Intergas Boiler Fault Code 11
The Intergas fault code 11 relates to the circulation or the S1 sensor and here we have Q & A. We could also offer you a service by you clicking on our emergency boiler repair booking.
The Intergas Boiler Fault Code 11 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the fault code 4 on the Intergas Boiler.
- What does fault code 11 mean on Intergas boilers?
- If fault code 11 is showing on the display panel, can I fix the problem myself?
- How will my boiler engineer be able to determine which part is the problem?
- What is the S1 sensor on my Intergas boiler?
- If I need a new sensor on my Intergas boiler, should I replace it, or my whole boiler?
- Could the heat exchanger be the problem, rather than the sensor?
- What can cause a heat exchanger blockage?
- If I have limescale on my heat exchanger, will it need to be replaced?
- How can we stop limescale building up in the future?
- My boiler engineer is suggesting a replacement heat exchanger, is this the most cost effective option?
What does fault code 11 mean on Intergas boilers
On Intergas boilers, fault code 11 means that either the:
- S1 sensor is faulty
- Boiler has a circulation fault
To fix the problem, your boiler repair company needs to determine which of the above is the problem, which will lead to the fix being one of the below:
- Check for wiring and connection issues
- Replacing the S1 sensor
- Check for circulation issues
If fault code 11 is showing on the display panel, can I fix the problem myself
There are a few fault codes that can be fixed on a DIY basis, but this certainly isn’t one of them. After assessing the boiler to determine the exact problem, it’s going to need to be taken apart. And, the only people that should be taking apart gas boilers, are Gas Safe engineers.
You shouldn’t try resetting your boiler to fix the issue. The reset function shouldn’t be used until the problem has been found and fixed by a professional.
The reason your boiler locks out in the first place, is to protect internal boiler components from further damage, as well as isolating the boiler from danger. By resetting your boiler before the issue is fixed, even if your boiler only runs for a few minutes before locking out again, it could lead to expensive damage, or a dangerous appliance.
How will my boiler engineer be able to determine which part is the problem
Your boiler repair company will need to assess the S1 sensor, as well as all electrical connections and wires. They can begin by checking these visually, and then test each aspect of your boiler using a multi-meter.
It’s most likely that it’s the S1 sensor that’s causing the problem. And, although there may be the option of a repair, it’s most likely that a replacement is the most cost-effective option long-term.
What is the S1 sensor on my Intergas boiler
The S1 sensor is essentially, a temperature sensor on the heat exchanger. It’s the heat exchanger that converts the heat from the burner’s flame, to water that travels around the heating system.
To be at the right temperature, it needs to give and receive signals from the printed circuit board. When you turn up your thermostat, the PCB wants to see a rise in the flow temperature from the heat exchanger. And, it’s the S1 sensor that monitors this temperature.
If there’s a problem with the sensor, or a problem with the temperature reading, the boiler is going to lock out until the problem is fixed.
If I need a new sensor on my Intergas boiler, should I replace it, or my whole boiler
Assuming the sensor is the only issue here, it makes sense to replace the sensor, rather than the whole boiler. Some boiler repairs can run into the hundreds. For example, replacing the heat exchanger might cost in the region of £450.
However, given a new sensor on your Intergas boiler is likely to cost around £50 (parts only), the cost effective option is to replace it.
Could the heat exchanger be the problem, rather than the sensor
It’s the job of the PCB to monitor all sensors, notice when something’s wrong, then lockout the boiler and display a relevant fault code. However, even though the 11 fault code suggests that the sensor is to blame, we sometimes find that’s it’s a circulation problem.
And, the most likely circulation problem that connects to this fault code, is a blocked heat exchanger.
What can cause a heat exchanger blockage
A common blockage we find in heat exchangers, is limescale build-up. This is typical for homeowners living in hard water areas. The minerals in water can settle on the boiler’s internal components, much like they would in a dishwasher.
The problem is, even before a blockage occurs, the small but gradual build-up of limescale is going to hugely impact the overall efficiency of the boiler.
If I have limescale on my heat exchanger, will it need to be replaced
On some occasions, limescale can be removed from the heat exchanger; this will have to be done manually.
After removing all limescale from the heat exchanger, your boiler repair company will want to flush the system. This won’t just help to get rid of any limescale circulating in the system, it’s also going to remove heating sludge, which is another killer of modern boilers.
How can we stop limescale building up in the future
Prevention is always better than cure. So, after removing limescale from the heat exchanger and heating system, your boiler repair company needs to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
They can do this by dosing the system with a combination of inhibitor and limescale reducing chemicals. This breaks down any limescale and heating sludge in the heating system.
But, that limescale and sludge then needs to be extracted from the heating system, to ensure it doesn’t block up important components like the heat exchanger.
For this job, you’ll need your heating company to fit filters. A limescale reducer will help to catch any limescale, whereas a magnetic system filter will catch any heating sludge.
My boiler engineer is suggesting a replacement heat exchanger, is this the most cost effective option
As we’ve already mentioned, a heat exchanger replacement could be £450 upwards. And, that’s a lot of money to spend on an old boiler, considering new ones can usually be installed from as little a £1,800.
It’s wise to get your boiler engineer to check the overall condition of boiler parts. The most important parts include the gas valve, pump, fan and PCB. If these parts are in good condition, a new heat exchanger is likely to be your best option. If not, a replacement boiler with a long warranty is likely to be the most cost effective solution long-term.
Other Intergas boiler issues
For more boiler issues regarding the Intergas boiler then please visit the Intergas Boiler Problems And Cures page.