault codes when something needs attention. These codes are your boiler's way of flagging a problem — anything from low water pressure to a blocked flue — and knowing what they mean can save you time and money. Most fault codes fall into categories you can understand at a glance, though some require a Gas Safe engineer's expertise. This guide walks through the most common Baxi faults (E119, E133, E168, and E160), what triggers them, and whether you can safely reset the boiler yourself or need to call a professional. If you're faced with a fault code on your display, read on to find out what's happened and what to do next — and remember, anything involving gas safety or ignition components should always be handled by a qualified engineer.
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Most likely cause & what to check
Baxi is one of the UK's oldest boiler manufacturers — the Baxi 600, 800, and Platinum ranges are widely installed. Fault codes appear on the boiler display. Full fault code guides and manuals can be downloaded from baxi.co.uk/support, or call Baxi customer support on 0344 871 1525.
Fault code E119 (low water pressure): the system pressure has dropped below the minimum. Check the pressure gauge — it should read 1–1.5 bar when cold. Repressurise using the filling loop (two valves under the boiler — open until pressure reaches 1.2 bar, close both). Press reset. If pressure drops again within a few days, there is a leak — call an engineer.
Fault code E133 (ignition failure — no gas detected): the boiler attempted to light but no gas was detected. Check other gas appliances (cooker, gas fire) are working. If yes, the fault is with the boiler's ignition components — call a Gas Safe engineer. If no other gas appliances work, contact your gas supplier.
Fault code E168 (fan or flue fault): the fan that extracts combustion gases has failed or the flue is blocked. This is not a user-fixable fault — call a Gas Safe engineer. Do not reset repeatedly.
Fault code E160 (general lockout): the boiler has gone to safety lockout. Try one reset — press and hold the reset button for 3 seconds. If it locks out again within a short time, stop resetting and call an engineer, as something is wrong that needs diagnosis.
Baxi boilers carry a parts and labour warranty (terms vary by model — typically 2–5 years). Check your installation documents or visit baxi.co.uk to check warranty status. Baxi and Potterton are both part of BDR Thermea and share many components — parts are widely available from merchants such as Plumb Center and City Plumbing.
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Frequently asked questions
My Baxi boiler display is showing a fault code — is it safe to keep using it?
No — if your boiler displays a fault code, it has shut itself down as a safety measure and won't produce heat or hot water. Do not attempt to force it to run. Check which fault code is showing, follow the relevant troubleshooting steps, and if you're unsure or the fault persists after a reset, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately.
How do I reset my Baxi boiler after a fault code appears?
Most Baxi boilers have a reset button (usually red or marked 'Reset') on the control panel. Press and hold it for 3 seconds, then release. The boiler should restart. However, if the same fault code reappears within a few minutes or hours, don't keep resetting — this suggests a deeper problem that needs professional diagnosis.
What should I do if I smell gas near my boiler?
Leave your property immediately, close all doors behind you, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 from a safe location outside. Do not use any electrical switches, naked flames, or mobile phones inside the property. This is a serious safety issue and must be treated as an emergency.
My boiler keeps losing water pressure — is this normal?
No — a boiler that loses pressure repeatedly indicates a leak in the system or a faulty component such as the pressure relief valve. You can repressurise it once using the filling loop, but if pressure drops again within a few days, call a Gas Safe engineer to locate and fix the leak, as it won't resolve itself.
Can I download a full fault code manual for my Baxi model?
Yes — Baxi publishes comprehensive fault code guides and user manuals on baxi.co.uk/support. You can also call Baxi customer support on 0344 871 1525 for specific advice about your model. Having the manual to hand is useful if you need to describe the fault to an engineer.
Is my Baxi boiler still under warranty if a fault code appears?
That depends on your model and installation date — Baxi warranties typically cover 2–5 years of parts and labour. Check your original installation documents or visit baxi.co.uk and enter your boiler's serial number to confirm your warranty status before paying for repairs.