The 6 most common faults
Your boiler has failed to light the flame needed to provide heating or hot water, and it has now locked itself out for safety.
Why it happens: This fault occurs when the temperature sensor inside your hot water storage tank detects that the water has dropped to a near-freezing level. To protect the internal components from being damaged by expanding ice, the boiler temporarily pauses operation until the water temperature rises to a safe level. This is typically caused by extremely cold incoming mains water or a storage tank located in an unheated area like a garage or loft.
Full guide for F1Your boiler has detected that it is running too hot and has automatically shut down to prevent damage to its internal parts.
Full guide for F.2Your boiler has detected an issue with the internal fan that pushes exhaust gases out of your home, so it has safely shut down to prevent unsafe operation.
Full guide for F.3Your boiler is successfully igniting but is unable to keep the flame burning, causing it to shut down shortly after starting.
Full guide for F.4Your boiler has lost the electrical connection to a sensor that measures the temperature of the water returning to it, so it has shut down as a precaution.
Full guide for F.10Your boiler's computer memory has encountered an internal error and can no longer process instructions correctly, meaning the unit will not start.
Full guide for F.13on the Glow-worm Ultracom 2 SXI
Based on parts cited in our fault code database. Your engineer will confirm what's actually needed after diagnosis.
Call a Gas Safe engineer if…
- You can smell gas or see signs of a leak
- The Glow-worm shows an Emergency or High severity code
- The boiler keeps locking out after repeated resets
- You've tried the DIY checks and the fault hasn't cleared
- There's visible water leaking from the boiler
- The flame is yellow or orange instead of blue
Avoid the next call-out bill
Monthly cover means no unexpected bills when your boiler breaks down.
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