What a boiler reset does and when you need one
A boiler reset restarts the system's control board and clears any fault codes that are preventing it from firing up. Most modern boilers have a red or black reset button on the front panel or control box. Pressing it tells the boiler to try igniting again. If the boiler lights and stays on, the reset worked. If it shuts down again within a few minutes, the reset button alone won't fix the problem — something else is wrong.
You should try a reset when your boiler won't turn on, when the pilot light has gone out, or when you see an error code on the display. A reset is also the first step after a power cut or after the boiler has been off for several hours. It costs nothing and takes 30 seconds, so it's always worth trying before you call an engineer.
Do not reset the boiler repeatedly if it keeps shutting down. Pressing the button five times in a row won't help and may damage the ignition system. If it fails twice, stop and contact a heating engineer.
Key Takeaways
- The reset button is usually red or black and sits on the front of the boiler or on the control box mounted nearby.
- Press and hold the button for three to five seconds, then release and wait 30 seconds to see if the boiler lights.
- If the boiler lights and stays on, the reset worked and you can use it normally.
- If the boiler shuts down again within minutes, a reset won't solve it — you need an engineer to diagnose the real fault.
- Never press the reset button more than twice in one session, as repeated resets can wear out the ignition system.
Finding the reset button on your boiler
The reset button's location depends on your boiler model. On most wall-mounted combi boilers, it's on the front panel below the display screen or to the side of the control knobs. On older system boilers, the button may be on a separate control box mounted on the wall next to the boiler. Check your boiler's manual first — the exact location and colour are listed there.
If you don't have the manual, look for a button that is distinctly coloured (usually red or black) and slightly recessed so you can't press it by accident. It's often labelled "Reset" or "Ignition". If you can't find it after a careful look, take a photo of your boiler's front panel and search online for your model number plus "reset button" — most manufacturers publish the location in their guides.
Do not confuse the reset button with the power switch or the thermostat dial. The power switch is usually larger and sits at the bottom or side. The thermostat dial controls temperature and is clearly marked with numbers.
The correct way to press the reset button
Press and hold the reset button firmly for three to five seconds. You should feel it click or depress slightly. Don't tap it quickly — a sustained press is what triggers the reset. After five seconds, release the button and step back.
Wait 30 seconds without touching anything. During this time, the boiler's control board is restarting and attempting to ignite the burner. You may hear a clicking sound as the ignition tries to fire. This is normal. After 30 seconds, check the display or look for a pilot light. If the boiler is running and the display shows normal operation, the reset worked.
If nothing happens after 30 seconds, wait another 30 seconds. Some boilers take longer to respond. If the boiler still hasn't lit after a full minute, the reset has not worked and you should stop trying.
What to do if the reset doesn't work
If the boiler lights after the reset but then shuts down again within five to ten minutes, the reset has temporarily worked but something is still wrong. Common causes include a blocked condensate pipe, low water pressure, a faulty thermostat, or a problem with the gas supply. These faults require a may have access to heating engineer to diagnose and fix.
If the boiler doesn't light at all after the reset, the issue is likely a gas supply problem, a broken ignition system, or a fault with the control board itself. Again, you need an engineer. Do not press the reset button more than twice in one session — repeated attempts can damage the ignition electrodes and make the problem worse.
Before you call an engineer, check two straightforward things: make sure the boiler's power switch is on (not just the reset button), and check that your gas supply hasn't been cut off at the meter or by your supplier. If both are fine, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer in your area.
When a reset is not the answer
A reset will not fix a boiler that has a persistent fault code displayed on the screen. If you see a code like F1, E1, or any other alphanumeric error, write it down and give it to your engineer. The code tells them exactly what's wrong — a reset will clear it temporarily, but the fault will return until the underlying problem is repaired.
A reset also won't help if your boiler is leaking water, making loud banging noises, or producing no hot water even though the heating is running. These are signs of internal damage or a broken component. Pressing the reset button in these cases is a waste of time and may delay you getting the repair you need.
If your boiler is more than 15 years old and resets frequently, it's often cheaper to replace it than to keep calling engineers. Older boilers fail more often and parts become harder to source. Ask an engineer for a quote on a new boiler if yours is resetting every few weeks.
Preventing the need for frequent resets
Most boilers don't need regular resets if they're maintained properly. Have your boiler serviced once a year by a Gas Safe engineer. During a service, they clean the burner, check the ignition system, and spot problems before they cause shutdowns. A well-serviced boiler rarely needs a reset.
Keep the area around your boiler clear of clutter and dust. A blocked air intake or a dusty burner can cause the boiler to shut down and need a reset. If your boiler is in a cupboard, make sure there's at least 30 centimetres of clear space on all sides.
Check your boiler's water pressure once a month. Most boilers have a pressure gauge on the front. The needle should sit between 1 and 2 bar when the system is cold. If it's below 1 bar, the boiler may shut down and need a reset. You can usually top up the pressure yourself using the filling loop — a small valve under the boiler — but check your manual first.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I reset my boiler?
You should rarely need to reset a healthy boiler. If you're resetting it more than once a month, something is wrong and needs repair. Contact an engineer to find out what's causing the repeated shutdowns. Frequent resets are a sign of a fault that will only get worse.
Will resetting my boiler erase my settings?
No. A reset clears fault codes and restarts the control board, but it does not change your temperature settings, timer schedules, or any other programmed preferences. Your boiler will come back on with the same settings it had before.
Can I reset my boiler if the power is off?
No. The boiler must be switched on at the power switch for the reset button to work. If there's been a power cut, switch the boiler back on first, wait a minute for it to stabilise, then press the reset button if needed.
What's the difference between a reset and turning the boiler off and on?
Turning the boiler off at the power switch and back on again is a soft restart — it powers down and restarts the system. Pressing the reset button is a hard restart that also clears fault codes from the control board. A reset is more thorough and is the correct method to try first.
Should I reset my boiler before calling an engineer?
Yes. A reset is always worth trying and takes 30 seconds. If it works, you've solved the problem for free. If it doesn't work, tell the engineer you've already tried a reset — this helps them narrow down what the fault might be.