Glow-worm F14 Fault Code: Meaning, Risks, Symptoms, Actions, Costs, Causes, and Prevention

Meaning of the Glow-worm F14 Fault

The Glow-worm F14 fault code indicates an issue with the gas valve control. It can prevent the gas valve from supplying the required gas flow to the burner. It can lead to the boiler burning too hot or for too long. It can also prevent the burner from operating at all. The gas valve controls the flow of gas to the burner, ensuring efficient and safe combustion. When the fault occurs, it results in the boiler shutting down as a safety measure.

How does the gas valve control work?

The gas valve control works by regulating the amount of gas supplied to the burner. This is essential for safe and efficient boiler operation.

Can the F14 fault cause the boiler to shut down?

Yes, the F14 fault typically causes the boiler to shut down as a safety measure to prevent potential hazards.

Is the F14 fault related to electrical issues?

Yes, the F14 fault can be related to electrical issues, such as problems with the wiring harness or PCB that controls the gas valve.

What role does the PCB play in the F14 fault?

The PCB plays a critical role in the F14 fault, as it controls the signals sent to the gas valve. A defective PCB can lead to incorrect valve operation.

Can mechanical wear cause the F14 fault?

Yes, mechanical wear on the gas valve can lead to the F14 fault. Over time, components may degrade and fail to operate correctly.

What should you do if you see the F14 fault code?

If you see the F14 fault code, you should turn off the boiler and contact a Gas-Safe registered engineer for diagnosis and repair.

Symptoms of the Glow-worm F14 Fault

The Glow-worm F14 fault presents several noticeable symptoms. You will see the boiler display the F14 fault code on the control panel. The boiler will typically lock out, preventing it from operating. No heating or hot water will be available. The boiler may attempt to restart but fail to ignite. You might hear unusual noises indicating an issue with the gas valve.

How To Recognise The F14 Fault on Different Types of Glow-worm Boiler

Glow-worm Combi Boilers

On Glow-worm Combi boilers, the F14 fault will display as an error code on the digital screen. The boiler will lock out, and you will notice a lack of heating and hot water. The digital display might also show fluctuating or random numbers before settling on the F14 code.

Glow-worm System Boilers

For Glow-worm System boilers, the F14 fault will similarly display on the digital control panel. The boiler will enter a lockout state, and no hot water or heating will be available. The system may attempt to restart multiple times without success.

Older Non-Digital Boilers

In older, non-digital Glow-worm boilers, the F14 fault manifests differently. You will not see a digital error code. Instead, you may notice the boiler shutting down unexpectedly. There will be no heating or hot water, and the boiler might emit unusual sounds, indicating a problem with the gas valve control.

Now let’s look at how much it will cost to repair.

Cost to Repair F14 Fault on Glow-worm Boilers

The cost to repair the F14 fault on Glow-worm boilers will vary from around £250 to £600. The sum varies depending upon the specific issue and the parts needed to fix. The typical repair involves replacement of the gas valve control.

How Much is a New Gas Valve for a Glow-worm Boiler?

The gas valve component itself cost varies between different models of boiler. The cheapest will be around £140, with most likely to be between £190 and £300. Labour costs for a Gas Safe engineer to replace the gas valve will range from £100 to £200. Labour costs a little more in some areas and the fix time may be longer if the problem is more complex.

What's the Cost to Fix Other Issues?

It’s quite possible that other issues may be revealed at the same time. Common problems with the F14 fault are wiring issues and PCB (Printed Circuit Board) faults. The cost to repair the boiler will depend upon the exact faults found. Replacing a PCB can add another £150 to £300 to the total bill.

It’s possible for the total repair cost to be as high as £600.

Total Costs

From the above numbers, you will see that the total repair cost, including gas valve replacement, will be at least £300. This includes parts and labour. Your boiler engineer can give you a detailed quote.

Always obtain a detailed quote from a qualified heating engineer. This helps ensure accurate pricing for your specific situation.

Now let’s look at safe actions to take if your Glow-worm boiler shows the F14 fault.

What to Do When Your Glow-Worm Boiler Shows the F14 Fault

When your Glow-worm boiler displays the F14 fault code, take immediate action. Turn off the boiler using the control panel. This stops any ongoing processes and prevents potential damage. Next, turn off the mains gas supply to ensure safety. This is a sensible belt-and-braces precaution in case there is damage to your boiler. It also gives you peace of mind that there won’t be a serious risk of gas leaks or related hazards.

Finally, get in touch with a Gas Safe registered engineer. You can find one via the Gas Safe Register website. Or you can start a chat with us here on this website and we’ll organise an engineer for you.

Safety Disclaimer

Always follow the instructions in your boiler’s manual. Only perform tasks outlined there. For any further work, contact a Gas-Safe registered engineer. Do not attempt complex repairs yourself.

How to turn off the boiler safely?

To turn off your boiler safely, use the control panel. Locate the power switch and turn it off. This action stops all boiler functions.

Should I shut off the gas supply?

Yes, you should shut off the mains gas supply. Find the gas shut-off valve, usually near the meter, and turn it off. This is a sensible safeguard.

How to check for gas or water leaks?

After turning off the gas supply, check for any unusual smells or hissing sounds. For water leaks, look for puddles or damp areas around the boiler. If you detect a leak, let the boiler engineer know about it.

Should I attempt to reset the F14 fault on a Glow-worm boiler?

No, the boiler cannot be safely reset. The valve that controls gas flow is faulty. The boiler may run dangerously hot, or may have other problems. You do not want to risk further damage or to put your household at risk. Do not try to reset the boiler. This fault needs professional attention.

The 4 Major Causes of the F14 Fault

The F14 fault on Glow-worm boilers has four main causes: gas valve failure, wiring issues, PCB faults, and mechanical wear. Read through while you wait for your professional help to arrive.

1. Gas Valve Failure

Gas valve failure is a primary cause of the F14 fault. The gas valve regulates the flow of gas to the burner. When it fails, the boiler cannot maintain proper combustion. This failure can be due to electrical issues in the valve, like short circuits. Or it can be due to mechanical problems that prevent it from opening or closing properly.

2. Wiring Issues

Wiring issues are another common cause of the F14 fault. Faulty or loose wiring connections can interrupt the PCB’s control of the gas valve. These issues often stem from wear and tear over time, or vibrations that loosen connections. Heat damage is another occasional issue when a boiler is not well ventilated. Annual inspections as part of a service plan can help identify and fix problems before they lead to a fault.

3. PCB Faults

When the PCB malfunctions, it may lose control of the gas valve. The PCB (Printed Circuit Board) is the boiler’s brain and it the gas valve. A malfunctioning PCB can send incorrect signals to the gas valve and cause problems. PCB faults can arise from electrical surges, water damage, or general component failure over time.

4. Mechanical Wear

Mechanical wear is a gradual cause of the F14 fault. Over time, moving parts within the gas valve and other components wear down. This wear can lead to malfunctioning parts that fail to regulate gas flow correctly.

The next section will describe preventative measures to avoid the F14 fault in more detail.

Preventing Future F14 Faults

To prevent future F14 faults, schedule annual boiler maintenance. This regular check-up helps identify and fix potential issues early. A visual inspection can find issues before they become problems with the gas valve, wiring, and PCB. Consider a boiler service contract, which includes annual maintenance and emergency repair services. Regular maintenance reduces the risk of faults and extends the boiler’s lifespan.

It’s also wise to pay attention to your boiler for unusual noises or performance issues. When you notice anything unusual, the boiler contract is a very cost-effective solution.

Disclaimer

Follow the instructions in the operating manual for your boiler. Any work beyond this requires attention from a professional boiler engineer. You should only use a Gas-Safe registered engineer. This ensures safety and compliance with regulations. Attempting complex repairs yourself can be dangerous and cause dangerous conditions. It will also void your boiler’s warranty. If in doubt, call someone out!