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Glow-worm Fault Codes
Glow-worm Fault Codes: What They Mean And What To Do
Reviewed by our Gas Safe registered engineers · Last updated 21 July 2026
Glow-worm has been a familiar name in UK homes for decades and is now part of the Vaillant Group, meaning newer models share some underlying technology with Vaillant despite keeping their own branding and code numbering. Fault codes appear as a letter F followed by a digit or two.
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Quick answer: F22 is almost always low water pressure and fixable by repressurising via the filling loop. F1 and F4 relate to ignition and the fan — these are safety lockouts, so don’t reset them repeatedly without a proper look.
Common Codes
Common Glow-worm fault codes
Below are the codes we see most often on Glow-worm boilers. If your display shows something else, note it precisely and call us.
| Code | Meaning | First step |
|---|---|---|
| F22 | Low water pressure | Repressurise via the filling loop |
| F1 | Ignition fault | One reset can be tried; don’t repeat if it recurs |
| F4 | Fan fault | Needs an engineer — not something to reset repeatedly |
| Code | Meaning | First step |
|---|---|---|
| F1 | Flow temperature sensor fault | Needs an engineer — sensor or wiring |
| F9 | System pressure sensor fault | Check the gauge; if normal, needs an engineer |
| F10 | Flow sensor short circuit | Needs an engineer — sensor or wiring |
| F11 | Return sensor fault | Needs an engineer — sensor or wiring |
| F13 | Main board / display connection fault | Needs an engineer |
| F20 | Overheat safety shutdown | Don’t keep resetting; book an engineer |
| F22 | Low water pressure / dry fire | Repressurise via the filling loop to around 1.5 bar |
| F23 | Flow/return temperature difference too great | Check pressure; if normal, needs diagnosis |
| F24 | Temperature rising too fast | Often circulation or pump related — call an engineer |
| F27 | Flame detected when there shouldn’t be | Safety fault — call an engineer |
| F28 | Failed ignition on start-up | One reset can be tried; if it recurs, needs an engineer |
| F29 | Loss of flame during operation | Don’t repeatedly reset — book an engineer |
| F32 | Fan / air pressure fault | Needs an engineer — fan or wiring |
| F61 | Gas valve control fault | Gas Safe engineer required |
| F73 | Water pressure sensor signal too low | Check the gauge reading against the boiler |
| F75 | No pressure change when the pump starts | Check pressure first; if normal, needs diagnosis (pump/sensor) |
| F85 | Flow and return sensors on the same pipe | Installation fault — needs an engineer |
Engineer Advice
What we see most often with Glow-worm boilers
- The Energy and Betacom ranges are common in older North London properties, and PCB faults become more frequent once units pass the 12–15 year mark.
- Since Glow-worm became part of the Vaillant Group, spare parts availability has generally improved for newer models, though very old Glow-worm boilers can occasionally be trickier to source parts for.
- F1 is sometimes linked to gas valve issues rather than pure ignition faults, which is why a proper diagnosis matters rather than assuming it’s always the ignition electrode.
What Repairs Typically Cost
Typical Glow-worm repair costs
Figures are general guidance for North London; on older Glow-worm units, parts availability can affect the final cost. We quote before any work begins.
FAQs
Glow-worm fault codes — your questions answered
Is Glow-worm the same as Vaillant now they’re under one group?
They’re owned by the same parent company and newer models share some technology, but Glow-worm remains its own brand with its own model ranges, fault code numbering and pricing tier, generally positioned below Vaillant.
Why does my older Glow-worm boiler not show any fault code when it stops working?
Some older Glow-worm models predate digital fault code displays and instead use flashing LED sequences, so it’s worth checking your manual for how your specific model indicates a fault.
Is it worth repairing an old Glow-worm boiler or better to replace it?
This depends on the age and specific fault — a single component failure on a well-maintained 8–10 year old unit is usually worth repairing, while a boiler over 15 years old with a major fault often makes more financial sense to replace.
Does F22 mean the same thing on every Glow-worm model?
Yes, low water pressure is consistent across the range, though the exact repressurising process (filling loop location and type) can vary slightly between older and newer models.
Can a Glow-worm boiler’s fault be caused by a paired Vaillant smart control?
It’s possible if you’ve paired a compatible Vaillant-brand smart thermostat with a Glow-worm boiler, since a miscommunication between the two could surface as an apparent boiler fault — worth checking the control separately.
How reliable are Glow-worm boilers compared to premium brands?
Reliability is generally solid for a mid-market brand, particularly on newer models benefiting from Vaillant Group engineering, though very old legacy Glow-worm units can show their age with more frequent PCB issues.
If my Glow-worm boiler needs a part that’s discontinued, what happens?
For genuinely discontinued parts, we’ll look at compatible alternatives that fit safely, or in some cases source good-quality reconditioned components — and we’ll always explain the options and any implications before proceeding. If no safe repair route exists for a particular obsolete model, that’s usually the point where replacement becomes the more sensible conversation.
Does a Vaillant-branded smart thermostat make sense for a Glow-worm boiler?
It can work well, since some newer Glow-worm models share compatible connections with Vaillant’s smart control range — but compatibility isn’t guaranteed across the entire lineup, so confirm your specific model works with a given smart thermostat before buying rather than assuming shared ownership means universal compatibility.
Related
More help and our repair service
Glow-worm’s parent-group brand — newer models share some technology.
Read guide Fault CodesWorcester Bosch Fault CodesThe brand we’re asked about most across North London.
Read guide PressureBoiler Losing PressureBehind a recurring F22: why pressure keeps dropping and how to fix it.
Read guide Boiler ProblemsBoiler Not Igniting / LockoutWhat sits behind an F1 ignition fault, and what’s safe to try.
Read guide Buying GuidesNew Boiler Cost LondonFor an ageing Glow-worm: when replacement beats another repair.
Read guide MaintenanceAnnual Boiler Service GuideExtend the life of an older Glow-worm with annual servicing.
Read guideBrowse the full Boiler Fault Code Library for other brands, or head back to the Help & Advice Centre. We repair Glow-worm boilers across North London — see our boiler repair service, and extend your boiler’s life with annual boiler servicing.
Got a Glow-worm fault code we haven’t listed?
Call us with the exact code and we’ll tell you honestly what it means — and what it will cost to put right. Same-day appointments subject to availability.
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