What does the FD fault code relate to? Here we explain the common causes and how to fix.
Having a fault code appear on your boiler can be pretty scary!
However, usually, it is not a sign of a serious problem.
The purpose of boiler fault codes, including those found on Ideal Logic boilers is to inform homeowners about a specific issue (e.g., flame loss or ignition lockout).
By opening up your Ideal Logic boiler manual, you’ll get an in-depth breakdown of each fault code (a.k.a, error code), But what about the Ideal Logic FD fault in particular?
What does it mean, and can you solve it DIY or must you hire a professional?
Let’s take a look!
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What Does the Ideal Logic FD Fault Mean?
This Ideal Logic fault means that no water is flowing from the main supply into your property to reach your boiler.
It is key that this water flows at a suitable pressure so that your Ideal Logic boiler can detect that water is present to be heated up.
When all is working as intended, your Ideal Logic boiler will heat this water before distributing it via pipework to heat your home and provide hot water for direct use (e.g., hot water use via your hot water taps).
If the water is not flowing as intended, then your boiler will not be able to confirm its presence. As a result, your boiler will stop working until the issue is fixed.
Moreover, when this specific problem arises, it will show the fault ‘FD’.
So, technically an FD fault occurs when your boiler has the impression that there is no water flowing. Water may still be flowing but not at the right pressure.
What Can Cause Water to Stop Flowing Into Your Boiler as Intended?
There are several potential reasons why an FD fault might occur.
Later we’ll discuss the potential fixes and whether you can attempt to resolve an FD fault DIY.
First, though, we should consider the potential causes.
Here are the potential explanations of an Ideal Logic FD Fault:
Water Pressure Too Low - As mentioned, just because your boiler can’t detect flowing water doesn’t mean that no water is flowing. Instead, the water pressure may simply be too low. Your Ideal Logic boiler should have a water pressure of between 1 and 2 bar (with 1.3 bar being just right). You can check the water pressure of your boiler by looking at the pressure gauge. If the pressure drops below 1.3 bars, it may cause an FD fault.
Incorrectly Installed Boiler Pump - Another possibility is that your boiler pump was not installed correctly. If your boiler was recently installed or relocated, it’s possible that this recent setup change has led to an FD error code.
Blocked or Damaged Boiler Pump - Naturally, if the boiler pump becomes blocked, it can stop water flowing as intended. The same, of course, can happen if the boiler pump experiences damage. A boiler pump blockage could result from central heating sludge (a mixture that forms from rust and minerals that corrode from within the pipework). Alternatively, the boiler pump bearings and shaft may be worn out.
Water Leak Within Your Heating System - If there is a leak anywhere in your central heating system or in the boiler itself, it can affect the water flow to your boiler. This can therefore cause an Ideal Logic FD fault.
Can I Fix an Ideal Logic FD Error DIY?
In general, boiler fault codes usually require a Gas Safe Register engineer to fix them.
However, in the case of an FD fault, there are several scenarios where a DIY solution may suffice.
This, of course, assumes that you have the skills and knowledge necessary. If in any doubt, always hire a qualified heating engineer.
If your boiler’s water pressure is too low, you should check out our ‘boiler losing pressure guide’ where we explain the potential causes and solutions to a boiler with low pressure.
Naturally, the steps required to top up a boiler’s water pressure vary from model to model, so for clarity always check with the manufacturer’s instructions.
Alternatively, if you suspect that your boiler pump is blocked, you could try flushing your heating system.
In our ‘Power Flush vs Chemical Flush for Heating System’ article, we discuss what is involved in flushing a heating system.
We do not recommend undertaking this process DIY as it can be very messy work.
If you are eager to do it yourself, you should still only do so once you have the right skills and knowledge.
Unfortunately, if either of the above steps fails or either if your boiler pump is damaged, the pump was incorrectly installed or there is a water leak within your system, you’ll have to hire a heating engineer.
Never attempt to undertake any gas-related work by yourself as this is not only illegal but highly dangerous.
Cost of Hiring a Heating Engineer to Fix an Ideal Logic FD Fault
On average, it costs about £30 to £60 an hour to hire a qualified heating engineer in the UK.
However, costs do vary from region to region with prices being generally above average in the southeast of England and mostly below average in areas such as northern England, Scotland and Northern Ireland.
Here are the average costs of having an engineer fix an Ideal Logic FD fault:
Topping up your boiler’s water pressure - £30 to £60
Power flushing your heating system - £200 to £500
Fixing an incorrectly installed boiler pump - £30 to £120
Replacing a boiler pump - £230 to £420
Fixing a water leak within your heating system - £60 to £240
Replacing a boiler * - £800 to £1,800
*We’ve included this as, while thankfully unlikely, it’s possible that an Ideal Logic FD fault may have arisen because your boiler is on its last legs. In other words, it may be beyond economical repair. Again, though, this is not likely.
Related heating/energy guides:
Will my Warranty Cover Repairs or Replacement Work for an FD Fault?
Ideal’s warranty only covers manufacturing errors.
This means that assuming your warranty is valid and active, it will only apply to repair/replacement work if the cause came out due to a manufacturing defect.
Even if this is the case, it’s important to ensure that your warranty is valid.
Along with considering the length of your warranty, there are certain terms and conditions that must be followed (e.g., a qualified heating engineer must service your Ideal boiler annually).
All in all, due to the key requirement of there being a manufacturing defect, it’s unlikely that your Ideal warranty will cover the costs.
However, if in doubt, you can always contact Ideal directly and double-check.
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