Worcester Bosch EA fault code — boiler won’t ignite or loses flame
⚠️ This needs a qualified professional
This fault involves gas or mains electrical work. Don't attempt a DIY repair — UK law requires gas work to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Below is what to check and describe to them, not step-by-step repair instructions.
An EA fault code on a Worcester Bosch Greenstar boiler means the boiler has failed to detect a flame during ignition, or has lost the flame during operation, and has locked out for safety. On some models this shows with an extra number, e.g. EA 227 (fails to light in the first place) or EA 229 (lights, then loses the flame during operation — in winter this specific variant is very often a frozen condensate pipe).
What’s safe to check yourself
- Check your gas supply hasn’t been interrupted and, if you’re on a prepayment meter, that there’s credit.
- In cold weather, look for the boiler’s condensate pipe — a white plastic pipe usually running from the boiler to an outside drain — and check for visible ice. If accessible safely, pouring warm (not boiling) water over a frozen section can clear it; if you can’t reach it safely, that’s a job to book rather than force.
- Try resetting the boiler once, following your manual’s exact procedure. If EA returns immediately, stop resetting — repeated resets don’t fix an ignition fault and can mask a genuine problem.
⚠️ This needs a Gas Safe engineer
Beyond checking gas supply/credit and a frozen condensate pipe, don’t attempt to diagnose an EA fault yourself — the likely causes (faulty ignition electrodes, a gas valve issue, or a flame sensor fault) all involve gas components and must be handled by a Gas Safe registered engineer. If you ever smell gas, don’t reset the boiler — turn off the supply if safe to do so and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999.