Error HrE

Safety precautions:

- If you smell gas, leave the property immediately, do not operate electrical switches or the boiler, and call the gas emergency number and a Gas Safe engineer.

- Do not attempt internal gas or electrical repairs. If in doubt, switch the boiler off at the isolator and contact a Gas Safe engineer.

- Only perform external, non-invasive checks that do not require removing covers or touching gas/electrical components.

Initial checks a homeowner can do:

1) Record the exact display and any other flashing symbols. Press the spanner/return or information button (if fitted) to view the three-digit cause code if available and note it down. This information is useful for an engineer.

2) Try one controlled reset: follow your manual — press the reset button for about 3 seconds or use the temperature dial reset procedure, then let the boiler attempt a normal start. Do not keep resetting repeatedly if the fault returns.

3) Check boiler pressure on the gauge; ideal pressure is typically around 1 to 1.5 bar when cold. If the pressure is very low (below 0.8 bar), the appliance may fault. Re-pressurise only if you know how to do so safely using the filling loop and the manual instructions.

4) Check external visible items: ensure the gas supply to the property is on (check other gas appliances), check the condensate pipe for freezing or blockage (particularly in cold weather) and clear any visible ice or debris, and ensure the flue outlet is not blocked by debris or nests.

5) Check timers, room thermostat and any external controls or cylinders to make sure they are calling for heat correctly. Turn the thermostat up briefly to force a demand and watch the boiler response.

Specific diagnostic and fix steps (non-invasive):

1) After noting the displayed error and cause code, perform one reset following the manual. If the boiler starts and runs normally, monitor it for repeated faults over the next hours. If it repeats immediately or within a short time, stop further resets and proceed to the next steps.

2) If the cause code or display indicates EA or 'no flame' type errors, do not keep resetting. Check gas supply and condensate pipe as above, then contact a Gas Safe engineer. EA-type errors indicate flame detection or gas issues which must be checked by a qualified engineer.

3) If the display or cause code points to sensors (E2, D1 etc.), fan (C6), pump (A1) or overheat (E9/U codes) these often need professional diagnosis. You can still check simple items like boiler pressure, visible pipework for leaks, and that the condensate trap is not full of water or debris, but do not open the case or disconnect sensors.

4) If the boiler has recently had power cuts or unexplained shutdowns and shows F7 or similar, a full manual power-cycle may help: switch off at the mains isolation, wait 30 seconds, restore power, and try a single reset. If faults persist, call an engineer.

5) If you have an external wireless thermostat or smart control, remove or bypass it (if safe and straightforward to do) to confirm the boiler can run without it. Misconfigured external controls can cause frequent on/off cycles and apparent resets.

When to call a professional and what to tell them:

- Call a Gas Safe registered engineer if the HrE persists after the basic checks, if the boiler displays EA/no-flame warnings, if there is any sign of a gas leak, if the fault relates to internal sensors, fan, pump or PCB, or if you are unsure.

- When you call, give the engineer the boiler model (Worcester Bosch GB162), the exact fault code (HrE / rE), any three-digit cause code shown, what you observed, what you tried (one reset, pressure checks, condensate checks), and when the problem started. This helps rapid diagnosis.

Important final notes:

- Repeatedly pressing reset is not a solution and can mask or worsen an underlying safety issue. If a single reset does not clear the fault, stop and seek a Gas Safe engineer.

- Do not attempt internal repairs, sensor replacements, gas valve work or PCB changes unless you are a qualified Gas Safe engineer. These are gas-safe and electrically qualified tasks.