F1 Boiler Fault & How To Fix A F1 Error On Your Ideal Boiler
The F1 boiler fault is one of the most common fault codes you are likely to see on your Ideal boiler. The F1 error code does not indicate a serious issue with your boiler itself.
The F1 error code is one of the problems you could fix yourself, or you may need a leak detection plumber to find the cause.
What is An F1 Error Code?
“The F1 error code is a result of low water pressure within your central heating system.” says Adrian Morgan our Managing Director & Head Plumbing & Heating Engineer.
The F1 fault tells you that your boiler is losing pressure and is now low on pressure.
The low pressure reading by the boiler may be caused by either:
- A water leak on your central heating system
- A faulty water pressure sensor
- A leak on another component inside your boiler
What Causes the Ideal Boiler F1 Fault Code?
Low boiler pressure is the cause of the F1 Boiler error code. There are three reasons why your boiler could have low boiler pressure:
1. Central Heating System Leaking
A leak on your central heating system will cause low boiler pressure, which causes the F1 fault code to be displayed.
The cause of a leak on your heating system could be a number of things including:
- Corrosion on pipework
- Failed plumbing joints
- Leaking radiators
- A broken pressure relief valve
The location of a leak on a central heating system or inside a boiler can be difficult to identify.
Our leak detection specialists use advanced, non-destructive leak detection equipment to trace the source of your leak and are usually able to repair the leak on the same day.
2. Faulty Water Pressure Sensor
The water pressure sensor is the component in your boiler which measures the pressure of water inside your central heating system.
A faulty water pressure sensor will give an incorrect pressure reading, causing the boilers F1 code to display in error.
A water pressure sensor is a component which can be replaced by any local gas safe plumbing and heating engineer and usually costs around £20 – £30 for the part plus your boiler engineers labour costs – Expect repairs to cost around £100 – £150 including vat.
3. Another Leaking Boiler Component
There are many components inside a boiler which corrode with age and then leak, causing your central heating system to lose pressure.
Corroded Components that can leak inside your boiler could include the Heat Exchanger or Boiler Pump.
Boilers are serviceable items, in most cases leaking components will be able to be replaced by one of our engineers or by a local gas safe boiler engineer.
How to Fix F1 Code On Your Boiler
To fix the F1 code on your boiler you will need to top up your boiler pressure like this:
1) Locate your boiler pressure gauge. The pressure gauge on an Ideal boiler is usually an analogue guage which is located on pipework under the boiler.
2) Check the pressure: The boilers pressure gauge should be between 1 bar & 2 bar. If an F1 error code is detected, it has likely dropped to below 1 bar.
3) Switch the boiler off, and give the system a chance to cool down completely.
4) Locate the filling loop – this is a metal hose, with a valve at either end. If not already attached, attach the filling loop to the system. You may need to remove end caps from the pipes to attach the loop.
5) Open the valves on the filling loop. This allows water to travel from the mains, directly into the heating system. You should hear water start to flow into the boiler.
6) Watch the boiler pressure gauge; when it reaches 1 bar, turn both valves back to their closed position. Replace the end caps if these have been removed from the pipes.
7) Reset your boiler to complete the process.
You should now bleed your radiators. Check the boiler pressure drops again after bleeding the radiators as the bleeding process may reduce the boiler pressure. If so, simply top the boiler pressure up again.
If another F1 fault appears, it could indicate that you have a central heating leak.
F1 Error Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
At the time of writing, the F1 Code appears on the following ideal boilers
- Ideal Logic
- Ideal Logic Max
- Ideal Logic+
If you have a modern Ideal boiler, it will typically have a digital display designed to inform you of the problem the boiler is facing. If your boiler has low pressure, it will flash the F1 Error Code repeatedly until the problem is resolved.
Having to top up your boiler once or even twice a year is perfectly normal. If your are having to top up the boiler more frequently then you need an engineer to find and fix the problem.
If your heating system is losing water then it may be causing hidden water damage. A tiny pinhole leak can cause extensive damage to your property if left unattended over a long period of time.
Yes, a power flush flushes loose debris out of your boiler and heating system using a high pressure flush.
The power flushing process can break away corroded material inside your heating pipes, creating a leak.
If your central heating system has recently been power flushed and you have an F1 Error Code, then there is a very good cause that the power flush is the culprit.
Contact The Leak Detection Experts To Solve Your Boilers F1 Fault
If you have a F1 error code on your ideal boiler and your boiler is losing all of its pressure in 24 hours or less – Call us today on 0800 731 3843.
Our experienced central heating leak detection engineers have the skills to find your leak, repair it and get your heating system up and running again.
