Is your Vaillant boiler displaying the F27 fault code? Then your day could probably use a little improvement. Here we explain the most common causes and potential fixes.
Like a whole host of boiler brands, Vaillant’s boilers come with a variety of error codes that are built in. Luckily, the errors aren’t built in, but life happens.
The purpose of these fault codes is to alert homeowners that there is an issue while communicating the nature of the issue. Each error code has its own meaning.
With the Vaillant manual, you can find out what any given code means and learn potential solutions. If your manual is at the bottom of a lost stack of ‘important papers’ somewhere in your house, the information below is a good alternative.
Some Vaillant faults can be fixed DIY, but others need to be resolved by a professional.
But, what about the F27 fault code, in particular?
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What Does F27 Mean?
An F27 fault code means that an incorrect flame has been detected. That’s right, not just replies to your spouse, but even your boiler flame can be incorrect.
In other words, it infers that the balance between the gas and flame is not at the correct level for the boiler to function properly. So you’ve either got an accidental flamethrower or the kind that wouldn’t light a candle, let alone warm your house.
Notably, it only appears on the Vaillant ecoTEC Pro and Plus boilers.
Unsurprisingly, the F27 error code causes the boiler to lock out, meaning you won’t have heating or hot water access. Leave it to Vaillant to protect you from uncontrolled fires in your boiler.
Why is there an imbalance between gas and flame?
The exact cause, and therefore, the required solution, of an F27 fault code can vary.
Here are the most likely explanations:
Moisture on Electrical Components
The leading cause of the F27 error is moisture on electrical parts.
This could be the result of a leak or another error with your heating system. Giving your boiler a bath could also cause moisture, and is not recommended at all.
Gas Valve Error
It’s possible that a fault with the gas valve has resulted in either insufficient or no gas reaching the boiler.
This is because the gas valve is designed to let gas into your boiler. It also decides what quantity of gas can enter. In a way, the gas valve is your boiler’s bouncer.
Ignition Leads or Spark Electrode Have Failed
It’s also possible that ignition leads or a spark electrode have worn down. If either of these scenarios unfolds, it can result in the flame igniting incorrectly.
PCB Failure
It’s entirely possible that a PCB failure has led to an F27 fault. Of course, a malfunctioning PCB tends to lead to many issues.
Possible reasons for a PCB failure include poor temperature regulation, a pump or fan fault, or a flashing display panel.
Flame Sensor Fault
Lastly, it is theoretically possible that a flame sensor fault has resulted in an F27 error, however, it is improbable.
Can I Fix an F27 Error DIY?
Unfortunately, none of the issues mentioned in the prior section can be fixed DIY.
Instead, you must hire a Gas Safe Register engineer. This is required by law and is important from a safety point of view. Remember, there’s a reason the word Safe is part of the engineer’s description.
As a side note, if you think that leakage is present or/and contributing to the F27 error, you should turn off the water supply until a professional arrives.
But, again, ultimately, you should not repair an F27 by yourself.
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Cost of Hiring a Heating Engineer to Fix an F27
When hiring a heating engineer to fix an F27 fault code, it’s essential to know that prices can vary depending on the nature of the repair or replacement job.
In general, Gas Safe Register engineers charge around £30 to £60 per hour in labour fees.
With that said, this is just an average and labour prices can differ based on a range of factors such as your location. If you’re reading this, Your Royal Highness, you can count on an engineer charging you a little extra.
Please note that if your PCB must be replaced, you may prefer to simply have your boiler replaced.
This would be particularly true if your boiler is old and potential beyond economical repair. Very few boilers are ever repaired for sentimental reasons.
However, this may be unthinkable for some during these trying times. The good news, though, is that it’s possible to have a boiler replaced on finance.
Here is what an F27 fix may cost: *
Cleaning/Repairing Electrical Components - £80 to £200.
Repairing or replacing a Gas Valve - £160 to £320.
New Ignition Leads - £50 to £170.
Replacing a Spark Electrode - £40 to £160.
PCB Replacement - £330 to £730.
Flame Sensor Repair or replacement - £40 to £150.
Boiler Replacement - £800 to £2,800.
*It’s important to recognize that some of these costs are broad estimates. For instance, the cost of cleaning or repairing electrical components will depend on the extent of the moisture damage to electrical components and the cost of the affected parts. More work may be needed depending on the harm done to your boiler’s parts as a whole.
Contact us if you have any questions regarding an F27 fault or a similar issue with your Vaillant boiler.
You may be interested in Gas Engineer Allen Hart explaining the most common boiler problems and how you can resolve them in the video below:
Will my Warranty Cover Repairs or Replacement Work for an F27 Fault?
Vaillant’s boiler warranty only applies to fixes that were caused by a manufacturing defect. If you’ve manufactured a defect yourself, no warranty will cover that.
In other words, if the F27 fault is not the result of a manufacturing error with the boiler, the warranty will not cover the necessary repairs or replacement work.
Moreover, even if a manufacturing error is behind your F27 error, you’ll need to double-check that your boiler warranty is still active.
The standard warranty of a Vaillant ecoTEC Plus boiler is five years with it reaching seven years if fitted by the correct installer.
As for, the ecoTEC Plus range, these boilers come with just a two-year standard warranty. However, a seven-year warranty is also possible if installed by the right person. This right person can only extend your boiler warranties, not install your other products to make them last seven years, too.
Certain Ts and Cs also apply to these warranties. For example, one condition is that a Gas Safe Register engineer must service your boiler annually.
So, all things considered, it’s unlikely that your warranty (if you have one) would cover fixing an F27.
Is your Vaillant boiler experiencing some of the brand's most common fault codes? We have many covered many Vaillant boiler error codes in the following guides:
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