Baxi Avanta Range

Error E2

Overview

E2 on a Baxi Avanta indicates poor or no water circulation in the central heating loop. The boiler detects that water is not flowing through the system as expected and locks out or throws the fault to protect components and prevent overheating or dry firing. Common immediate causes are air trapped in radiators (airlocks), low system pressure, closed or partially closed valves, a stuck motorised zone valve, a failed or seized pump, or blockages such as sludge or a clogged filter. Severity ranges from low to high depending on the underlying cause. If the fault is due to trapped air or low pressure it is often a simple DIY fix and the code can clear after bleeding radiators, repressurising the system and resetting the boiler. However if the pump, zone valve, heat exchanger or internal components are faulty, or you see repeated pressure loss, strange noises from the pump, or the fault returns after basic steps, this is a professional repair. Never attempt internal electrical or gas work yourself — call a Gas Safe registered engineer for those repairs.

Possible Cause: Poor circulation

Troubleshooting Steps

Safety first:

1) If you smell gas, stop, do not operate electrical switches or the boiler, ventilate the area, leave the property and call the gas emergency number immediately. Do not attempt repairs.

2) Turn off the boiler and allow it to cool before doing any work on radiators to avoid scalding. If you switch the boiler off, allow 10–20 minutes to cool.

3) If you are unsure at any stage, or uncomfortable carrying out checks, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Initial homeowner checks:

1) Look at the boiler pressure gauge. Baxi systems typically work best near 1.0–1.5 bar when cold (manufacturer states between 1 and 3 bar). If pressure is low (below about 1.0 bar), the system may not circulate.

2) Check thermostat and programmer settings to ensure heating demand is present. Replace batteries in room stats if needed.

3) Check radiator thermostatic valves and lockshield valves: ensure they are open (set to mid/high) so water can flow. Check any zone valves are in the correct position.

4) Listen for gurgling, banging or a silent pump. Gurgling suggests air in the system; a silent or noisy pump may indicate pump seizure or failure.

Step-by-step diagnostic and simple fixes you can try:

1) Bleed radiators: with the heating off and system cooled, use a radiator key and a cloth/container to slowly open the bleed valve at the top of each radiator until water (not air) escapes. Work from the lowest to highest radiators, or from ground floor upwards. After bleeding, re-check system pressure.

2) Re-pressurise the system if pressure is low: locate the filling loop (usually a silver flexible hose with a valve) and follow the boiler manual to open the valve(s) slowly until the gauge reaches around 1.0–1.5 bar. Close the filling loop valves securely and re-check the gauge. Do not over-pressurise. If you are unsure how to use the filling loop, stop and call an engineer.

3) Reset the boiler: many Baxi boilers have a reset button (flame symbol or marked "reset"). Press and hold for 5–10 seconds to attempt a restart after you have bled radiators and restored pressure. Do not keep repeatedly resetting if the code returns immediately.

4) Check external components you can access: ensure any magnetic or strainers fitted to system return pipes are not visibly blocked; ensure external flues and vents are not obstructed. Set TRVs to full to confirm they are not preventing flow.

5) Observe the boiler after restart: if radiators gradually warm and no E2 returns, monitor system pressure over 24–48 hours. If pressure holds and heating works normally the issue may be resolved.

When to call a professional:

1) Call a Gas Safe registered engineer if the E2 fault persists after bleeding radiators, repressurising and resetting.

2) Call an engineer if you hear unusual pump noises (grinding, whining), if the pump appears not to run, if there is repeated pressure loss, or if valves or internal components appear faulty.

3) Do not open the boiler casing or attempt repairs to the pump, gas valve, burner, PCB or wiring yourself. Internal diagnostics, pump replacement, motorised valve or PCB work and any gas-related repairs must be carried out by a qualified engineer.

Important reminders:

1) Temporary faults sometimes clear after a reset, but repeated lockouts indicate an underlying fault that needs a professional. 2) Never keep resetting the boiler repeatedly — this can cause further damage. 3) If in doubt or unsafe at any point, contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.