E118 Baxi Boiler Fault: Meaning, Symptoms, Actions, Costs, Causes, Prevention

The E118 Baxi Boiler fault signals low water pressure. It needs immediate attention. This fault often results in a loss of heating and hot water, as well as an error message on the display. The E118 fault poses no immediate safety risk. But, ignoring it can lead to serious issues. Common causes are leaks, faulty pressure sensors, or issues with the expansion vessel. Regularly check the system’s pressure and look for leaks. You can expect to pay from £100 to £400 for fixing E118 Baxi Boiler fault. This can help prevent this fault. Always contact a Gas-Safe engineer for repairs to avoid further complications. The next section will explain the meaning of the fault in more detail.

Meaning of the E118 Baxi Boiler Fault

The E118 Baxi Boiler fault indicates low water pressure within the system. If the pressure drops too low, the boiler shuts down to prevent damage. This fault protects the system from harm due to low pressure. Boilers require a consistent level of water pressure to circulate heat properly. A drop in pressure can disrupt the system’s operation. It may shut down until the issue is resolved. This fault usually occurs when the pressure falls below 1 bar. That’s the minimum for most boilers.

Low pressure can result from various issues. These include leaks in the heating system, a faulty pressure relief valve, or problems with the expansion vessel. Checking the pressure gauge on the boiler and refilling it, if needed, can help keep the boiler running well. If the problem persists, seek help to find the cause.

What does low water pressure mean for my boiler?

Low water pressure means the boiler isn’t getting enough water to work. The boiler uses a pressurised system to circulate hot water for heating and hot water supply. When the pressure drops below a safe level, the system cannot function, leading to the E118 error code.

Why does the E118 fault appear on my Baxi boiler?

The E118 fault occurs when your boiler’s water pressure drops below 1 bar. That’s below the safe operating threshold. The system shuts down to prevent damage from low pressure. This could affect heating and hot water.

How can I check the water pressure on my Baxi boiler?

You can check the water pressure by looking at the pressure gauge on the front panel of your boiler. The needle should be within the green zone, usually between 1 and 2 bars. If the pressure is below 1 bar, it is too low, and the E118 fault may occur.

Does low pressure always mean a leak in the system?

Low pressure can result from a leak, but not always. Other causes include a faulty pressure relief valve, trapped air, or issues with the expansion vessel. A thorough inspection is needed to identify the exact cause.

Can I reset my boiler to fix the E118 fault?

Resetting the boiler alone will not fix the E118 Baxi fault. You need to restore the water pressure to the correct level first. Once the pressure is back within the normal range, the boiler can be reset to resume operation.

Symptoms of the E118 Baxi Boiler Fault

When the E118 fault occurs, several symptoms become noticeable. The most obvious is the error code itself, which appears on the boiler’s display screen. The boiler will stop working, meaning you will lose heating and hot water. The boiler’s pressure gauge will read below 1 bar. This confirms low water pressure in the system. You may hear unusual sounds, like gurgling or banging. They are due to trapped air in the pipes from low pressure. In some cases, radiators might become cold or only partially heat up. This happens when the system struggles to circulate water.

Another symptom could be frequent boiler shut-offs. If the pressure drops too much, the boiler may turn off. This will disrupt your heating schedule. You might also see water leaking from radiators or pipes. This can signal a pressure issue causing the fault.

How To Recognise The E118 Fault on Different Types of Baxi Boilers

The E118 Baxi Boiler fault shows similarly across most Baxi boilers. But, there can be slight variations depending on the model. On combi boilers, the fault will show on the digital control panel. The pressure gauge will read below 1 bar. You will also notice a total loss of heating and hot water. This will make the issue clear.

On Baxi system boilers, which serve larger properties, the fault shows on the control panel. The pressure gauge, usually on the front or beneath the boiler casing, will show a low reading again. Also, low pressure might cause air in the system. This can gurgle the radiators or pipes.

On heat-only boilers, the E118 Baxi fault may not show up as quickly. These systems use a separate hot water cylinder. However, the gauge will show low readings. You might notice the radiators are not heating up as well. The hot water cylinder may take longer to refill or heat up. This indicates the system isn’t working properly.

The next section will suggest actions to take in the event of the E118 fault.

What to Do When Your Baxi Boiler Shows the E118 Fault

An E118 fault on your Baxi boiler means the water pressure is too low. The system can’t operate correctly. The first step is to check the pressure gauge on your boiler. If it reads below 1 bar, you need to repressurise the system. Use the filling loop, a flexible hose connected to your boiler. Add water until the pressure gauge reads between 1 and 2 bars.

Next, reset your boiler according to the instructions in your manual. This usually involves pressing and holding the reset button on the control panel. After a reset, the boiler should work if the pressure issue is fixed. However, if the fault persists, you should not attempt further repairs. Always check your boiler’s manual for extra steps. Never do repairs beyond what it suggests. Any work on gas or complex components must be done by a qualified Gas-Safe engineer. This ensures your safety and compliance with legal requirements.

If you see any water leaking from your boiler or pipes, contact a professional. Also, if the boiler turns off again after resetting, do the same. Leaks can indicate a more serious issue with the system that needs expert attention. Similarly, if you hear unusual noises from the boiler, turn it off and arrange for an engineer to inspect it.

How to Repressurise a Baxi Boiler with the E118 Fault?

To repressurise your Baxi boiler, find the filling loop. It’s usually a small flexible pipe near the bottom of the unit. Slowly open the valves on the filling loop and watch the pressure gauge rise. Once the pressure reaches between 1 and 2 bars, close the valves. This should restore the correct pressure and allow the boiler to operate again.

Should I turn off the boiler when the E118 fault appears?

Yes, if the E118 fault appears, turn off the boiler before troubleshooting. This prevents any potential damage to the system while you work to repressurise it. Once the pressure is corrected, you can safely reset and restart the boiler.

Where is the pressure gauge on a Baxi boiler?

The pressure gauge on a Baxi boiler is usually on the front panel or under the casing, depending on the model. It has a dial that shows the current system pressure. A reading below 1 bar indicates low pressure, which triggers the E118 fault.

Should I check for gas or water leaks when the E118 fault occurs?

Yes, if you see the E118 fault, check for water leaks around the boiler and radiators. Water leaks can contribute to low pressure. However, do not attempt to investigate gas leaks. If you suspect a gas leak, immediately shut off the gas supply and call a Gas-Safe engineer.

How often should I check my boiler pressure?

Check your boiler pressure at least once a month. This is especially important in colder months, when you use it more. Regularly monitoring the pressure can help prevent faults like the E118 from occurring.

Cost to Repair E118 Baxi Boiler Fault

The cost to repair the E118 Baxi boiler fault depends on the underlying cause. If the issue is simply low pressure that you can resolve by repressurizing the system, there may be no cost at all. However, if professional help is needed, prices vary.

For minor issues like bleeding radiators or checking for leaks, expect to pay around £50 to £100 for a visit from a Gas-Safe engineer. Replacing components like the pressure relief valve or expansion vessel can cost £100 to £300. It depends on the parts and labour involved.

In some cases, where leaks or more complex repairs are necessary, the cost may rise to £400 or more. If you have boiler cover, your plan may cover many of these repairs. It could save you money on emergency callouts. Always get a clear quote from your engineer before proceeding with repairs.