Glow-Worm Boiler F14 Fault Code
The Glow-Worm fault code F14 relates to a problem with the gas valve and electronics that control its operation and here we have Q & A or require an engineer for an emergency boiler repair.
The Glow-Worm Boiler Fault Code F14 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the F14 fault code on the Glow-Worm Boiler.
- What does the F14 fault code mean on my Glow-Worm boiler?
- Is my boiler dangerous, if the gas valve is defective?
- What does the gas valve on my boiler do?
- How will my Gas Safe engineer figure out what the problem is with my boiler?
- How do electrical faults develop in boilers?
- How do vibrations lead to electrical faults?
- How does water damage cause electrical faults?
- If my gas valve needs replacing, how much is it likely to cost?
- What other problems can occur with gas valves?
- How will my boiler engineer know if I need a new boiler?
What does the F14 fault code mean on my Glow-Worm boiler
If you’re having problems with your Glow-Worm boiler, they’ll be a fault code displayed on the control panel (F14 in this case). This helps your boiler engineer to determine the most likely cause of the fault.
The F14 fault code relates to a problem with the gas valve and electronics that control its operation. But, faults on boilers an be extremely complex. So, your boiler engineer is going to need to check everything that communicates with the gas valve, and every part of its operation.
Is my boiler dangerous, if the gas valve is defective
Your boiler should lock out after showing the F14 fault code. In its locked-out state, boilers are rarely dangerous. However, if you’re in doubt, can smell gas, or your boiler hasn’t locked out, you should turn off the appliance, and turn off the mains gas.
After doing this, contact a Gas Safe boiler repair company. It’s only Gas Safe accredited engineers that can legally work on gas appliances, such as boilers.
What does the gas valve on my boiler do
The gas valve controls the supply of fuel to the burner. So, when you turn on your heating thermostat for instance, the gas valve opens slightly, allowing more gas into the burner, so the heat exchanger can transfer heat to water quickly.
And vice-versa, when you turn down the thermostat, your boiler monitors the flow temperature (water leaving the boiler after it’s been heated), and tells the gas valve to close slightly, when necessary.
How will my Gas Safe engineer figure out what the problem is with my boiler
The first thing for your boiler engineer to do, is to check that the wiring harness is in good condition. The wiring harness connects the gas valve to the printed circuit board (PCB). It’s the PCB that gives and receives signals from all electronic components; it’s the heart of any boiler.
The wiring harness needs to be checked for loose and damaged connections, as well as damaged wiring. If any of these faults are present, they’ll need to be rectified, for the PCB to effectively communicate with the gas valve.
Next, they’ll want to test that the gas valve isn’t completely faulty. Using a multi-meter, they’ll be able to check that the gas valve is producing power, rather than a short circuit.
How do electrical faults develop in boilers
On many occasions, the root cause of the problem is simple; old-age.
But, there are two main catalysts that can cause a whole host of problems with boilers; vibrations and water damage.
How do vibrations lead to electrical faults
Vibrations, over time, can cause damage to wiring, and loose connections. That’s enough to stop the efficient communication that electrical components need.
Boilers do naturally vibrate, but sometimes, a fault could be causing excessive vibrations. And, one way to tell if this is the case, is to monitor your boiler’s noise. If your boiler has been getting noisier over recent weeks or months, there’s a chance this is connected to the F14 fault code being displayed.
Mention this to your heating engineer. They’ll then check the pump and fan; the two parts most likely to be at fault.
When these parts wear (especially the bearings), they’re going to vibrate more than usual, and be extremely noisy. Your engineer needs to make sure they find and fix the problem causing vibrations, before fixing the electrical fault with the gas valve. If they don’t, the problem is going to happen again.
How does water damage cause electrical faults
Water damage is a killer, when it comes to boilers. Typically, we find that water damage is most likely to stem from leaks from parts such as the heat exchanger and the pump.
In the case of the heat exchanger, this is usually due to limescale build-up causing a hot spot, eventually resulting in a crack.
And, on the pump, we find that the problem is usually due to the pump being set on a speed setting that’s too high, or heating sludge. Both cause a build-up in pressure. Eventually, this pressure is too much for old and worn seals, and the seals start leaking.
Both leaks result in moisture build-up in the boiler, which starts to eat away at all electronic components.
So, it’s likely that if the gas valve has been subject to water damage, other parts might have been affected too.
Like boiler vibrations, the problem needs to be fixed, alongside the electrical fault causing the F14 code to be displayed on your boiler.
If my gas valve needs replacing, how much is it likely to cost
After assessing the gas valve, if a replacement is needed, you should expect to pay somewhere in the region of £300. This price isn’t fixed, as the cost for a gas valve can vary by as much as £100 (parts only). And, the complexity of the installation can also vary. The longer it takes, the more it’s going to cost in labour.
What other problems can occur with gas valves
Another common problem that might be contributing to the gas valve fault, alongside an electrical fault, is a mechanical fault.
Gas valves, like all moving components in a boiler, can wear over time. The gas valve relies on the fact that it can open and close smoothly. But over time, it’s ability to open and close can be compromised by general wear and tear.
That means that even though the wiring harness is in good condition, and the gas valve is receiving the correct signals from the PCB, it’s not able to execute the commands that the PCB is giving.
A typical example would be a gas valve that is getting stuck partially. This could be partially open (letting-by gas, when the valve should be closed), or partially closed (not allowing enough gas into the burner, when it should be completely open).
On some occasions, your boiler engineer will be able to fix the gas valve, rather than you having to fork out around £300 for a replacement.
Your engineer will need to free the valve, ensuring that its operation is smooth. As a gas valve that’s sticking could be potentially dangerous, they’ll need to be 100% confident that it’s not going to stick again, before refitting it. If they’re not, they’re going to suggest a replacement.
How will my boiler engineer know if I need a new boiler
Before spending 100s on repairs, it makes sense to get a general health check on your boiler. This is especially important if your boiler has been exposed to leaks.
Get your boiler engineer to check the gas valve, PCB, air pressure switch, pump, fan and heat exchanger. Each of these components cost hundreds to replace. So, if more than one of these components are going to need replacing soon, it might make more sense to install a new boiler, that comes with a long warranty.
Other Glow Worm boiler issues
For more boiler issues regarding the Glow Worm then please visit the Glow Worm Boiler Problems And Cures page.