Intergas Boiler Fault Code 1
The Intergas fault code 1 relates to the temperature too high 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 1 Error Common Q & A
Just below, we have a list of common questions relating to the fault code 1 on the Intergas Boiler.
- What does fault code 1 mean on my Intergas boiler?
- To fix the problem, how do I reset my boiler?
- What are the main causes of the fault code 1 being displayed on Intergas boilers?
- What are airlocks?
- How can I remove airlocks from my central heating system?
- How can I bleed the pump to remove air?
- If there’s a problem with the pump, how will my boiler engineer know?
- How do pump blockages occur?
- If the pump can’t be fixed, how much is a new one going to cost?
- What does it mean if my radiators are “closed”?
- If my boiler’s pump is on the wrong setting, what’s going to happen?
What does fault code 1 mean on my Intergas boiler
When it receives signals from sensors to say the boiler isn’t working within tolerances, it’s going to lockout; the boiler will no longer work.
The reason it’s locked out after fault code 1 has been displayed on the control panel, is because the boiler’s temperature is too high.
To fix the problem, how do I reset my boiler
Conent
Resetting your boiler won’t fix the problem. The reset function is to be used when the problem has been fixed, so the boiler can sync again with internal components.
If you were to reset your boiler and trick it into working for just a few minutes, it could cause further damage to internal components.
For that reason, call an emergency plumbing company. They’ll have Gas Safe boiler repair engineers that will be able to find and fix the problem.
Once fixed, they’ll be able to reset your boiler, which will clear the 1 fault code and get your boiler working again.
What are the main causes of the fault code 1 being displayed on Intergas boilers
The 1 fault code on Intergas boilers isn’t as straight forward as most. And, that’s because it could be one of any number of faults on your boiler.
Your boiler repair company will need to check that:
- The central heating system is free from airlocks
- The pump is running, and is free from airlocks
- Radiators aren’t closed, and the pump is on the right setting, both of which could reduce the flow.
What are airlocks
Airlocks are pockets of air that can get trapped in your heating system. They act in a similar way to blockages, and that means they reduce the circulation of water. Typically, you’ll have major airlocks if you’ve recently drained and refilled your heating system, or if you’re regularly topping up your boiler.
Large airlocks that reduce circulation, are going to have a direct impact on your boiler’s temperature and need to be removed.
How can I remove airlocks from my central heating system
You can bleed air from radiators and towel rails, ridding your central heating system of air, and allowing water to circulate freely.
For this, you’ll need a radiator bleed key, towels to protect walls and floors, and a container to catch water.
On each radiator, they’ll be a small bleed valve that the key fits onto. Open this slowly, and you’ll hear a hissing noise. Once the hissing stops, water will start coming from the bleed valve, that’s a signal that all air has been bled from that radiator or towel rail; close the valve.
You’ll need to repeat this for every single radiator and towel rail in your property.
Ideally, you’ll have someone topping up the boiler’s pressure as you go along, keeping it just above 1 bar. This makes the bleed process quicker, but it also ensures that there’s minimal if any air in the system, once you’re finished.
After bleeding all the radiators and towel rails, a boiler engineer will be able to reset your boiler which will clear the 1 fault from your appliance.
How can I bleed the pump to remove air
Whilst bleeding radiators and towel rails is something you can do on a DIY basis, bleeding the pump isn’t.
To get to the pump, you’ll need to remove the boiler’s casing. That’s classed as working on a gas appliance and the only people qualified to do that, are Gas Safe engineers.
Call a Gas Safe boiler repair company to remove the airlock from the pump. Combined with bleeding the radiators and towel rails and a boiler reset, the 1 fault code should be cleared from the display panel of your Intergas boiler.
If there’s a problem with the pump, how will my boiler engineer know
After bleeding the pump of air and resetting your boiler, your repair company will be able to test the pump’s operation. These components come under a lot of stress, and that’s only amplified when they’re running with airlocks. These airlocks act like blockages and that means the pump must work much harder, to achieve a normal end result.
If the pump is hot, but the flow pipe on your boiler isn’t hot, that’s a sure sign of a blocked pump. It means the pump is trying to run, but not circulating water, and will eventually burn out its own motor.
Blockages typically come in the form of heating sludge, or bearings on the shaft that have failed. Your boiler engineer will quickly want to turn off your boiler to ensure that no more damage is caused; the pump might be salvageable.
How do pump blockages occur
If your heating pump has a blockage caused by heating sludge, this needs to be attended to. Heating sludge is rust that breaks off the inside of radiators, towel rails, pipework, and boiler components. As it travels around the heating system, it creates thick and dirty heating water. Eventually, this is going to block up boiler components such as the pump, not to mention radiators and valves.
The initial blockage in the pump can be removed manually. Then, using specifically designed chemicals, the whole system can be flushed of heating sludge.
Finally, your boiler engineer will top up your boiler adding central heating inhibitor which will breakdown any future heating sludge. They’ll also fit a magnetic system filter which will catch any debris that the inhibitor breaks down, reducing the chance of a blockage occurring.
If the pump can’t be fixed, how much is a new one going to cost
On some occasions, the pump on your boiler will need to be replaced. Typically, you should expect to pay around £250 for a replacement pump. That’s the cost including parts (from a top brand like Grundfos) and labour; the job should be completed within one working day.
What does it mean if my radiators are “closed”
When a heating system is setup, it needs to be balanced. Basically, each radiator is adjusted so they all are producing the same temperature. Without balancing radiators, one could be scalding hot, whilst another, even at full temperature, is Luke-warm at best.
On some occasions, if the valves haven’t been adjusted, they might be closed, and that’s going to cut circulation as well as heat, to that radiator.
Your boiler engineer can balance radiators by adjusting the lock shield valve (this isn’t the valve that you use to change the temperature on your radiator). You can attempt to adjust them yourself, but without experience, it can take a couple of hours or more.
If my boiler’s pump is on the wrong setting, what’s going to happen
A lot of modern boiler pumps have multiple flow settings. For a small property you’d be using the lowest flow setting, and a large heating run with lots of large radiators, you’d be heading for the highest.
If your pump’s not on the correct speed setting, you’ll find that either:
- The flow is too fast, and radiators can’t get up to temperature
- The flow is to slow, and the boiler overheats
In the case of the 1 fault code, it’s likely that the flow setting on your pump is too slow, causing your boiler to overheat. Your boiler repair company will be able to adjust the speed setting on your pump, ensuring that radiators are able to get up to temperature, without the boiler overheating.