How to Fix a Worcester Bosch EA Error Code

Overview

The Worcester Bosch EA error code is one of the most common boiler fault codes in the UK. This guide covers what the code means and when you can safely reset it yourself.

Step-by-Step Fix

1. First check whether your other gas appliances are working. Turn on a gas hob or another gas appliance in the home. If they are working normally the gas supply to your property is fine. If they are not working there may be a gas supply issue that requires you to contact your gas supplier.
2. Check the condensate pipe for ice or blockages. The condensate pipe is the white or grey plastic pipe that runs from the boiler to an outside drain. In winter this pipe can freeze causing the boiler to lock out with an EA code. If the pipe is frozen thaw it by pouring warm not boiling water over the pipe.
3. Look for any obvious blockages in the condensate pipe such as debris or a kink in the pipe. Clear any blockages you find. If the condensate pipe is frozen or blocked the boiler will not be able to ignite because the pressure switch inside the boiler senses a blockage and prevents ignition for safety.
4. If the condensate pipe appears clear and your gas supply is working press the reset button on the front of the boiler. Hold it for about three seconds until you hear the boiler attempt to restart. Wait a few minutes and observe whether the boiler fires up and the EA code clears.
5. If the boiler fires up and runs normally the fault was likely a temporary issue such as a frozen condensate pipe or a brief gas supply interruption. Monitor the boiler over the next twenty four hours. If the EA code does not return the issue is resolved.
6. If the EA code returns within twenty four hours there is a persistent fault that requires professional attention. Common causes include a blocked condensate trap a faulty gas valve a faulty ignition electrode or a problem with the flue. These are all internal components that must only be worked on by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
7. Do not repeatedly reset the boiler if the EA code keeps returning. Repeated resetting can damage the boiler and does not fix the underlying fault. Turn the boiler off and call a Gas Safe registered engineer. Explain that you have an EA error code and describe any symptoms such as unusual noises or a lack of hot water.
8. While waiting for the engineer check the boiler pressure gauge. If the pressure is below one bar repressurise the system using the filling loop to between one and one point five bar. Low pressure can sometimes contribute to ignition problems though it is rarely the sole cause of an EA code.
9. Keep a note of when the EA code appeared and how often it has occurred. This information helps the engineer diagnose the fault quickly. If the code appears only when the weather is freezing it is almost certainly a condensate pipe issue that can be resolved by insulating the pipe.

Common Error Codes

Review the common error codes and operating symptoms below to quickly identify the root cause of the fault before ordering replacement parts.

Frequently Asked Questions