Maintenance and repair of Buderus gas boilers: methods of dealing with typical breakdowns
The popularity of the Buderus technique is well founded.The boilers cope 100% with their assigned tasks, work within the allotted time period, and use fuel economically. But even the most reliable units sometimes fail for various reasons: due to wear of parts, poor-quality coolant, or the fault of users.
We will tell you how to service and repair Buderus gas boilers. We'll tell you which nodes fail more often. Let's look at in what cases you can repair the unit yourself, and in what cases you need to call a specialist from the gas service.
In the article we have proposed, you will find a decoding of the codes laid down by the manufacturer for the prompt detection of irregularities in operation. We describe ways to solve problems. Our recommendations for operating equipment will extend the service life of boilers and reduce the number of calls to repairmen.
The content of the article:
Gas boilers "Buderus"
Natural gas remains the cheapest fuel, so the popularity of gas boilers is only growing. Single-circuit gas units are used for heating. Double-circuit floor or wall models easily cope with two functions necessary for comfortable living in a private home: heating and hot water heating.
The production of gas household and industrial appliances of the Buderus brand is carried out by the well-known company Bosch Thermotechnik GmbH.In addition to gas units, electric, solid fuel and diesel boilers are manufactured.
Boilers are varied in design and installation method; they are single- and double-circuit, with an open or closed combustion chamber.
Current gas-powered models can be divided into 4 groups:
- wall condensation;
- wall traditional;
- floor condensation;
- floor cast iron atmospheric.
The choice of model according to the placement method depends on the power of the unit. In apartments of the old housing stock, up to five storeys, and in small country houses, they use wall mounted units. Large private buildings, commercial enterprises, production workshops are equipped by installing floor options.
The design features are not fundamental, but they still exist, but the faults are usually the same, as are the methods for eliminating them.
For good operation of a gas boiler, everything is important: correct installation of the unit and chimney, regular maintenance, compliance with operating rules, timely cleaning and replacement of parts, high-quality fuel.
If at least one item no longer meets the requirements, breakdowns are possible. The most common of them:
Often, operational difficulties arise simply due to carelessness, when the user forgets to turn on the gas tap or connect the electricity. Read more about breakdowns and how to fix them below.
Common faults and repair tips
A malfunction is considered typical if it can occur in a boiler of any modification - these are problems with the burner, combustion chamber, fuel supply, security system, electronics, sensors, etc.
Some problems can be solved simply by cleaning, tightening contacts or reinstalling a part; you can fix them yourself. If repairs require more serious repairs, we recommend contacting a service center.
Burner does not turn on after maintenance
Often, after repair work, the boiler does not want to turn on, ignition does not occur, and no errors are indicated on the display.
It's all about the emergency thermostat.We'll tell you how to repair and turn on a Buderus gas boiler after a forced shutdown.
If after pressing nothing has changed, you need to change the overheating sensor - preferably at a service center, with a guarantee for the work performed.
There are other possible reasons for equipment downtime.
What can be done:
- turn on the start and emergency switches;
- check the operation of the circuit breakers; if faulty, replace them;
- check whether the combustion product control system is functioning correctly; after it is blocked, restart it and wait 15 minutes.
Modern devices have a reset button. It is always recommended to use it when various types of malfunctions occur.
Many units do not require intervention and restart on their own. When performing repeated idle autostarts, the equipment must be shown to service workshop workers.
No spark or flame when igniting
If the startup process occurs in operating mode, but the flame does not appear due to the lack of a spark, you need to disconnect the ignition cable, turn it on again and listen.
The absence of a sound, a kind of click, indicates a breakdown of the ignition transformer, which needs to be replaced. If there is sound, but the spark does not fly out, replace the pilot burner or electrode.
Perhaps the reason is simple - they simply forgot to turn off the gas tap. Open the valve and try starting again.
Air pockets can also prevent ignition. It is recommended to bleed the radiators and system through Mayevsky cranes, inspect the automatic air vent device, then try to light the burner again.
Problems with ionization current
The unit will not work if L and N are accidentally mixed up during connection, or if voltage is established between PE and L. It is recommended to reconnect the wires and check the grounding; if necessary, install an isolation transformer.
Due to damage, a short to ground may occur; the damage to the ionization electrode must be repaired. If the ionization current does not reach 1.5 mA, cleaning is required - remove contamination from the ceramic part or core of the ionization electrode. The pilot burner may need to be replaced.
Extraneous noise in the unit
If you can clearly hear the sound of boiling, you must thoroughly clean all components and parts in contact with the coolant. Usually, with regular cleaning, which is done once a year, this problem does not occur.
What should be done:
- remove the unit lining;
- dismantle the heat exchanger;
- clean all elements from scale with a special means;
- install the part in place.
In order to reduce the amount of sediment to a minimum, we recommend installing filters that reduce the concentration of salts in the water.
If water noise is heard during heating that lasts longer than programmed, you should check the settings. Perhaps the problem is that the pump is not working properly - you need to check how the turbine functions and adjust the rotation speed.
Error codes and instructions for eliminating them
Modern gas boilers are able to inform the user about a malfunction, and fix some breakdowns independently by stopping and restarting.
Error codes are alphanumeric characters that indicate the type of fault. Among them there are simple ones that require a reboot or cleaning, but there are also complex ones that require diagnostics of all components of the unit. Let's look at the most significant and frequently occurring errors.
0Y – temperature increase above operating settings (at a norm of +95°C). If the boiler does not turn off automatically, turn it off manually, check the serviceability of the sensors and the settings.
You should also check the pump and connect it to the main regulator. Adjust the pump power.
2P – sharp increase in DHW temperature. Check that the pressure corresponds to the operating parameters, check the operation of the pump, and make repairs if necessary.
H11 – problems with the hot water sensor. Check the functionality of the temperature sensor, as well as the contacts of the connecting wires. Replace faulty parts.
3A – the fan does not start. Check contacts and wire connections. If the unit is faulty, replace it.
3U – fan speed is too high. Check the operation of the smoke exhaust duct and clean it if necessary.
4C – heat exchanger overheating. Carefully inspect the cable and sensors, bleed air from the system, check the pressure in the network. If everything is normal, the problem is in the radiator water unit or pump; disassembly and repair are required.
6A – no ignition, no flame. Unscrew the gas valve to the maximum, check the pressure.
It is also recommended to diagnose the flow switch, check and, if necessary, clean the electrode contacts, remove deposits from the burners with a brush, and if the burner malfunctions, install a new unit.
6C – the system detects a flame when the boiler is turned off and the gas is turned off. You should check whether the chimney is working and whether the contacts are oxidized. Perhaps, due to condensation, moisture has appeared on the board, which needs to be dried, and at the same time check the cleanliness of the condensation siphon.
9L – malfunction of the gas fittings. A thorough check of fittings and wiring, repair and replacement is required.
After replacing some components - for example, a fan or pump - the unit must be put into operating mode. After repairing a Buderus gas boiler yourself, it is not always possible to get it to work correctly due to “off” settings. We advise you to call a technician who will check the correct connection and reconfigure the unit.
Recommendations for boiler maintenance
In addition to proper operation, gas equipment must be regularly maintained. According to our current rules, the rights and obligations to carry out technical inspections and repairs are transferred to the organization with which contract signed for the supply of blue minerals, installation and connection of the boiler.
When servicing yourself, you must follow the manufacturer's recommendations.
What can you do with your own hands, without involving gas workers?
- Carry out thermal disinfection - flushing the hot water system at maximum temperature.
- Clean the lining regularly - wipe with a damp cloth, without using abrasive detergents.
- Check the operating pressure in the network using a pressure gauge (the norm is from 1 to 2 bar).
- If necessary, add water to the heating circuit.
- Remove air from the unit if the water is heated unevenly.
- Check the combustion product exhaust system, and if corroded parts are found, replace them.
You can also clean the internal components yourself. But before disassembling the boiler, make sure that the gas valve is closed and the voltage is turned off.
Usually, such malfunctions of Buderus gas boilers as “sticking” of the sensor or a clogged chimney can be dealt with independently.
Conclusions and useful video on the topic
Boiler maintenance - disassembly sequence and inspection:
Removing and cleaning parts of the wall model:
Universal option for flushing the heat exchanger:
Buderus gas boilers, due to their power, efficient operation and maintainability, are ideal for equipping heating systems in private homes. But they, like any other serious equipment, require regular maintenance.
You can independently understand the design, characteristics and functions of the boiler, learn how to clean the heat exchanger and change spare parts, or you can enter into an agreement with a service organization. The main thing is that the unit is in good working order and safe, copes with its task and does not pose a threat to the residents of the house.
Please leave comments in the feedback block below. Share your own experience in servicing gas boilers. It is possible that your advice will be useful to the readers of our site.
