Is your Vaillant boiler flashing an error code, leaving you without heating or hot water? It’s a frustrating problem, especially on a cold day. Before you panic, a simple restart can often resolve the issue. As experienced boiler specialists in Birmingham, we know how to get your system back up and running. This guide will show you exactly how to restart your Vaillant boiler and what to do about the most common error codes.
When Should You Restart Your Vaillant Boiler?
A boiler restart, or reset, is a quick and effective first step for troubleshooting minor glitches. You should try restarting your boiler if:
- It has suddenly stopped working, but there’s no obvious sign of a major fault.
- An error code is displayed on the screen.
- The boiler has lost power due to a power cut.
- You’ve recently had your water or gas supply turned off and back on.
Restarting gives the boiler’s internal computer a chance to clear temporary errors and start its sequence again.
How to Restart a Vaillant Boiler: A Step-by-Step Guide
Restarting most Vaillant models is straightforward. While the exact button placement may vary slightly, the process is generally the same.
- Locate the Reset Button: The reset button on a Vaillant boiler is usually clearly marked with a “reset” label or a flame icon with a cross through it. It’s often found on the main control panel.
- Press and Hold: Press the reset button and hold it for about 3-5 seconds. You should hear the boiler click or whir as it begins its startup sequence.
- Wait and Observe: Release the button and give the boiler a few minutes. It will go through its internal checks. You should see the status light change and may hear the fan and pump start up.
- Check for Success: If the reset is successful, the error code will disappear, and the boiler will fire up, providing heating and hot water as normal.
If the boiler doesn’t restart or the same error code returns, it’s a sign of a more persistent problem that needs professional attention.
Common Vaillant Boiler Error Codes (And What They Mean)
If a restart doesn’t work, the error code on your display provides a vital clue to the underlying problem. Here are some of the most common Vaillant faults:
- F22 Error: This indicates low water pressure. Your system may have a leak or need repressurising. While you can top up the pressure yourself using the filling loop, if the F22 error keeps returning, it points to a leak that a Gas Safe engineer needs to fix.
- F28 / F29 Error: These codes mean the boiler has failed to ignite. This could be due to a faulty ignition lead, a gas supply issue, or a blocked flue. This is not a DIY fix—you must call a qualified engineer to investigate.
- F75 Error: The F75 fault is one of the most common and points to a problem with the water pressure sensor or the pump. The boiler detects that the pump has started, but it can’t sense a change in pressure, causing it to shut down for safety.
When to Call a Professional
While a simple reset can sometimes do the trick, many boiler faults require an expert. You should always call a Gas Safe registered engineer if:
- An error code reappears shortly after a reset.
- You smell gas or suspect a gas leak.
- You are not comfortable performing any of the troubleshooting steps.
- The issue relates to the gas supply or internal components.
Working on a gas appliance without the proper qualifications is not only dangerous but also illegal.
Your Trusted Boiler Experts in Birmingham
At Celmeng Group, we understand how disruptive a faulty boiler can be. Our team of Gas Safe registered engineers has years of experience diagnosing and repairing Vaillant boilers across Birmingham. We offer a fast, reliable, and professional service to get your heating and hot water restored as quickly as possible. Don’t let a boiler issue leave you in the cold.
If you’re facing a persistent Vaillant boiler problem, contact us today on 0121 608 0460 for expert help.

