Is your Worcester boiler displaying the E9 fault code? Here we explain the most common causes and potential fixes.
Your Worcester Bosch boiler comes with a wide range of built-in error codes.
This includes an E9 fault. Each code has a separate meaning and the exact solution for any given fault code will vary.
Some errors can be fixed with only one possible solution, while others could have various potential fixes.
Moreover, whether an issue can be fixed DIY or if a heating engineer is required will depend on the nature of the problem.
So, what about the E9 error code specifically?
Let’s dive in!
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What Does E9 Mean?
The E9 fault means that a safety temperature limiter in your central heating flow has tripped.
Your boiler’s safety temp limiters are sensors designed to make sure that water flowing through the boiler does not exceed 105°C.
This is because if the temperature surpasses this point, it can cause harm to the internal components of your boiler.
Both the CH flow and CH return pipes feature a safety temp limiter.
Causes of the E9 Fault Code
So, what exactly causes an E9 fault? The thing is there’s no one definitive explanation. However, some are more likely than others.
An E9 fault code could be the result of:
Faulty Safety Temp Limiter
More than likely the safety temperature limiter is broken and needs replacing. You’ll notice either the 220 or 221 cause code if this is the problem. Of course, your boiler may be overheating but if the safety temp. limiter is faulty this can send incorrect signals to your PCB or printed circuit board. The boiler’s PCB is basically the control centre of your boiler. It needs to verify each part of the heating process or else it will shut off your boiler as a safety precaution. And, in this case, it would display the fault code E9.Blocked or Faulty Boiler Pump
Another possibility is that there is a blockage with your boiler pump, or it needs repairing/replacing. If the pump cannot perform its job, the heat exchanger will continue generating hot water that cannot be expelled. As a result, your boiler will overheat, triggering an E9.Faulty Heat Exchanger
If you notice a 219 cause code, this means that your heat exchanger isn’t working as it should. The exchanger might overheat due to an accumulation of limescale. The longer you let limescale build-up, the more damage it can do to your boiler.PCB needs replacing
Lastly, it’s even possible that your PCB is simply broken or otherwise faulty. In this case, it will need to be repaired or, more likely, replaced.
Curious to know about the most common Worcester Bosch problems? Check out our blog on issues ranging from a blocked condensate pipe to a pilot light that keeps going out. We also explain how you can these ten most common issues!
You may be interested in Gas Engineer Allen Hart explaining the most common boiler problems and how you can resolve them in the video below:
Can I Repair an E9 Fault DIY?
Unfortunately, you can’t fix an E9 fault by yourself.
Not only is it against the law to perform most boiler repairs/replacement work DIY but it’s very unsafe too.
Do not attempt to reset your boiler if an E9 fault code appears. Instead, contact a heating engineer to come out and fix it.
Cost of Hiring a Heating Engineer to Fix an E9 Error
The average labour price of hiring a Gas Safe Register engineer in the UK is £30 to £60 per hour.
However, the exact cost will depend on factors like where you live.
This is because heating engineers generally charge different rates for different parts of the country.
Here is the cost of specific fixes:
Replacing a safety temperature limiter
£35 to £130New heat exchanger installation
£330 to £620Unblocking a boiler pump
£30 to £120Replacing a boiler pump
£130 to £320Replacing a PCB
£430 to £780Replacing an entire boiler
£800 to £2,800
We’ve included ‘replacing an entire boiler’ here because it may be more economically viable to replace a boiler rather than getting a new heat exchanger or PCB (if applicable).
That said, with the current economic climate, most households might consider this unrealistic.
But, the good news is it’s possible to purchase a boiler on finance and in some cases even with zero interest!
Contact us if you have any questions about an F22 error or a related issue with your Vaillant boiler.
Will my Warranty Cover Repairs or Replacement Work for an E9 Fault?
Worcester Bosch guarantees vary from boiler to boiler.
So, before considering whether an E9 repair/replacement job is covered, you need to ensure your boiler guarantee is still in date.
There is a list of terms and conditions which determine whether a repair or replacement job is covered by the Worcester Bosch guarantee. These include:
Repair or replacement of components that are defective due to the manufacturing process or the materials used. This applies once you submit a claim during the guarantee period.
Only domestic heating/hot water appliances and components are covered so long as they are manufactured by Bosch or/and branded ‘Worcester’, ‘Bosch', or ‘Buderus’. They must also be supplied in the UK, the Republic of Ireland, the Channel Islands, or/and the Isle of Man.
If the above Ts and Cs and other considerations check out, Worcester Bosch will cover the repair/replacement work free of charge, both in terms of labour and supply costs.
However, there’s a good chance that the fault is not the result of a manufacturing or material defect.
So, all in all, it’s unlikely that your warranty would cover an E9 fault.
Related heating guides:
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