Boiler
EA 222
The EA 222 error code on a Worcester Bosch boiler signals a flame failure — the boiler is attempting to ignite but cannot establish or maintain a stable flame. This fault will lock out your boiler, leaving you without heating or hot water until it is resolved.
What does this error mean?
EA 222 means your boiler’s control board has detected that the burner failed to light, or that the flame cut out shortly after ignition. The boiler makes a set number of ignition attempts, fails each time, and then locks itself out as a safety precaution. This is the boiler protecting itself and your home — not a fault to ignore or repeatedly reset without investigation.
Est. repair cost
£150–£350 for electrode or flame sensor replacement (parts + Gas Safe labour); £400–£600+ if a gas valve or PCB replacement is required
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Check your gas supply first: try lighting a gas hob or another gas appliance. If nothing works, call your gas supplier — do not attempt any boiler work until supply is confirmed.
Check your prepayment meter (if applicable): top it up and wait a few minutes before attempting a boiler reset.
Inspect the condensate pipe (in freezing weather): locate the white plastic pipe that exits your boiler and runs outside. If frozen, you can carefully thaw it by pouring warm (not boiling) water along the pipe. This is the only safe DIY fix on the boiler itself.
Reset the boiler: once gas supply is confirmed and any condensate issue is resolved, press and hold the reset button (usually marked with a flame or ‘R’ symbol) for 3–5 seconds. Allow the boiler to complete its ignition sequence.
If the error returns after one or two resets, stop resetting: repeated failed ignition attempts can damage components further. Do not attempt to open the boiler casing or touch any internal gas or ignition components — this requires a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Call a Gas Safe engineer: all internal causes of EA 222 — including electrode replacement, flame sensor cleaning, gas valve inspection, and PCB diagnosis — must be carried out by a qualified professional. This is a legal requirement in the UK.
📞 When to call a professional
If the boiler does not fire up after a single reset, or if the EA 222 code returns within a short period, stop resetting and call a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately. Tell them your boiler model (found on the boiler casing), that you are seeing error code EA 222, and that the boiler is locking out on flame failure. Do not attempt to dismantle or adjust any internal components — working on gas appliances without Gas Safe registration is illegal and dangerous.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
For a boiler under 10 years old, repair is almost always the right call — ignition electrode or flame sensor replacement typically costs £150–£350 including labour, which is well worthwhile. If your Worcester Bosch boiler is over 12–15 years old and has a history of faults, a new A-rated boiler (typically £1,800–£3,000 installed) is likely more cost-effective over the next five years than repeated repairs. Worcester Bosch boilers generally have a strong reputation for longevity, so if the unit is relatively young and well-maintained, repair first.