Quick answer: Current Baxi boilers don’t have a fault code that’s just “E1”. If your display shows E1, you’re almost always seeing the start of a three-digit code, such as E133 (ignition or gas supply), E119 (low pressure), E125 (circulation) or E110 (overheating). Find the full code, then follow the guide for that fault. If it’s an ignition code, check your gas supply and condensate pipe and reset once.
Plenty of people search for “Baxi E1” because that’s what they caught on the display before it changed, or because the code was shown with a gap, like “E1 33”. It’s an easy mistake, and it matters, because the fix for a pressure fault is very different from the fix for an ignition fault. If your Baxi is over 8 years old, out of warranty and showing codes regularly, it’s also worth pricing a new gas boiler from Edinburgh engineers before you pay for repeat repairs.
What does E1 mean on a Baxi boiler?
E1 is usually the first part of a longer E1xx fault code. Baxi’s fault tables list codes like E110, E119, E125 and E133, and none of them is a standalone “E1”. On many models the display shows a number such as “133” next to a spanner or reset symbol, or the code is read with a space, as “E1 33”.
If you have an unusual or very old model and the manual lists E1 as its own code, follow the manual. For almost everyone else, the next step is to work out the rest of the code.
Which Baxi codes start with E1?
These are the E1 codes Baxi owners see most often, with what they mean and where to go next.
| Full code | What it means | Can you check it? | Full guide |
|---|---|---|---|
| E110 | Overheat safety thermostat has tripped | Yes: pressure and radiators | Baxi E110 |
| E118 | Water pressure low (below 0.5 bar) | Yes: top up the pressure | Low pressure guide |
| E119 | Low water pressure (older Baxi, Potterton and Main) | Yes: top up the pressure | Baxi E119 |
| E125 | Water isn’t circulating properly | Yes: pressure and air | Baxi E125 |
| E128 | The flame has been lost repeatedly | Yes: gas supply and condensate pipe | Ignition faults (E133) |
| E133 | Gas supply interruption or ignition failure | Yes: gas supply and condensate pipe | Baxi E133 |
| E160 | Fan or fan wiring fault | No, engineer | Baxi E160 |
How do you find the full error code?
Watch the display for a few seconds and note every character it shows. Most boilers repeat the full code, sometimes with a symbol beside it.
- Stand in front of the boiler and watch the display for 10 to 20 seconds.
- Take a photo on your phone, so you have the whole code.
- Look for a spanner symbol, which means an engineer is needed, or an R or reset symbol, which means you can try a reset.
- If you’re still unsure, check the fault code section of your user manual.
How do you fix a Baxi E1 error?
The fix depends on the full code. Here’s what to try for each group.
- Pressure codes (E118, E119): top the pressure up to between 1 and 2 bar using the filling loop.
- Ignition codes (E133, E128): check your hob works, your prepay meter has credit and your condensate pipe isn’t frozen.
- Overheat and circulation codes (E110, E125): let the boiler cool, check the pressure and bleed any cold radiators.
- Fan and electronic codes (E160 and others with a spanner): call a Gas Safe engineer.
Then press the reset button briefly, about 1 second on most current Baxi boilers, once. If the code comes back, book a boiler repair. If you smell gas, don’t reset. Turn the boiler off, open windows and call 0800 111 999.
Can cold weather cause a Baxi E1 fault in Scotland?
Yes. Baxi lists E133 and E128 among the codes a frozen condensate pipe can trigger, and both start with E1. When the plastic pipe outside freezes in a hard frost, waste water backs up and the boiler locks out.
Thaw the pipe with warm water or a hot water bottle, never boiling water, then reset. Our guide to thawing a frozen condensate pipe has step-by-step instructions.
Should you repair or replace a Baxi that keeps showing E1 codes?
If the boiler is under 8 years old or still in warranty, repair it. If it’s older, out of warranty and showing codes every winter, a replacement is usually the more reliable and efficient choice.
Boilers of that age are typically past their manufacturer warranty, so every fault comes out of your pocket, and major parts like pumps, gas valves and circuit boards tend to fail in turn. A new A-rated boiler comes with a fresh warranty, often 7 to 10 years, and uses less gas. Get a free new boiler quote to compare.
Does regular servicing prevent Baxi error codes?
A yearly boiler service prevents many of them. Your engineer checks the electrodes, pump, pressure, expansion vessel and condensate trap, which covers the causes behind most E1 codes.
When should you call an engineer?
Call a Gas Safe engineer if the full code has a spanner symbol, if it returns after one reset, or if you can’t work out what the code is.
Baxi Boiler Repairs Across Edinburgh and Scotland
The Edinburgh Boiler Company repairs, services and replaces Baxi, Potterton and Main boilers across Edinburgh and central Scotland. We carry out boiler repairs in Dalkeith and Musselburgh, boiler servicing in Broxburn, and new boiler installations from Livingston to Stirling. If your Baxi is showing an E1 code, tell us the full code when you get in touch and our Gas Safe engineers will take it from there.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Baxi E1 Error
Is Baxi E1 the same as E133?
Often, yes. “E1 33” is one of the most common ways people read E133, which means the boiler couldn’t light. See our Baxi E133 guide.
Why does my Baxi show E1 and then a number?
Because the full code is longer than the display can show at once, or it’s shown as a number beside a symbol. Put the parts together, for example E1 and 25 makes E125.
Do Potterton and Main boilers show E1 codes too?
Yes. They’re made by the same group as Baxi and share many of the same codes, including E110, E119, E125 and E133.
Is a Baxi E1 code dangerous?
The code itself is the boiler protecting itself. The only urgent situation is a smell of gas, in which case turn the boiler off and call 0800 111 999. For other brands, see our guide to boiler error codes for every major brand.
