Oil fired boiler not igniting

There are few things as annoying as your boiler suddenly not firing up or firing up then cutting out immediately.  Especially in the middle of winter on a school / work morning. This is why we ALWAYS encourage an annual service to try and nip any potential faults or signs of wear and tear in the bud before they develop into a breakdown.

Why wont my oil boiler fire up?

If your oil boiler wont fire up it is known as a lockout. This is a protective mechanism of the boiler to automatically shut down if a fault is detected.  Typically the flame sensor will have detected a fault that could cause damage to a part in the boiler and or could be dangerous if the boiler were to continue to operate.

You may also see an error code flash up on the display screen.

What should you do?

Firstly, you should only ever carry out very minor checks on your oil boiler and never take the boiler case off.

1. Can you see a fault code on the display panel? If so you can then follow the instructions in your boilers handbook or a quick internet search will usually tell you what the code means. Each manufacturer has its own set of fault codes.
2. Might seem obvious but quickly check you have not run out oil. Each year we have a surprising number of customers call us out for boiler locking out when in fact they have just run out of oil. For this reason, we always suggest having an oil watchman installed.
3. Is your boiler pressure, okay? Your pressure gauge will usually be between 1-3 bar. Too high and you may need to bleed your radiators. Too low and your pressure is dropping more often you may have a leak and in which case you will need to call out your oil boiler engineer to fix the fault.
4. You can also re-set your boiler – instructions on how to do this are within the boiler manual.

If you have gone through these simple maintenance checks or you do not feel confident doing any of the above please call our friendly office and we will arrange a boiler engineer to attend your home asap. Where possible we will always try and offer a very fast attendance, diagnose the fault and get you back up and running very quickly.

Common Reasons for Ignition Failure

Lack of Fuel

One of the most common reasons an oil-fired boiler fails to ignite is a lack of fuel. Ensure that your oil tank is not empty. Even if your gauge shows a small amount of oil, it might not be enough to generate the necessary pressure for ignition. If your tank is low, arrange for a refill as soon as possible.

Blocked Oil Filter

Another common issue is a blocked oil filter. Over time, dirt and debris can accumulate in the filter, restricting the flow of oil to the burner. To check if the filter is the problem, turn off your boiler and inspect the filter for any visible blockages. Clean or replace the filter if necessary.

Air in the Fuel Line

Air trapped in the fuel line can also prevent your boiler from igniting. This can occur if your tank has run dry or if the system has been serviced recently. To resolve this, you may need to bleed the fuel line to remove any air bubbles. This process typically involves loosening a bleed screw and allowing the air to escape until only fuel flows out.

It is important you keep up with the maintenance of your oil boiler. This ensures your boiler works to the best of its ability for as long as possible and helps you to avoid a breakdown. Regular servicing allows you to stay in control of your fuel bills.

How can we help?

Fill in the enquiry form or call our friendly team on 01258 472132 who will be able to assist you. Our oil engineers are all OFTEC registered and experienced with working on all types of oil boilers. We are accredited Grant Oil Boiler Engineers and have access to technical helplines to aid us firther.

We cover a large rural area in Dorset, Somerset, Wiltshire and Hampshire so you can rest assured our team can help you get up and running asap.

Preventive Maintenance Tips

To prevent future ignition issues, regular maintenance is key. Here are some tips to keep your oil-fired boiler in good working condition:

• Schedule Annual Service: Have your boiler serviced by a professional at least once a year. This can help identify potential problems before they escalate into major issues.
• Monitor Oil Levels: Regularly check your oil tank levels to ensure you never run out of fuel.
• Replace Filters: Change oil filters regularly to prevent blockages.
• Bleed Radiators: Ensure your radiators are free from air pockets to maintain efficient heating.

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