Table of Contents
If you own a Vaillant boiler, you may have encountered the F28 error code. This common fault can be frustrating and disruptive, but it's important to take action to resolve the issue quickly and safely. In this article, we'll explain what the F28 error code means and how you can fix it.
The F28 error code on a Vaillant boiler indicates a problem with the ignition. This fault can be caused by a range of issues, including a faulty gas valve, a blocked flue, or a problem with the ignition electrode or cable.
If you see the F28 error code on your Vaillant boiler, the best thing you can do is to contact a qualified Gas Safe Engineer to investigate and fix the issue. Attempting to restart the boiler or tampering with it yourself can be dangerous and could lead to further problems.
A Gas Safe Engineer will be able to diagnose the specific cause of the F28 error code and take the appropriate action to resolve it. This may involve replacing faulty parts, cleaning the flue, or fixing the ignition system.
It's important to get the issue resolved as soon as possible, as an unresolved F28 fault can lead to more serious problems or even safety hazards. By contacting a Gas Safe Engineer, you can ensure that your boiler is fixed quickly and safely, restoring your heat and hot water.
If you've encountered the Vaillant F28 error code on your boiler, don't panic. Contacting a qualified Gas Safe Engineer is the best way to get the issue resolved quickly and safely. By taking action and getting your boiler fixed, you can ensure that your home remains warm and comfortable, without any unnecessary disruptions or safety hazards.
The Vaillant boiler F28 error is a common issue that affects certain models of Vaillant boilers, including the ecoTEC Pro, ecoTEC Pro Plus, and Turbomax Plus 824/828E. This error code appears when the boiler is unable to ignite after three attempts, causing it to shut down.
The F28 error code is defined by Vaillant as an ignition fault and can be caused by a variety of reasons, including insufficient gas supply, a faulty electrode, or a malfunctioning ignition lead. Essentially, it can be categorized as either an ignition fault or a gas valve fault.
When the ignition is faulty, the boiler is unable to light the gas and create the flame needed to heat the water. This results in a failure of the boiler and the inability to supply hot water or heat to your taps and central heating system.
If you suspect that you have a problem with your boiler, it's recommended that you have it inspected by a registered Gas Safe Engineer. During the diagnosis process, the engineer may inspect various components of the boiler, including the ignition and gas valve. To fix the F28 error code, the root cause of the issue needs to be addressed.
When a registered Gas Safe Engineer is diagnosing the F28 fault code in a Vaillant boiler, they typically inspect the following components:
One of the most frequent causes of the F28 error code is a gas supply issue. This could mean there's simply no gas supply to the boiler. You can easily determine if this is the case by checking if other gas appliances in your home, such as a stove or fireplace, are working. If there's no gas supply, the problem may be due to your energy company cutting off the supply, gas infrastructure work in your area, or an empty meter that needs to be topped up.
Another common cause of the F28 error code is a faulty gas valve. The gas valve controls the supply of gas to the boiler and when it's not working correctly, fuel can't be ignited to heat the water. A fault with the gas valve can be caused by either a wiring or mechanical issue. The cost to fix this issue ranges from £150 to £300.
Boiler components are connected to the printed circuit board (PCB) through electronic wiring. The PCB acts as the control center of the boiler, responsible for controlling and coordinating the various components. If a wire is loose or disconnected between the gas valve and the PCB, the signals won't be transmitted, causing the gas valve to malfunction and the boiler to shut off. The cost to fix this issue can range from £100 to £500.
When diagnosing an F28 error code in a Vaillant boiler, a registered Gas Safe Engineer will typically inspect the following components:
The gas valve may not be functioning properly due to a mechanical fault. Over time, the valve can become worn and may stick, preventing it from opening and closing as needed. This can cause the boiler to shut off and display the F28 error code. The cost to fix this issue ranges from £100 to £300.
The electrodes are responsible for igniting the gas that enters the boiler through the valve. If the electrodes are faulty, they won't be able to ignite the gas and create a flame, leading to the boiler shutting off and the display of the F28 error code. The cost to fix this issue ranges from £100 to £300.
The condensate pipe directs toxic flue exhaust fumes, vapors, and residue to the outside of the property. When the pipe becomes blocked, it can be a safety hazard and cause the boiler to shut off. This issue is more common in the winter when the pipes are prone to freezing. A Gas Safe Engineer can defrost the pipe to resolve the issue. Some modern boilers, such as the Worcester Bosch Greenstar Range, are equipped with CondenseSure, a feature designed to prevent the condensate pipes from freezing. The cost to fix this issue ranges from £50 to £100.
The printed circuit board (PCB) is the processing unit of the boiler and receives signals from various components to control their function and ensure they work together. If a wire is loose or disconnected from a component and the PCB, or if the PCB is faulty, it can cause the boiler to shut off and display the F28 error code. The cost to fix this issue ranges from £100 to £500.
If you're experiencing any of the common fault codes in your Vaillant boiler, check our guides for more information. You can also use our boiler size calculator and check our new boiler costs guide to get a better understanding of how our fixed-price boiler quote tool works.
Vaillant F29 Error Code.
Vaillant F54 Error Code.
Vaillant F62 Error Code.
Vaillant F72 Error Code.
Vaillant F76 Error Code.
Vaillant F83 Error Code.
The most effective solution to the F28 error code is to seek the assistance of a registered Gas Safe Engineer. They will be able to identify the root cause of the issue and repair it, ensuring that the F28 code is no longer displayed.
