Troubleshooting and Fixing a E270 Fault " Circulation fault (dry fire)"
on Your Main Eco Compact Boiler
What is a Circulation fault (dry fire) and what does it do?
A circulation fault occurs when there is insufficient water flow or inadequate circulation within the boiler system. The E270 Fault can potentially lead to the boiler operating without proper water supply, posing a risk of damage. Understanding the causes and the implications of a circulation fault is essential for maintaining optimal boiler performance and preventing costly repairs.
E270 Red Flags!
When dealing with a circulation fault E270 there are several red flags to be aware of. Here are some common indicators that may suggest the presence of a circulation fault:
- Inadequate Heating: If you notice that your home is not heating up as expected or if there are cold spots in certain areas of the property this can be a sign of a circulation fault. Insufficient water flow can hinder the distribution of heat throughout the system.
- Noisy Operation: Unusual noises, such as banging, rattling and gurgling sounds coming from the boiler or radiators, may indicate a circulation fault. These noises are normally because of air pockets in the system, blockages or restricted water flow.
- Fluctuating or High Boiler Pressure: Circulation Faults can lead to uncommon pressure readings on the boiler gauge. You may observe frequent fluctuations or notice it is constantly higher than the recommended range.
- Rapid Cycling or Frequent Shutdowns
- Reduced Hot Water Supply: As this boiler is a combi boiler, and provides hot water for domestic use, a circulation fault may result in reduced hot water supply. You may even experience lower water temperatures.
- Leaks: If you notice water leaks around your boiler, this can be an indication of a circulation fault. Poor circulation can cause pressure imbalances and lead to leaks.
- Heating of radiators: When a circulation fault is occurring this may make the radiators take longer to heat up or even fail to reach their full potential.
- If you observe any of these red flags please call out a qualified engineer and seek professional assistance
While the provided information can be attempted by homeowners, fixing the “Circulation fault (dry fire)” error often requires a qualified gas engineer, specialised knowledge, and tools. Gas-related issues can be potentially dangerous, so it is crucial to prioritise safety. If you are QUALIFIED and confident in your skills and have experience working with heating systems, you can try the troubleshooting steps cautiously. However, if you are unsure or uncomfortable with handling gas-related repairs, it is best to leave it to the professionals to ensure a safe and accurate resolution.
Check out what your allowed to do:
Homeowners – What you can do as a homeowner?
Qualified Gas Engineers – Troubleshooting Tips, And What to Do as a Qualified Gas Engineer?
E270 Troubleshooting Tips:
- Check water pressure
- Inspect for blockages and debris
- Check pump operation
- Examine valves below the boiler
- Examin flow switches
- Bleed air from the system
- Flush the system (If Water is really sludgy and black)
- Check for proper radiator balancing
- Inspect pipework for leaks and damage
- Reset the boiler
- Seek professional help
What can you do as a Homeowner?
Firstly as a homeowner what you can do is:
- Check the water pressure on the pressure gauge to see if the pressure gauge is above 1 bar and between 1-1.5 bar. If it is not then depressurising the boiler
- Bleed the radiators. Check that the radiators have any air in them and if they have bleed them till the water comes out and closes.
- Check the valves on the bottom of the boiler are all open (with the pipe is open across the pipe is closed
- Reset the boiler
- Seek professional assistance if the issue persists
What to do as a Qualified Gas Engineer?
Before taking the casing off the boiler
- Make sure all the valves on the bottom off the boiler are open ( Flow,gas, Cold and Return)
- Check all the radiator valves in the property are open
- Check all the radiators have been bled and the air has been released from the system.
- Look for air vents in the higher parts of the property (Not always there)
- Flush the system if needed. If there are significant blockages or sediment buildup, a system flush may be required. This involves drawing the system down and flushing it clean with water to remove accumulated debris.
- Reset the boiler. After making necessary adjustments and repairs, reset the boiler to clear any error codes and allow it to restart with the corrected settings.
After taking the casing is off the boiler.
- Assess if the Pump in the boiler is getting a live to it, also check that the pump is spinning by taking the screw out of the middle of the pump and having a look to see if the pump is rotating and not jammed or seized with debris. Repair or replace pump if necessary.
- Check NTC Sensors: Check the NTC sensors are working if the sensors are picking up the wrong readings could possibly show that the boiler is not circulating properly because it’s getting a reading at The flow pipe then a completely different reading at the Return pipe. So do an Ohms test for resistance on the thermistors if the readings are not correct.
FAQ's
If your pump is not spinning, it is either a malfunctioning or a worn out impeller. Replace the pump.
Seek Professional Assistance to have a look at the system. Normally it would involve getting a system flush but depending on how bad the system is sometimes it can lead to radiators or parts needing to be replaced. But always get a quote first.
So it technically does release the air but uses a unique feature called an automatic bleed valve. This valve is designed to release trapped air within the pump automatically. Air can accumulate in the pump during operation, which can hinder its efficiency and affect proper circulation.
Yes, the pump can overheat under certain circumstances:
High pressure, Prolonged operation without rest, Malfunctioning motor or a worn-out impeller or even an overworked pump if the system is full of debris.
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