Why is your Vaillant boiler flashing with the radiator symbol? Here we explain what causes this common occurrence and why it's usually not an issue.
All Vaillant boilers come with built-in symbols designed to appear for a whole host of reasons.
The good news is that the flashing radiator symbol is nothing to worry about.
Unlike many other symbols, it does not signify something is wrong.
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What Does The Flashing Radiator Symbol Mean?
The flashing radiator symbol means that the boiler pump is running while your boiler is resting and hot (i.e., the burner is on in heating mode).
This symbol flashes as the pump circulates to deal with leftover heat and as the temperature has reached its set point.
You can expect the symbol to stop flashing once the boiler has finished cooling down.
All in all, this symbol is nothing to worry about unless for some strange reason it kept flashing indefinitely whereas it would usually stop after a relatively short time frame.
If you are concerned, it’s best to ask a heating engineer to come out and take a look but the situation mentioned above is not likely to occur nor is it a known error (i.e., it is hypothetical).
If you’re wondering how a boiler pump cools the water down, put simply, a central heating pump achieves this by pumping water around.
Circulating water, in turn, causes it to gradually cool. The process continues until the boiler is at its set temperature. At this point, the flashing radiator symbol will disappear.
There are a whole host of additional symbols that are of a harmless nature.
An example includes the consistently active flame symbol which means the correct burner operation is in process. However, there are symbols for issues and problems.
What Symbols are a Concern?
While there are many normal symbols to expect on a Vaillant boiler, there are also built-in error/fault codes to look out for.
The exact error codes featured on a boiler would depend on the type and model in question. Always refer to the manual and take the necessary safety steps. If in doubt, contact a professional.
Please note that if you smell gas, you should open windows and doors, turn off the gas meter (unless it is situated in a cellar) and everyone on the property should evacuate your home.
You should not turn any electrics on or off.
In addition, it’s critical that you wait till you are outside before making a call in this situation since electrical signals could cause a spark ignition with any gas that is leaking.
When Should You Contact a Gas Safe Engineer?
In another scenario where there is an issue with your boiler, it’s essential to know that some tasks can be fixed DIY while others must be dealt with by a Gas Safe Registered Engineer.
Examples of when a Gas Safe Engineer would be needed:
Your boiler is leaking.
There is a suspected gas leak.
Broken components such as the PCB.
In general, most work must be done by a professional, unless otherwise stated by the manual.
Always consult the manufacturer’s manual or contact a heating engineer, if in doubt. This also applies to error codes.
If there is an emergency, the National Gas Emergency Service will deal with free of charge. They can be reached via 0800 111 999.
Common Vaillant Fault Codes
While a flashing radiator symbol is not an error code, there are others worth looking out for.
The meaning of given fault codes will depend on what specific boiler you have. However, there are some general trends.
Common error codes for Vaillant boilers and what they likely mean:
No hot water/no heat - F20 to F25.
Low water pressure - F22.
Three ignition attempts have failed - F28.
Overheating - F20.
The gas valve has broken - F61.
Frozen condensate pipe - F28 to F29.
Is your Vaillant boiler experiencing some of the brand's most common fault codes? We have many covered many Vaillant boiler error codes in the following guides:
How Can You Prevent Problems With Your Vaillant Boiler
There are a whole host of steps to consider in relation to boiler care.
First and foremost, when a boiler breaks down, the issues at hand should be addressed as soon as possible.
The longer issues exist, the more time they have to do harm to your boiler. Furthermore, it’s important to get your boiler serviced annually to ensure it is well-maintained.
A servicing will give you an idea as to your boiler’s existing health and highlight any problems that need to be fixed.
Other ways of maintaining the health of your heating system:
Boiler warranty/coverage
This can reduce your expenses. You can get repairs dealt with more quickly if you are low on cash through a boiler warranty.
That said, the National Gas Emergency Service will address an emergency free of charge. You can contact them on 0800 111 999.
Power Flushing
Ideally, you should undertake a power flush of your boiler approximately once every 5-6 years or whenever deemed necessary. It’s vital to ensure that a power flush is required and that there is not another issue at hand.
Signs that your system requires a power flush include cold spots, insufficient system performance, and ongoing leaks.
If in doubt, consult a professional. A power flush will likely cost somewhere in the range of £300 to £600, but it would depend on various factors such as how many radiators you have.
Magnetic Filter
Another way of managing your heating system is with a magnetic filter.
This can catch magnetic debris and prevent sludge from accumulating, to begin with (the very issue for why a power flush would be needed).
They cost about £200 to £250, on average.
Some of the best examples include the Altenic Dirtmag IQ, Sentinel Vortex 300, and Fernox TF1.
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