How To Reset a Glow-worm Boiler

Most modern boilers, including Glow-worm ones, have built-in safety mechanisms that trigger a lockout mode when a fault is detected. Once you’ve identified the error code, the next step is resetting the boiler. However, the reset process can vary between brands and even between different Glow-worm models. Specific error codes will indicate your boiler has shut down or entered lockout mode, meaning the underlying issue must be resolved before a reset will work.

Common Error Codes

Some of these codes, which will indicate your boiler has entered lockout mode, include:

• F1 / F28 / F4: This will indicate an ignition fault when the boilers fail to detect a flame during startup.
• F9 / F22: Low water pressure is when the system has insufficient pressure.
• F20: The Overheating fault is self-explanatory, which indicates that the boiler temperature exceeds safe limits.
• F27 / F16: Flame detection fault is when the boiler has an issue detecting the burner flame.
• F26 / F77: Gas valve fault is a major problem and should be seen to by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
• F32: Incorrect air pressure is another self-explanatory issue and is when the boiler has a problem with the air pressure switch or fan.
• F61 / F62 / F63 / F64 / F65 / F67: Main board faults usually indicate a malfunction within the boiler’s control board.
• F68: Fluctuation of the flame signal is a sign that your boiler has detected an unstable flame during operation.
• F70: The user interface is incompatible with the main board, and there is a mismatch between the control panel and the main board.
• F72 / F84: Permanent temperature difference between flow and return heating sensors indicates a sensor fault.
• F73 / F74: The Heating circuit pressure sensor fault indicates issues with the pressure sensor readings.

These error codes can differ depending on your boiler’s model and year, so it is always best to check the unit’s manual for the meaning.

Resetting your Glow-worm boiler is done mainly to restart the unit and get it out of lockout mode.

As you can imagine, resetting your boiler is usually a straightforward task, but there are some general steps you can follow to ensure you’re doing it correctly.

Performing A Reset Of A Glow-worm Boiler

There are multiple reset procedures for Glow-worm boilers. These include:

• For Glow-worm boilers without a dedicated reset button, like the combi 30c, you will need to hold down the power button until the screen displays this symbol: 卝.

After this symbol appears, you can make a few boiler operation adjustments.

Another option for Glow-worm boilers without a dedicated reset button is, and has a temperature dial, is to turn the temperature control knob to the “0” position and then back to the desired setting to reset the boiler.

The last and most common method to reset Glow-worm boilers is to hold in the reset button for a second.

While each reset procedure will differ slightly, the general steps are ultimately the same.

Step One: Error Code

Before you reset your Glow-worm boiler, make sure to take note of the error code. You can do this by snapping a photo or jotting down a note in your boiler’s manual.

Missing this step won’t affect the reset process; it is just in case the issue reoccurs or you need to contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Step Two: Reset Boiler

Different methods exist to reset your Glow-worm boilers; the reset button is very easy.

To use the reset button, press the reset button for just a second until the error message stops flashing. The boiler should start to reboot and clear the error code off the screen.

For Glow-worm boilers with a temperature dial, turn the temperature control knob to the “0” position and then back to the desired setting to reset the boiler.

The last method is for Glow-worm boilers without a dedicated reset button, like the combi 30c. You must hold down the power button until the screen displays this symbol: 卝.

After this symbol appears, you can make a few boiler operation adjustments.

If everything has gone perfectly, reigniting the boiler will take a minute or two.

After the boiler has returned to its usual state, check that the hot water and heating systems are working correctly.

However, if this has not removed the error code and it has reappeared, you can consider doing a manual reset.

Step Three: Turn Off The Power

While this additional step won’t be in the manual, you might need to turn off your boiler at its power source.

Close to your boiler should be a fuse spur. If you’re uncertain what a fuse spur is, it’s a square white box with a large switch in the middle.

Flip this switch on and off. You should allow a few seconds for the boiler to shut down.

Sometimes, a boiler is simply plugged into a socket, requiring you to flip the switch.

If you cannot locate your boiler’s plug point, try switching it off and on at the distribution board, also known as:

• Panelboard
• Circuit breaker panel
• Breaker panel
• Electric panel,
• Fuse box,
• Or DB board/box.

Once you’ve turned the power back on, your Glow-worm boiler should be reset successfully.

But if you still get the same error message, you will want to do some more troubleshooting.

Further Troubleshooting If Your Boiler Fails To Reset

As with everything in life, the simplest tasks can become more complicated. If you’ve reset your Glow-worm boiler and you’re still getting error codes, you will want to perform a few quick checks:

Identify The Error Code

You only want to reset your Glow-worm boiler if it is in lockout mode. Make sure to double-check what the error code means.

Usually, the manufacturer will include a comprehensive list of error codes in their manual.

If you’ve lost your manual or are struggling to find a solid answer, you can do some simple checks before calling in a professional.

Check The Gas Supply

A simple check is to see if your home’s main gas supply valve is fully open. Your home’s gas mains should be fully open.

Another way to check for a gas supply issue in your home is to turn on other gas appliances, such as a kitchen stove.

If you suspect a gas supply issue, contact your gas provider. There might be a local supply issue in your area.

However, if you smell gas, turn off the supply immediately and call for help.

Check Water Pressure

Most Glow-worm boilers have a pressure gauge on the front panel as a dial or analog gauge, a digital screen, or, on older models, a physical gauge under the unit.

The Glow-worm reading is between 1.0 and 1.5 bar when the system is cold.

If the water pressure reading is below 1.0 bar, your boiler might need to be repressurised.

On the other side of the scale, if your Glow-worm boiler’s reading is too high, above 2.5 bar, you will want to bleed a radiator in your home to lower the pressure.

Check The Power Supply

It could be an electrical issue if your boiler has not turned back on after the reset.

Ensure the boiler is plugged into a working power socket and no circuit breakers have tripped.

For those who turned off their boiler via the fuse spur switch, a fuse could have blown if flipping the switch had not resulted in power feeding to the boiler.

While most of these checks can be completed relatively quickly, if you’re struggling to reset your boiler, we highly recommend calling an expert for help.

Call WarmZilla’s Professionals For A Chat

Rather than struggling to reset your Glow-worm boiler, you can call one of our professionals to troubleshoot the problem.

However, if you both discover a more substantial issue, the professional on the phone will suggest sending a Gas Safe registered engineer to your home within 48 hours to reset your boiler.