How to Reset a Boiler Safely & Quickly

Is there an issue with your boiler that resetting may resolve?

If so, you’ve come to the right place.

In this guide, we’ll look at how to reset different types of boilers and the exact process required with models from some of the most popular boiler brands on the market.

Let’s begin!

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How to Reset Your Boiler 

Note: You should only reset your boiler if it’s deemed appropriate per the manufacturer’s instructions.

If in doubt as to how to address an issue (e.g., a fault code), hire a qualified heating engineer.

The exact step(s) required to reset your boiler will be unique to the specific boiler model you have.

You should absolutely rely primarily on the manufacturer’s instructions for resetting your boiler.

After all, they will give you a precise explanation of what is required, when it is appropriate to reset your boiler and how to tell that your boiler has reset itself correctly.

With that said, in this guide, we’ll provide you with an overall sense of what may be needed to reset a boiler depending on the type in question.

Again, we’ll discuss specific brands later.

Here are the steps that are usually required to reset a boiler:

1. Push the reset button down and hold for about 1-5 seconds *

2. Wait until your boiler re-ignites, which may take a few seconds or a few minutes.

*The duration will depend on what the manufacturer recommends.

Be sure that you select the correct button.

That is one of the many reasons why it is vital to follow the manufacturer’s instructions to a T.

After all, if you accidentally hold down a button other than the reset button, it could cause more problems and confusion.

If you’re resetting your boiler in an effort to fix an error code, you should wait for the boiler flame to re-ignite (if it does) and then hopefully the error code will vanish.

You might also notice a green light appear as opposed to an orange or red light.

This latter point would depend on the boiler model in question as some use green, orange and red lights to signify whether or not there is an issue with your boiler.

If your efforts fail, you should then hire a qualified heating engineer to come by and take a look. It may turn out that a boiler component needs repairing or even replacing.

If you are unlucky, the boiler itself may be beyond economic repair, although all else being equal, this is not particularly likely.

Never attempt to open up a boiler by yourself or undertake any gas-related work DIY.

Not only is it illegal for anyone without the right qualifications to perform such work but it would also be incredibly dangerous.

Therefore, always hire a professional for the work that necessitates their labour.

Wondering how much a new boiler may cost? Use our boiler installation cost calculator and if you're wondering how two of the biggest boiler brands compared, check out Worcester Bosch vs Baxi. 

How to Reset a Boiler by Brand and Model

Note: Regardless of what boiler you are resetting, ensure that your effort to reset it actually works.

It may take anywhere from seconds to minutes for your boiler to reset.

Again, it will depend on the model in question. If it doesn’t reset at all, you’ll need to hire a heating engineer.

While we are providing model-specific instructions here, you should still rely primarily on the manufacturer’s instructions.

After all, there may be additional nuances to consider that are specific to the issue you are trying to fix, and you’ll want to know exactly what to expect after you’ve reset your boiler.

With that said, let’s now look at the steps needed to reset different boiler models from some of the best brands out there.

Resetting Worcester Bosch Boilers

If you have a Worcester Bosch boiler, the steps required will generally vary from model to model.

This same logic applies to all brands, of course.

Here is how to reset a wide range of Worcester Bosch boilers:

• CDi Classic - Press and hold the reset button for a total of three seconds

• CDi Compact - Simply press the reset button

• Greenstar 2000 - Hold the up and down buttons simultaneously and wait for the fault code to vanish

• Greenstar i - Press the reset button (no need to hold it down for several seconds)

• Greenstar Si - Press the reset button (again, no need to hold it down for several seconds)

• Greenstar Ri - Turn the circular central heating control to the reset position then hold for a total of five seconds

• Greenstar i Junior - Hold down the reset button down for five seconds

PS You may find our guide on the UK's most popular home heating system combi boilers of interest and our new boiler cost guide. 

Resetting Viessmann Boilers

All Viessmann boilers - Push the reset button and hold down for ten seconds.

Resetting Ideal Boilers

Moving on to Ideal Heating boilers, here is how to reset different models from this long-lasting UK brand:

• Logic - Locate the control knob of your Ideal Logic boiler, turn it to ‘reset’ and then immediately after returning it to the setting you prefer

• Logic+ - Simply press the boiler’s restart button

• Vogue - Press the small ‘r’ button on your Ideal Vogue boiler

Resetting Vaillant Boilers

As for Vaillant boilers, here is how to reset them:

• ecoTEC Plus - Press the reset button and hold it down for one second

• ecoTEC Pure - Press the reset button and hold it down for a total of five seconds

Resetting Baxi Boilers

Lastly, here is how to reset various Baxi boilers:

• 200 - Press the reset button and hold it down for five seconds

• 400 - Press the reset button and hold it down for five seconds

• 600 - Press the reset button and hold it down for one to three seconds

• 800 - Press the reset button and hold it down for one to three seconds

• EcoBlue Heat - Push the reset button before holding it down for five seconds

• Duo-Tec - Find the selection switch, turn it to ‘R’, hold for five seconds and then let go of it

• Platinum - Find the selection switch, turn it to ‘R’, hold for five seconds and then let go of it

• Platinum+ - Find the selection switch, turn it to ‘R’, hold for five seconds and then let go of it

Cost of Hiring a Professional to Fix a Faulty Boiler

If you can’t reset your boiler (even if the manufacturer’s instructions suggest that resetting will fix the error/fault code in question), you’ll need to call out a qualified heating engineer.

It generally costs somewhere in the region of £30 to £60 per hour to hire a heating engineer with prices varying from region to region.

While labour costs are usually above average in the southeast of England, they tend to be below average in northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.

Here are the average costs of having common issues fixed if a boiler is unable to restart: *

• Low water pressure - £50 to £500

• The boiler is physically unable to ignite - £50 to £250

• Limescale or sludge accumulation - £400 to £800

• The boiler is worn down and needs replacing - £800 to £2,800

*Please note that for any given broad problem, there can be various specific causes and therefore specific solutions required. Taking low water pressure, for instance, common causes include that your boiler has naturally lost pressure over time (as tends to happen), a boiler leak, a system leak or a faulty component or safety device within the boiler. As a result, the price of having low water pressure fixed can vary widely depending on the solution.

Get Quotes for a New Boiler

If you’re aiming to get the best deal on a new boiler, consider getting a quote from us, here’s why:

• Gas Safe installation within 24 hours.

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• Price match guarantee: We will match any like-for-like cheaper quote.

• Flexible payment options, including interest-free finance.

• Up to 12-year guarantee on selected boilers.

• Fixed price guarantee: No hidden costs.

• Save your quote and decide later.

• Get an instant fixed price on a new boiler, here.

To learn more about boilers, visit our advice section, check out our YouTube channel, or read customer testimonials here.

Heat Happy.