Boiler
EA 218
The EA 218 error code on a Worcester Bosch boiler signals an ignition fault — the boiler is trying to fire but failing to detect a flame, which means no heating or hot water until it’s resolved.
What does this error mean?
EA 218 indicates that the boiler’s control board attempted to ignite the burner but the flame sensor (ionisation electrode) did not confirm a stable flame within the expected time window. Worcester Bosch boilers lock out after a set number of failed ignition attempts as a safety measure to prevent unburned gas from accumulating. The boiler will not restart automatically — it requires either a manual reset or engineer intervention.
Est. repair cost
£150–£350 for electrode or sensor replacement; £400–£600 if gas valve or PCB replacement is needed
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Step 1 — Reset the boiler: Press and hold the reset button (usually marked with a flame and cross symbol) for 3–5 seconds. Wait 5 minutes and check if the boiler fires successfully.
Step 2 — Check your gas supply: Turn on a gas hob or check another gas appliance. If nothing works, call your gas supplier — there may be a supply interruption, not a boiler fault.
Step 3 — Check the condensate pipe (winter only): Locate the white plastic pipe that exits your boiler to an outside drain. If it feels frozen solid, thaw it carefully with warm (not boiling) water and then reset the boiler.
Step 4 — Try a second reset: After resolving any condensate or supply issue, attempt one more reset. If the boiler fires and runs normally, monitor it over the next 24 hours.
Step 5 — Stop here if the fault persists: If EA 218 returns after two reset attempts, this is a gas-side or internal component fault. Do not attempt any further DIY — call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Step 6 — Do NOT attempt to inspect or replace ignition electrodes, the gas valve, or the PCB yourself. Working on internal gas boiler components without Gas Safe registration is illegal and dangerous.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer if the EA 218 error returns after two reset attempts, if you can smell gas at any point (call 0800 111 999 immediately and leave the property), or if the boiler is cutting out repeatedly in a short period. Tell the engineer: ‘My Worcester Bosch boiler is showing EA 218 — it’s locking out on ignition failure and won’t sustain a flame.’
⚖️ Repair or replace?
Most EA 218 repairs — replacing ignition electrodes, the flame sensor, or cleaning the burner — cost £150–£350 with a Gas Safe engineer, making repair worthwhile on any boiler under 10 years old. If your Worcester Bosch is over 10–12 years old and the gas valve or PCB is at fault, repair costs can reach £400–£600, at which point a new boiler (typically £2,000–£3,000 installed) is the more cost-effective long-term choice. Worcester Bosch boilers have strong parts availability, so repair is generally the right call for newer models.