Help: Worcester Boiler Fault 227

[LLL]

 

I’m looking for some advice regarding my Worcester boiler which is currently showing fault code 227, which I understand is related to ignition failure.

 

I believe I may have found the cause. The condensate pipe from the boiler is connected directly to an external drain pipe, which seems to be blocked. We had heavy rain today, and I noticed that rainwater has likely backflowed into the condensate line, causing moisture or water ingress inside the boiler.

 

There are some signs of dripping water and dampness inside the bottom of the boiler, although not very severe but i can see water drips in every 10 seconds or so (pictures attached).

 

The same problem happened last year, and at that time it was much serious; the boiler fan was damaged and had to be replaced by an engineer. I watched the engineer to solve the problem. He replaced the fan and then only tried to dry the ignition components, then it worked. 

 

This time, I don't think the fan is damaged. I have turned off the power to let it dry out naturally but not sure if that will work.

 

Do you think it might start working again after leaving it to dry for 12–24 hours, or is it likely that I will still need an engineer to inspect it (e.g. ignition electrode, fan, PCB, condensate trap)?

 

Any suggestions would be really appreciated. Baby in the house so I prefer to solve the problem ASAP. Thanks!

 

[ProDave]

I doubt the water is getting in from the condensate pipe, that would have to run up hill.

 

You won't get anywhere without taking the cover off to see what is going on inside.  Try drying everything thoroughly with a hairdryer.

[Nickfromwales]

1 hour ago, ProDave said:

I doubt the water is getting in from the condensate pipe, that would have to run up hill.

 

You won't get anywhere without taking the cover off to see what is going on inside.  Try drying everything thoroughly with a hairdryer.

Common tbh. Water defo backs up and fills the combustion chamber. 
 

Loads of British Gas installs suffered from the connection (non return) of the condensate > soil pipes, mostly in cold snaps where the valve internals (massively reduced internal bore) freeze up. 
 

@LLL just cut or disconnect the condensate pipe under the boiler and let it drain into a bucket to get you back up and running 

 

Are you 100% sure this isn’t frozen? Or hasn’t been frozen and has now thawed out and cleared?

[ProDave]

2 minutes ago, Nickfromwales said:

Common tbh. Water defo backs up and fills the combustion chamber. 
 

Loads of British Gas installs suffered from the connection (non return) of the condensate > soil pipes, mostly in cold snaps where the valve internals (massively reduced internal bore) freeze up. 

That makes sense.  What I was reading from the OP is rainwater was getting in, THAT would have to go up hill.

[LLL]

Hello Nick and Dave, thank you for your answers. The boiler came back to work normally this morning. I believe it just dried overnight. Yes, the connection between the pipes is blocked. Last time was the rain water and this time, should be the pipe connection part blocked. I don't want this to come back every year; maybe it is time to look at the pipe and find a solution. 

[Nickfromwales]

12 minutes ago, LLL said:

Hello Nick and Dave, thank you for your answers. The boiler came back to work normally this morning. I believe it just dried overnight. Yes, the connection between the pipes is blocked. Last time was the rain water and this time, should be the pipe connection part blocked. I don't want this to come back every year; maybe it is time to look at the pipe and find a solution. 

Better plumber!

[JohnMo]

Solution is simple - get rid of the blockage. Either remove down pipe and unblock or leave in place and blow out debris with a hose pipe from the top. Maybe while your up there clean the gutters if that's what feeds the down pipe. Most window cleaners now do a gutter cleaning service, get them cleared every year, or if plenty of trees around more often.

 

Fix the problem, don't cure the symptoms.