Boilers are important in every UK home. They provide hot water and central heating each day. When a boiler shows an error code, life feels harder. A common boiler error code that appears on Baxi, Worcester, or Main Eco Elite models is E133.
It often suggests there is a problem with the gas supply. This guide tells you the definition of the E133 fault code, why you see it, and how to fix it. We will try to explain all this in this simple guide. Don’t forget, safety always comes first when you fix a boiler.
What Does E133 Mean?
The fault code E133 is one which will regularly appear on the boilers by the name of Baxi, Potterton, among others. When the boiler fails to indicate the fault code E133, it will not be able to detect the flame.
This will often occur when the boiler is receiving insufficient gas to the burner. In some cases, the fault is caused by low gas pressure.
Occasionally, the boiler will have an ignition malfunction or a faulty sensor. This will trigger the E133 fault. The E133 fault is typical, but it renders the boiler useless. Knowing exactly the E133 fault allows you to identify the appropriate remedy.
Why Does E133 Appear?
The E133 fault code can appear on many boiler models. The most common causes of the E133 error include:
- A gas supply fault on the boiler.
- Air trapped inside the system.
- A prepayment gas meter that has run out of credit.
- A frozen condensate pipe outside the home.
- Ignition failure inside the boiler.
- A faulty flame sensor.
- Low boiler pressure or air pressure switch issues.
These problems can cause the boiler to lock and display the E133 error. Knowing the cause is the first step to fix an E133.
Step 1: Check Your Gas Supply
If your boiler displays the E133 error code, first check your gas appliances. Try your cooker or fire to confirm there is enough gas supply in your home. If they do not work, there is likely a gas supply issue. Check the gas meter to ensure that the gas balance has not run out.
For prepayment meters, top up the credit if needed. If the supply issue continues, contact your gas provider. If other gas appliances in your home are working, the E133 Baxi boiler fault is probably inside the boiler.
Step 2: Check Boiler Pressure
Gas boilers need the correct pressure to operate. If the boiler shows the E133 fault code, look at the pressure gauge. The needle should be around 1 to 1.5 bar. If the boiler pressure is low, the boiler may fail to ignite.
Top it up using the filling loop on your boiler model. Increase boiler pressure slowly until the needle is correct. After topping up, reset the boiler and check if the error code E133 clears.
Step 3: Reset The Boiler
Sometimes the fix is simple. Find the reset button on your boiler’s front panel. Press and hold it for a few seconds until the boiler resets.
Release and wait for the boiler to restart. Resetting often clears the E133 Baxi fault code. If the fault comes back, you may need to have a closer look. Don’t forget, if the boiler comes up again, there is still an issue.
Step 4: Check The Condensate Pipe
A frozen condensate pipe is also responsible for boiler issues during winter. This is the pipe that runs from the boiler to an external drain. If the pipe freezes, the water will not flow, and the boiler fails. Try touching the pipe to see whether it feels rigid or frosted.
If it has frozen, add warm water over it so that it will thaw. After it has cleared, re-set the boiler and see if it goes. Insulating the pipe helps prevent future E133 faults in cold weather.
Step 5: Bleed Your Radiators
Air in your system can stop the boiler from igniting properly. This can trigger the E133 fault code. If some radiators are cold at the top, air is trapped.
Use a radiator key to bleed them. Position cloth under the valve to gather water. After releasing the air, check the boiler pressure again. Add water when the pressure diminishes to below 1 bar, then reset the boiler.
Step 6: Check The Ignition And Flame Sensor
If the boiler is not able to detect the flame, then the flame sensor or the ignition electrode is not working. These units also give up with age and cause the boiler to lock with an E133 fault.
Do not try to fix these yourselves. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer will be safe to replace the parts. If the boiler keeps invoking the fault code E133, you will need to have a Gas Safe registered engineer attend.
Step 7: Pay Attention for Clicking Noises
As the boiler tries to start, you will hear clicking. If it clicks but will not start, the ignition is not working. This often means the spark is too weak or missing.
This issue will cause the boiler to shut and display the E133 Baxi fault code. Call a Gas Safe engineer to repair ignition faults.
Step 8: Check For Error History
Many boiler models store a history of fault codes. If your boiler displays the complete number 133 often, it shows a repeating problem.
Check your boiler manual to see how to access error logs. Providing the error history helps the engineer repair your boiler more quickly.
When To Call An Engineer
If the error persists after basic checks, it is time to call an engineer. A Gas Safe registered engineer should inspect if the Baxi boiler E133 error code remains. Call one if you suspect ignition problems inside the boiler.
If the flame sensor is faulty or the fault code reappears often, do not try to fix it yourself. Engineers have the training to carry out safe boiler repair.
Preventing Future E133 Errors
To reduce boiler issues, keep up with regular boiler maintenance. Get your boiler checked once a year by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Keep your gas meter topped up if prepaid.
Insulate the condensate pipe to avoid freezing. Bleed radiators every few months to prevent air build-up. Check gas pressure and boiler pressure monthly. Regular care helps prevent E133 faults and keeps your boiler running smoothly.
Safety Tips
- Never open the boiler case yourself.
- Only a Gas Safe registered engineer should work inside the boiler.
- Do not try to bypass safety devices.
- Never use open flames to thaw frozen pipes.
- Keep a carbon monoxide alarm near your boiler.
- Always follow the manufacturer’s instructions carefully.
- If the error persists, call a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Conclusion
E133 boiler error is a popular boiler fault found on Baxi and most boiler makes. It can be annoying that your boiler refuses to ignite with an E133 error message.
Most often, the fault is nothing more than a fault with the gas supply, low pressure, or a frozen pipe. You can attempt simple solutions such as gas appliance checks, recharging the gas meter, or reset on your boiler.
If the E133 fault code keeps appearing or in the event of internal boiler repair, always contact a Gas Safe registered engineer. Maintenance and simple maintenance will guarantee that the E133 fault is avoided in the future.
Adhering to these steps, you can now rectify the E133 error on your boiler and get your boiler running once again.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, you can try basic checks. Check your gas supply, reset the boiler, and defrost frozen pipes. However, if the boiler shows the E133 Baxi fault code once more, ring a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Not always. Many boiler models show this code due to frozen pipes or low gas pressure.
Yes. Cold weather often causes frozen condensate pipes that trigger the E133 error on a boiler.
If gas pressure keeps dropping, there may be a leak. Call an engineer for boiler repair.
