← Back to categories
🛢️
Problem Guides

Oil Boilers

Oil boiler problems, fault codes, running out of oil, and OFTEC engineer guides

1 free DIY guide · 21 total

Around 1.5 million UK homes still rely on oil heating — mostly in rural areas beyond the mains gas network. Oil boilers work on similar principles to gas boilers but have some unique failure modes: running out of oil, dirty or blocked oil filters, air locks after an oil delivery, and nozzle wear that causes poor combustion. All oil boiler service and repair work must be carried out by an OFTEC-registered engineer, just as gas work requires Gas Safe registration. These guides cover Worcester Heatslave, Grant Vortex, Ideal Isar HE, and the most common oil boiler faults, plus AGA and Rayburn range cookers running on oil or solid fuel.

AGA & Rayburn Oil Appliance Problems — Faults & What to Do
AGA or Rayburn oil-fired range cooker not working or losing heat· 1–4 hrs
Grant Vortex Oil Boiler Problems — Faults & Fixes
Grant Vortex Pro or Condensing not working — lockouts and common faults· 30 min–2 hrs
How much does it cost to replace an oil boiler in the UK?
UK prices for oil boiler replacement, including OFTEC requirements, tank considerations, and switching to a heat pump.· 1–2 days
Ideal Isar HE & Classic Oil Boiler Problems — Faults & Fixes
Ideal oil boiler not working — lockouts, fault codes and common issues· 30 min–2 hrs
Oil Boiler Annual Service — What's Included and How Much It Costs
What an OFTEC oil boiler service involves and why it's essential· Annual
Oil Boiler Annual Service — What's Involved and Why It's ImportantFree
What happens during an oil boiler service and how often is it needed· 1–2 hrs
Oil Boiler Flame Failure Lockout
Oil boiler lighting briefly then shutting down with flame failure fault code· 1–3 hrs (engineer)
Oil Boiler Making Loud Noise — Causes & Fixes
Rumbling, pulsing, vibrating or banging from the oil boiler· 1–2 hrs
Oil Boiler Not Working — Common Causes & Fixes
Oil boiler has stopped working or won't start — where to begin· 30 min–3 hrs
Oil Boiler Puffing Smoke or Smell of Oil — What to Do
Smoke, sooty marks, or oil smell around the boiler or flue· 1–3 hrs
Oil Boiler Run Out of Oil — How to Restart It
Tank is empty or very low — how to bleed the system and get it running again· 1–3 hrs
Oil Tank Problems — Leaks, Low Level Alarms & What to Check
Issues with your domestic oil tank — leaks, gauge faults, contamination· 30 min
Oil boiler annual service — what does it include?
Know what your OFTEC engineer should check so you can verify it was done· 60–90 min
Oil boiler making noise — rumbling, banging, or vibrating
Diagnosing unusual noises from an oil boiler or burner· Service visit
Oil boiler not firing — step-by-step diagnosis
Oil boiler won't ignite or keeps cutting out on lockout· 30–90 min
Oil boiler not working — no heat or hot water
Oil boiler has locked out or stopped firing· 15–30 min
Oil tank maintenance — what you need to do every year
Keep your heating oil tank safe, legal, and working properly· 1–2 hrs
Oil tank — maintenance, inspection, and regulations
How to look after your domestic oil storage tank and stay legal· Annual
Run out of heating oil — what to do now
Immediate steps when your oil tank is empty and how to restart the boiler· 2–24 hours
Switching from oil to a heat pump — is it worth it?
Cost, disruption, and eligibility for government grants when replacing an oil boiler· Planning + installation weeks
Worcester Bosch Greenstar Heatslave Oil Boiler Problems
Heatslave II not working, locking out, or showing fault codes· 30 min–2 hrs

Can't find your problem?

Request a guide and we'll write it — usually within a few days.

Request a guide →