Some common Vokera boiler problems can be resolved without even having to call an engineer out but if an engineer is needed, (and if in doubt always get in touch with an engineer) you can get a free boiler repair quote with our service.
If you’re experiencing any of the problems mentioned above, then we highly recommend getting in touch with a qualified heating engineer. They will be able to get your boiler up and running again safely or replace it with a more efficient model.
Click the button below and you’ll receive up to 3 free quotes from Gas Safe registered engineers from our network. You can then compare their prices and choose the best deal.
Vokera combi boilers have a condensate pipe that leads acidic water, produced by waste gas, away from the boiler, out of your home and down a drain. More often than not, these condensate pipes are located outside, making them susceptible to freezing during the winter. A frozen condensate pipe will then cause a blockage, preventing waste from leaving the boiler. As a result, the boiler will lockout and fail to operate until the blockage has been removed.
How to thawing a frozen condensate pipe on Vokera boilers
We have a guide to thawing out a frozen condensate pipe on Boiler Guide, including a video, which will take you through the process step-by-step. If you feel the slightest bit unsure then don’t hesitate to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Failing to ignite (error code A01 or 10)
There are many possible reasons why a Vokera boiler will fail to ignite: faulty ignition leads or electrode (needed to make the spark to create the flame), blocked flue or condensate pipe, issue with the gas valve or a printed circuit board (PCB) fault.
These are some of the more common faults that will prevent a Vokera boiler to ignite but there are many more possibilities.
Fixing a boiler that won’t ignite
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to safely diagnose and repair the fault that’s getting in the way of your Vokera boiler igniting. It’s worth noting that if the fault lies with the printed circuit board (PCB), a part that sends and receives signals with all the electrical components of the boiler, then a replacement could cost upwards of £500.
Low boiler pressure (error codes A04, AL40 or AL41)
If your central heating isn't functioning properly, it could be because of low boiler pressure. To check the pressure level simply take a look at the built in pressure gauge, if it's below 1 then the boiler pressure is too low.
How to increase low boiler pressure
Increasing boiler pressure is something you can do yourself by following the steps in our guide to low boiler pressure but if you don’t feel safe doing so then always contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
No hot water
Vokera combi boilers direct hot water to the radiators or hot water taps, depending whether you want heating or hot water, through a diverter valve which directs the water in the appropriate direction. The older a boiler gets, the more prone the diverter valve becomes to getting stuck in the wrong position. This means that the water will be sent to the heating system rather than hot water taps.
Fixing a diverter valve
A Gas Safe registered engineer will be able to diagnose a faulty or stuck diverter valve and repair it. Should the whole component need replacing, and your Vokera boiler was installed more than 10 years ago, you might want to consider a replacement Vokera boiler.
Faulty fan (error code A03)
Seeing the Vokera A03 error code, likely to be accompanied by the image of a bell, means that your boiler's fan is faulty. If you've had your boiler for some period of time then this suggests that it has worn down over time and needs replacing.
How to fix a faulty fan
You’ll need to hire a Gas Safe registered engineer to find the issue with the fan and determine whether the whole fan needs replacing. Never attempt to fix any fan issues yourself, always hire a professional.
If any of the problems mentioned in this article sound relatable, then it’s a good idea to contact a qualified heating engineer as soon as possible. At Boiler Guide, we can put you in touch with up to 3 Gas Safe registered engineers from our network who are available in your area. This way, you can compare their quotes and objectively choose the best deal.
Our service is completely free of charge and you’re under no obligation to accept any of the offers you receive. Click the button below to get started.
Which Vokera boiler problems need a heating engineer?
If you feel up to the task, some common boiler issues can be resolved yourself without the need for an engineer. Use the table below to identify possible causes of problems and know if you need to be getting in touch with a Gas Safe engineer.
Problem
Possible Cause
Do you need an engineer?
No heat or hot water
Broken diaphragms and airlocks, failure of motorised valves, issues with the thermostat or low water levels
Yes
Leaking and dripping
Most common cause is a broken internal component but it will depend where the water is leaking from
Yes
Banging, whistling or gurgling noises
A common cause is air in the system, alternatively it could be that the water pressure is too low or it's kettling (see below)
Yes
Pilot light goes out
Could be a broken thermocouple which is stopping the gas supply
Yes
Low pressure
Could be a water leak in the system, the pressure relief valve needs replacing or due to recently bleeding radiators
No, unless there's a leak
Frozen condensate pipe
Your boiler will often display a fault code or warning notification
Yes
Thermostat issues
Thermostat may be turned off or not set to the correct settings (time etc.)
Consider replacing
Kettling
Limescale or sludge building up on the heat exchange
Yes
Radiators not getting hot
Sludge or air build up in the system or an unequal distribution of heat
You will need to bleed the radiators which doesn't require an engineer unless you don't feel like carrying out the task yourself.
Boiler keeps switching itself off
Could be low water pressure, a problem with the thermostat or a lack of water flow due to a closed valve, air or the pump not circulating the water in the system properly
Yes
If you’ve just realised you need a heating engineer after reading the problems above, then don’t worry; we can help you.
We can put you in touch with up to 3 qualified heating engineers who are available in your area. This way, you can find and compare the best local prices with minimal effort. Click the button below to receive your free quotes.
Vokera boilers come with a 12 month warranty at the very least, with their different models ranging from 2-7 years. We've put together a complete guide to Vokera warranties so that you know exactly what to expect.
As part of the terms of the warranty, you will need to hire a Gas Safe engineer to carry out a service of your Vokera boiler for every year of the warranty. Boiler services involve a heating engineer coming to your home to run a series of checks, inspections and tests on the unit to makesure that it’s running safely and efficiently.
Boiler insurance and ongoing cover
If your boiler warranty has expired, then boiler insurance is a possible option. You can take out insurance with your energy supplier but you're absolutely no obligation to do so. When comparing insurance, the best ones will include an annual service and safety inspection, so keep an eye out for them.
Is it time to replace your Vokera boiler?
An old boiler can end up costing you quite a bit in repairs so it can make sense to replace it with a brand new one. If you're thinking about replacing your boiler, you could be saving up to £300* a year in a detached home. The table below shows how much you could be saving depending on your current boiler rating and property.
House Type
G (less than 70%)
F (70-74%)
E (74-78%)
D (78-82%)
Semi-detached
£195
£140
£125
£110
Detached
£300
£210
£165
£135
Detached bungalow
£155
£110
£100
£90
Mid-terrace
£170
£120
£105
£95
Mid-floor flat
£80
£55
£50
£45
How to find the best engineer to replace a Vokera boiler
If you want to go ahead with installing a new boiler in your home, then you need to get an engineer round to do the replacement.
A local engineer you might have spotted around your area, could offer very competitive rates and if you like a personal service then you'll probably be talking to the same person throughout your communications.
National companies, on the other hand, may be slightly more on the expensive side but you'll have big brand protection, a huge bonus, and they can provide extra service such as ongoing boiler cover.
Most importantly, ensure that the engineer you want to replace the boiler is Gas Safe registered.
Aim to get quotes from up to 3 engineers to give you the best chance of finding the right deal for you.
Send us an enquiry today to receive free quotes for a new boiler and find trusted engineers near you with our free service. Click the button below to start comparing quotes from Gas Safe registered engineers.
*According to the latest figures from the Energy Saving Trust
*£75 for your boiler repair when you take out SSE Heating or Boiler Cover at the same time (excludes SSE Boiler Breakdown and SSE Heating Breakdown); Just looking to get your boiler repaired without cover? Our Boiler Repair service is £195
About the author
Rob Wells
Rob is another of our resident home heating experts. He manages our external partnerships, making sure you get the most up to date information.
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