Error EA

Safety first

1) If you smell gas, leave the property immediately and call your gas emergency number. Do not operate electrical switches, appliances, or the boiler. 2) If there are any signs of a leak, prolonged gas smell, visible damage or soot, keep the boiler off and call a Gas Safe engineer or the gas emergency service.

Initial checks a homeowner can do (no internal work)

1) Try a simple reset: press and hold the boiler reset button for about 5 seconds. Wait for the boiler to attempt to restart. You may try once or twice, but if it repeatedly locks out do not keep attempting. 2) Check the gas supply: confirm other gas appliances (hob, gas fire) light. Check the external gas meter isolation valve is open (lever parallel to pipe). If you are on a prepay meter ensure there is credit. If no other gas appliances work, contact your gas supplier. 3) Check condensate pipe: locate the small external condensate discharge pipe (usually white plastic running to drain). In freezing weather it can block; if it looks frozen, thaw it with warm (not boiling) water and clear any visible blockage. After thawing, reset the boiler. 4) Check the flue and air supply: ensure the flue terminal outside is not blocked by debris, birds’ nests, deep snow or similar and that any air vents are clear. 5) Note any additional indicators on the display or flashing lights; take a photo or write down patterns (when it happens, intermittent or constant).

Specific diagnostic points to tell the engineer or that explain likely causes

1) If reset works and the fault returns intermittently, note conditions when it occurs (very cold weather, after a power cut, after long standby). Intermittent faults often point to frozen condensate, poor gas pressure, or intermittent flame sensing. 2) If reset fails and there is confirmed gas supply, likely causes are faulty flame sensor electrode, ignition lead/electrode, blocked pilot/ignition path, stuck/defective gas valve, blocked flue or an electronic/PCB fault. 3) If you see additional numeric suffixes with EA (for example EA 227), include that information when speaking with the engineer, as it can narrow the component involved.

When to stop and call a professional

1) Do not open the boiler casing or attempt internal component replacement unless you are a Gas Safe registered engineer. It is illegal and dangerous to work on gas appliances without proper qualifications. 2) If the EA code persists after the safe checks above (reset, gas supply confirmed, condensate thawed, flue clear), switch the boiler off and book a Gas Safe registered heating engineer. Explain the EA fault, the model, what checks you have already done, and any other symptoms (smells, noises, intermittent behaviour).

What the engineer will likely do

1) A qualified engineer will perform safe gas pressure and supply checks, inspect and test the ignition electrode/flame sensing electrode and leads, check the condensate route and flue performance, test the gas valve operation, and run PCB diagnostics. They will also check related sensors (flue thermostat, heat exchanger temperature sensor) and replace faulty parts as required.

Practical tips while waiting for a visit

1) Keep the boiler isolated (off) if the fault persists. 2) Insulate condensate pipework if freezing caused the problem. 3) Record occurrences, photos of the display, and what you have tried — this helps the engineer diagnose faster. 4) Use alternative safe heating/hot water arrangements if needed until repairs are done.

Remember: simple external checks and a reset are fine to try, but any work on gas valves, electrodes, the burner, or PCB must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer for your safety and to meet legal requirements.