Glow-worm F13 Fault: Meaning & Repair Cost, Symptoms, Actions, Causes and Prevention
The Glow-worm F13 fault code is a problem with your boiler’s main printed circuit board (PCB). It causes the boiler to lock out, so that it won’t provide hot water or heating. The fault is not usually dangerous. It needs fixing because your heating will not work with the F13 fault. The main causes of this fault are problems with the PCB, wiring, connections, or poor installation.
Always use a Gas-Safe engineer for diagnosis and repair.
What’s Wrong When Your Boiler Shows the F13 Fault – What Does it Mean?
The Glow-worm F13 fault code means that there is a fault with a sensor, wiring harness, a loose connection or that the PCB itself is faulty. The PCB shuts down the boiler when it detects the F13 fault to prevent further damage and for your safety.
How Dangerous is the F13 Fault Code? Is it Serious?
The F13 fault code is not normally dangerous, but it’s serious enough to stop your boiler from working. Ignoring the F13 code could lead to further damage or potential safety hazards. You’ll need to get it fixed to get your heating and hot water working again.
Can You Fix the F13 Fault Yourself?
No, you cannot fix the F13 fault yourself, but you may try resetting your boiler to get it running while you wait for an engineer. You’ll need a qualified Gas-Safe engineer to diagnose the issue and repair your boiler. It’s not safe to work on gas appliances without the right training and qualifications.
Cost to Repair F13 Fault on Glow-worm Boilers
The cost to repair the F13 fault on a Glow-worm boiler can vary from around £150 to £500 or more. If the boiler is an older model and it’s an expensive fix, the engineer may suggest that you replace it instead.
The F13 fault requires time for diagnostics and it’s likely that one or more replacement parts will be needed. If the PCB itself needs to be replaced, the cost will be towards the higher end of the range. These costs include both parts and the labour.
Symptoms of the Glow-worm F13 Fault
When the Glow-worm F13 fault occurs, the boiler will lock out. Modern boilers will display the F13 error code on the control panel. Your heating and hot water will not work.
How to Recognise the F13 Fault on Different Types of Glow-worm Boiler
Glow-worm Combi Boilers: the F13 fault is usually displayed on the digital control panel. The display might also show warnings about the system being in lockout mode. There will be no hot water and heating.
Glow-worm System Boilers: the F13 fault will also show up on the digital display if available. The system will shut down, displaying the F13 error code. Water and heating will stop working.
Older Non-Digital Boilers: the F13 fault is less obvious. These boilers do not have a digital display to show error codes. The symptoms will be similar: no hot water, no heating, and potential drops in water pressure.
What to Do When Your Glow-Worm Boiler Shows the F13 Fault
When your Glow-worm boiler displays the F13 fault code, turn off the boiler to prevent damage. Use the power switch on the control panel to shut it down safely.
Do not attempt any repairs yourself for gas appliances. Contact a Gas-Safe engineer to diagnose and fix it.
How to Turn Off My Glow-worm Boiler?
Consult the operating manual, as there are a lot of different boilers in the Glow-worm range. In general, to turn off your Glow-worm boiler, locate the power switch on the control panel. Switch it to the off position.
Should I Shut Off the Gas Supply?
If you suspect a gas leak or smell gas, shut off the gas supply immediately. Turn the gas valve to the off position. Contact a Gas-Safe engineer to inspect your boiler and the gas connections.
Where Can I Find a Gas-Safe Engineer?
You can find a Gas-Safe engineer through the official Gas Safe Register website. Enter your postcode to find qualified engineers in your area. Always check their credentials before hiring.
The 4 Major Causes of the F13 Fault
The 4 main causes of the F13 fault are wiring problems, faulty PCB, poor installation, and environmental factors like heat and moisture.
1. Loose or Damaged Wiring
Loose or damaged wiring is a frequent cause of the F13 fault. Over time, vibrations within the boiler can cause wires to loosen. This can disrupt the connection between the PCB and other components. Damaged wiring, often due to heat exposure, can also prevent the PCB from functioning correctly. Regular inspection can help identify and fix these issues before they cause a fault.
2. Faulty PCB
A faulty PCB can result from wear and tear as the boiler ages, moisture damage, or manufacturing defects. Components can degrade with age and use. Moisture from condensation or leaks can lead to short-circuits and other damage. There may also be dry-joints on the PCB that lead to intermittent F13 problems.
3. Improper Installation
Improper installation of the boiler or PCB can lead to the F13 fault. Incorrect installation of the boiler chip card can also cause this fault.
4. Environmental Factors
Environmental factors such as heat and moisture can cause problems for the boiler’s electronics. Excessive heat can cause the insulation around wires to melt. Electrical connections can become weaker through repeated heating and cooling cycles. Moisture can lead to corrosion or short circuits in the PCB. Protecting the boiler from extreme temperatures and humidity can help maintain its functionality.
Preventing Future F13 Faults
We recommend annual boiler servicing to help prevent future F13 faults. A professional service inspects and cleans your boiler to keep it running as designed.
Disclaimer
A Gas-Safe registered engineer should do any work not described in the user manual. This ensures safety and compliance with regulations. DIY repairs can be dangerous and may void your warranty. Always get professional help for boiler repairs and installations.