Ideal boiler FD fault code information
The Ideal FD error code is there for your protection and information, you will need to act if your Ideal Logic boiler displays F and D, so our guide will help you get to the bottom of the problem.
This code does not indicate that your boiler is unsafe. It will simply have stopped working to prevent any internal damage that could lead to costly repairs and you won’t find the code in every boiler manual.
This guide will help you understand what caused the problem and get your central heating system back up and running.
The article will cover what you can do at home to fix the Ideal FD fault, as well as when you need to call a Gas Safe engineer or your installer.
Read our guide to Vaillant combi boiler prices here for more information.
What does the Ideal FD Fault code mean?
The Ideal Boiler FD Error stands for “no water flow”.
This is the water that enters your home from the mains supply. It flows through the pipes to the boiler unit to provide your central heating system with hot water. If you have had a recent Ideal boiler service or anyone fixing your boiler, this is the best starting point to check.
The boiler must be able to see that water is flowing at a suitable pressure to register it as having water to heat. If it can’t, it will cease functioning or lock out until the problem is fixed.
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What causes the FD Fault code on an Ideal Logic boiler?
Too Low Water Pressure
The Ideal FD fault code on an Ideal boiler means that your boiler isn’t recording any water in your heating system. However, this doesn’t necessarily mean that water isn’t entering your property.
Your Ideal boiler must have enough water in it to recognise it and heat it up and this requires high pressure.
Pressure refers to how much force is required to transport water around central heating systems through pipes into your home. It’s measured in “bars”.
The pressure gauge on your boiler displays the current temperature of your heating system. Although 1.3 bar is the recommended reading for boiler pressure, slight fluctuations between 1 to 2 will not usually cause any significant problems.
The boiler might not register water if the pressure drops below 1.3 bar. If this happens, it may lock out and display an FD fault code.
Boilers can lose pressure over time naturally and usually this is not a sign of a defective part.
A properly working Ideal boiler shouldn’t need frequent repressurising, but if it continues to have problems, a Gas Safe engineer will be needed to help.
When the water pressure is too low:
This is an easy fix that you can do by yourself.
Low water pressure may have caused your boiler’s fault code. Check the pressure gauge at the front of the boiler. If it reads less than 1 bar, then the boiler is in danger. You should adjust the pressure if it falls below 1.3 bars.
Look directly under the boiler to repressurise it. You will find two blue handles on the right side of your Ideal Logic boiler. This is an integral filling loop.
This loop is controlled by the right-hand blue faucet, while the cold isolation valve is the left-hand tap. The following steps can be used to repressurise your boiler:
- Turn off the left-hand tap (cold isolation valve) until it is parallel to the pipe
- Turn on the right-hand tap (integral Filling Loop) until it is parallel to the pipe
- Keep an eye on the pressure gauge as it rises until it reaches the required reading.
- Turn the right-hand tap on until it is perpendicular with the pipe
- Turn the left-hand tap off until the tap is parallel to the pipe
Low pressure that caused a shortage of water and led to Fd fault codes should be corrected once the pressure reaches an acceptable bar reading.
A Gas Safe engineer is required if the boiler continues to lose pressure or it cannot be repressurized.
They will be able to determine where pressure is being lost. They may have to inspect the entire heating system, including the boiler, pipe network and radiators, if they suspect there is a leak.
After they have fixed the leak, they can repressurise and reset the boiler to fix the fault code
Boiler Pump Broken or Blocked
Your boiler’s pump is responsible for controlling the flow of water through it. This part can become blocked or stop working, causing water flow to be obstructed or stopped completely.
The shaft and bearings of your boiler may have worn down over time. This is especially true if your boiler has been extremely noisy in recent years.
Heating sludge can also block the pump. Heating sludge is a mixture between rust and minerals that builds up around pipes in the house. It can eventually build up to a thick mixture that can block various boiler parts, preventing water from flowing.
How to Fix Boiler Pump Damage or Unblock
An engineer will replace the pump if the damage is beyond repair.
Pumps can be found for between £150 and £250, depending on their age and model. They typically last for around ten to twelve years once they are installed.
Heating sludge can blockage the heating system so an engineer may perform a hot flush. This involves the application of chemicals to the heating system. It should clear out any remaining debris.
They won’t have to replace the pump if it isn’t damaged. Instead, they will just need to clean it. They may also install a filter that can capture the small pieces of metal with a magnet to prevent them from accumulating into sludge.
Pump Was Incorrectly Installed
The FD fault code may be appearing on a boiler that has been relocated or newly installed. This could indicate that the pump was not properly installed.
To have full motion, the boiler must be horizontally positioned. This is possible even with older boilers. An incorrectly installed pump will cause it to fail more quickly.
How to fix Pumps that have been incorrectly installed
Because the pump was installed vertically, a boiler engineer can immediately determine if it is the problem.
They may be able repair the boiler if it was installed recently. They may have to replace the entire pump if it has been damaged by poor placement.
This was an installation problem, so it is likely that you will remain in the warranty period.
Leakage in the Heating System
Leakage in the boiler or elsewhere in the heating system can cause water to stop flowing.
A leak can be caused by wear to pipes or damage to the seals on the boiler’s pump.
Sometimes, it is easy to tell if there is a leak by being able see or hear water coming out of your boiler or other pipes.
You may not always be able identify the source of the leak, since even tiny breaches can cause the boiler to stop receiving enough water.
How to Fix Heating System Leaking
First, locate the source of the leak. If the location is not obvious immediately, an inspection of the entire heating system may be necessary. There will be a wide range of costs and times required to repair the leak.
A damaged copper joint, for example, will be easy to identify and inexpensive to fix. Damaged pump seals, for example, may be more difficult to diagnose and require costly replacement parts.
Leaks can also cause damage to other parts. Your engineer will inspect your boiler unit to make sure there is no water damage.
The worst-case scenario is that the leak could have affected the Printed Circuit Board (PCB). This is the most costly part of a boiler to repair.
Can I fix my own Ideal boiler with the FD Fault code?
This fault code can be easily fixed by homeowners. These steps will likely fix your boiler. However, if you have a persistent problem with your boiler, you should contact a Gas Safe registered engineer.
This applies to any work that involves removing the boiler’s cover. Homeowners are not allowed to inspect or repair any part of the boiler which could cause a disruption in the gas supply.
How to Fix Ideal FD Fault
If you have not been able to repressurize the boiler by yourself, a Gas Safe engineer will be required to diagnose the problem. There are many possible causes. This fault code can be costly and time-consuming.
Which Ideal boiler Models Use FD Fault Codes?
The Ideal Logic range uses a standardised code system. This guide is applicable to all models. This covers all types of boilers, such as heat only, system, and combi boiler. If you are still unsure you can always refer to the Ideal boiler error codes manual which you can now find online to get your central heating back up and running in no time.
Get free quotes to fix your Ideal FD error
All the top Gas Safe engineers are available to help you price your job. Use the form to get free, no-obligation estimates in your area. If you need a new boiler you can get a fixed price quote online now with one of our recommended installers. The Ideal logic boiler range is one of the most popular in the UK right now.
