What the EA 227 code means
On most Greenstar models, EA 227 means "no flame detected". When your heating or hot water is called for, the boiler opens the gas valve and makes a spark at the ignition electrode. A sensor then checks for a flame. If it cannot confirm a flame within a few seconds, the boiler tries again. After a set number of failed attempts it shuts down and shows EA 227.
The EA part is the display code and 227 is the cause code. You may see them together or alternating on the screen. On some older Worcester boilers the blue light also flashes when the boiler has locked out in this way.
This is a safety lockout, not a sign that the boiler is about to fail completely. In many cases the cause is outside the boiler and easy to put right, such as gas that has been switched off or a condensate pipe that has frozen overnight.
Common causes of EA 227
The fault has a small number of usual causes. Some you can check yourself, while others need a Gas Safe registered engineer.
| Cause | What you might notice | Who fixes it |
|---|---|---|
| No gas supply to the property | Hob or gas fire will not light either | You (check meter), or the gas network |
| Prepayment meter out of credit | Meter display shows zero or emergency credit used | You |
| Gas isolation valve closed | Handle under the boiler sits across the pipe | You |
| Frozen or blocked condensate pipe | Cold weather, gurgling noise, pipe outside is frozen | You (thaw with warm water) |
| Worn or dirty ignition electrode | Clicking with no light, fault gets more frequent | Gas Safe engineer |
| Faulty gas valve | Gas is fine elsewhere, code returns every time | Gas Safe engineer |
| Flue, fan or circuit board fault | Code returns after all other checks | Gas Safe engineer |
Why a frozen condensate pipe causes EA 227
Condensing boilers produce water as they run, which drains out through a plastic condensate pipe. If that pipe runs outside and freezes, the water backs up inside the boiler. This can stop the burner lighting properly, so the boiler cannot detect a flame. It is one of the most common reasons for EA 227 in winter.
Safe checks you can do yourself
Work through these steps in order. Do not remove the boiler casing at any stage.
- Check your other gas appliances. If your hob or gas fire will not light, the problem is with the gas supply, not the boiler.
- Check the gas meter. On a prepayment meter, make sure there is credit. If it ran out, top up and follow the instructions on the meter to restore the supply.
- Check the gas isolation valve. This is on the gas pipe under the boiler. It is open when the handle is in line with the pipe. If someone has turned it across the pipe, turn it back in line.
- Check the condensate pipe in cold weather. If it is frozen, pour warm (not boiling) water along it or hold a hot water bottle against it until it thaws. Our frozen condensate pipe guide shows how.
- Check the power and controls. Make sure the fused spur is on and that the thermostat and timer are calling for heat.
- Reset the boiler. Press or hold the reset button as your manual describes. Try this no more than 2 or 3 times.
If you smell gas, do not reset the boiler. Turn off the gas at the meter if it is safe to do so, open windows and doors, and call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999. Do not use electrical switches or naked flames. The same number applies if you think the gas supply to your street has been cut off.
When to call a Gas Safe engineer
If gas reaches your other appliances, the isolation valve is open, the condensate pipe is clear and EA 227 still returns after 2 or 3 resets, the cause is almost certainly inside the boiler. At this point you need a Gas Safe registered engineer.
An engineer will usually check the gas pressure at the boiler, inspect the ignition and flame sensing electrode, test the gas valve and look at the flue and fan. They may also check the condensate trap inside the boiler, which can block with debris over time. None of these checks are safe for a homeowner to attempt, because they involve working on gas and electrical parts.
If your boiler is still under the Worcester Bosch guarantee, contact the manufacturer before booking an independent engineer, as unauthorised work can affect the cover.
Typical repair costs in the UK
Costs vary by region, the age of the boiler and whether parts are in stock. The figures below are typical ranges, not quotes.
| Repair | Typical cost |
|---|---|
| Engineer call-out and diagnosis | Typically £80 to £150 |
| Ignition or flame sensing electrode replacement | Typically £100 to £180 |
| Gas valve replacement | Typically £250 to £450 |
| Thawing a frozen condensate pipe yourself | Free |
If the fault turns out to be a simple supply problem, you may have no repair bill at all. Where the engineer finds a worn part during a routine visit, it is often cheaper to have it replaced then than to pay a separate call-out later.
How to stop EA 227 coming back
- Have the boiler serviced every year. A service includes cleaning and checking the electrode and burner. See our guide to boiler service costs and what a service includes.
- Protect the condensate pipe. Ask your engineer whether it can be insulated, rerouted indoors or increased in diameter where it runs outside.
- Keep your prepayment meter topped up in winter, when the boiler uses more gas.
- Leave the heating on low during very cold spells, which helps stop the condensate pipe freezing.
- Keep the pressure right. Low pressure causes a different code, CE 207, but a well maintained system is less likely to show any fault.
Make a note of the date and time each time EA 227 appears. If it happens mostly on cold mornings, mention this to your engineer, as it points towards the condensate pipe.