How to Reset a Vaillant Boiler – Easy Step-by-Step Guide
Estimated reading time: 4 minutes
If your Vaillant boiler stops working or shows an error code, you might be able to fix it by doing a simple reset. Resetting the boiler often clears minor faults and gets your heating and hot water working again.
Table of contents
When to Reset a Vaillant Boiler
- When the boiler displays a fault code or error message on the digital screen.
- After a power outage or electrical interruption.
- If the boiler stops heating or providing hot water unexpectedly.
- Following a drop in system pressure below the recommended level (usually below 1.0 bar).
- After bleeding radiators or topping up the system pressure.
- When the boiler goes into lockout mode to protect itself from damage.
- Avoid repeated resets — if problems persist, contact a Gas Safe engineer.
Where is the reset button on a Vaillant boiler?
The reset button on a Vaillant boiler is usually located on the front of the boiler, near the bottom. The control panel there has several buttons and a digital screen. Look for the button with a small flame symbol on or next to it this is the reset button.
How to Reset a Vaillant Boiler – Step by Step
Time needed: 5 minutes
Follow the below steps to reset a Vaillant boiler
- Find the Reset Button
Look for the reset button on the front of your boiler. It’s usually near the bottom and marked with a flame symbol or a circular arrow.
- Press and Hold the Button
Press the reset button and hold it for about 3 to 5 seconds.
- Wait for the Boiler to Restart
After releasing the button, wait a few seconds. The boiler should try to restart. You hear clicking sounds when boiler working on reset.
- See if It Worked
Once boiler restarted the flame symbol may light up, and there should be no error codes on display.
- Test the Boiler
Turn on the hot water and open the taps to check or raise the thermostat temperature to check if everything is working properly on heating side.
- Check the Manual if Needed
If the boiler still isn’t working, read the boiler manual for more help or try the next step. If you think you can not do it we always recommend to contact a certified gas engineer to check your boiler.
Why You May Need to Reset Your Vaillant Boiler
- Minor errors or faults: Successful resets often mean only a small glitch occurred.
- Frequent shutdowns: Repeated lockouts could signal serious issues needing urgent attention.
- Contact a Gas Safe Registered (GSR) engineer if lockouts happen often to find the root cause.
Common Reasons for Boiler Lockouts and Resets
Gas supply or ignition failure
- Caused by defective gas valve, flue blockages, or ignition lead problems.
- Requires inspection by a Gas safe engineer before resetting.
Low pressure
- Pressure gauge below 1.5 bar indicates low water pressure.
- Can usually be fixed by repressurizing the system (follow manual instructions).
- If there’s a leak, contact a Gas safe engineer.
High pressure
- Pressure above 2.5 bar is too high.
- Often resolved by bleeding radiators (may not require a reset).
- If bleeding doesn’t help, call a Gas safe engineer.
Boiler overheating
- Caused by blockages or a failed pump leading to excessive water temperature.
- Results in automatic shutdown for safety.
- Do not try to fix yourself – contact a qualified Gas safe engineer.
When to Call a Gas Safe Engineer
- The boiler won’t reset or keeps showing the same error.
- You see a fault code you don’t understand.
- You smell gas or suspect a leak.
- You hear strange noises or see signs of water leakage.
- You don’t feel confident doing a reset yourself.
Important: Never try to fix internal parts of the boiler on your own. Always let a Gas Safe registered engineer handle more serious problems to keep your home safe.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, it is generally safe to reset your Vaillant boiler if you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Make sure to check the manual for specific steps and warnings. If unsure, contact a professional to avoid any potential risks.
Will turning my boiler off cause problems? Money aside, the most important thing to consider when switching off your boiler at the mains is the safety of your family. Fortunately, switching off your boiler at the mains is perfectly safe.
Generally, you push the reset button and hold it down for 10 seconds. Do this only once. Wait for 2-3 minutes, as the boiler may be starting up. If the reset has been successful, then the flame will ignite in the boiler.
The Vaillant F76 Fault Code signals that the boiler has overheated beyond safe operating levels. This is typically due to a failure in the heat exchanger, which leads to excessive heat buildup. As a protective measure, the thermal fuse trips, shutting down the boiler to prevent further damage.
