Error EA 229

Safety precautions:

- If you smell gas, evacuate the property immediately, do not operate electrical switches or appliances, do not light matches, and call the gas emergency number and a Gas Safe engineer. Do not attempt any DIY on gas valves, internal burners, or the PCB.

- Isolate the electrical supply to the boiler only if instructed by an engineer; in general it is safe to use the boiler reset button for one test reset if you are not smelling gas.

- Do not remove the boiler casing or attempt to clean or adjust the ignition electrode, burner or gas valve unless you are a qualified Gas Safe engineer.

Initial checks a homeowner can do (non-invasive):

1) Note any symptoms: loss of heating/hot water, when the fault started, recent freezing weather, recent loss of gas supply, or recent servicing history.

2) Check for a gas smell. If present follow the safety step above.

3) Look at the boiler pressure gauge. The normal operating pressure is typically about 1–1.5 bar when cold. If pressure is very low, top up the system following your boiler manual — low pressure can cause operational problems.

4) Check the external condensate pipe (usually a 21.5mm white/clear pipe exiting the property). In freezing weather it can ice up and block. If frozen, pour warm (not boiling) water slowly over the frozen section or use a warm hot water bottle to thaw it. Do not use open flames or boiling water.

5) Inspect the flue terminal outside for visible blockages (leaves, bird nest, debris) or heavy soot. Remove obvious debris only from outside the flue termination. Do not crawl into or dismantle the flue.

6) Check the area around the external gas meter for ice or obvious damage and ensure vents/air bricks are not blocked. Do not attempt to adjust the gas meter or regulator yourself.

7) Press the boiler reset button once after performing the checks above to see if the fault clears. Do not repeatedly reset the boiler more than once or twice; repeated resets can mask an underlying fault and are not a substitute for a repair.

Specific diagnostic and next steps (if the fault persists):

1) If thawing the condensate pipe or clearing debris fixed the issue and the boiler runs normally after a reset, monitor the system and arrange a service if you haven’t had one in the last 12 months. Insulate condensate pipework to reduce re-freeze risk.

2) If the EA 229 returns or did not clear after sensible external checks: stop trying DIY fixes. Record exactly when the fault happens and any operating conditions (e.g. when CH or HW asks for heat, during strong winds, or after long run times).

3) Do not attempt internal electrical/PCB checks or to probe the ionisation electrode unless you are qualified. A Gas Safe engineer will measure the ionisation/flame signal with appropriate test equipment, check the burner and pilot, verify gas pressure at the appliance, inspect and clean the burner jet if needed, check the condensate sump/trap and pump, and test/replace the ionisation probe or PCB if defective.

4) The engineer will also check for intermittent gas supply problems (including frozen or faulty gas meter regulator), test the gas valve operation and modulating behaviour, and inspect the flue gas path and sensors. If the PCB or gas valve is diagnosed faulty they are parts that must be replaced by a qualified engineer.

When to call a professional:

- Call a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately if the fault persists after the basic checks, if the fault is intermittent and recurring, if you suspect a gas supply issue, if you detect a gas smell, or if you are uncomfortable performing any step described above. Provide the engineer with the fault code EA 229 and the actions you have already taken (thawed condensate, checked flue, reset, pressure checked) to speed diagnosis.

Final notes:

- EA 229 can be caused by simple, homeowner-fixable issues (condensate freeze, flue blockage) but can also indicate serious safety-related problems (gas supply/regulator, gas valve or PCB). Do not attempt internal repairs. Use the reset only as a diagnostic step after safe external checks and call a Gas Safe engineer for any gas-related or internal electrical work or if the fault returns.