Boiler
E14
The E14 error code on a Glow-worm boiler indicates a flame detection fault — the boiler is either failing to ignite or losing its flame shortly after lighting. This is a lockout fault that prevents the boiler from firing, meaning you’ll have no heating or hot water until it’s resolved.
What does this error mean?
The E14 code tells you the boiler’s control board has detected that the burner flame either didn’t establish or cut out unexpectedly during operation. Glow-worm boilers use an ionisation probe to sense the presence of a flame; if the signal is too weak or absent, the boiler locks out to prevent unburned gas from accumulating. This is a safety mechanism, not a fault you should attempt to bypass.
Est. repair cost
£80–£250 for a Gas Safe engineer call-out and parts (ionisation probe, electrode, or gas valve). No safe DIY repair option for internal components.
🔍 Likely causes
🛠️ Step-by-step fix
Check your gas supply first: confirm other gas appliances (hob, gas fire) are working. If not, contact your gas supplier — the issue is upstream of the boiler.
Check your prepayment meter if applicable — top it up and wait a few minutes before attempting a reset.
Reset the boiler: press and hold the reset button (usually marked with a flame or ‘R’ symbol) for 3–5 seconds. Consult your Glow-worm manual for the exact location on your model. Allow the boiler up to 2 minutes to attempt ignition.
In cold weather, check if your condensate pipe (the white plastic pipe that runs outside) is frozen. You can thaw it yourself by pouring warm (not boiling) water along its length, then reset the boiler.
If the boiler locks out again immediately or within a short time after resetting, do not keep resetting it repeatedly — this is as far as safe DIY goes. The fault is internal and requires a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Do not attempt to inspect, clean, or replace the ionisation probe, electrodes, gas valve, or PCB yourself — working on gas boiler internals is illegal without Gas Safe registration and risks gas leaks or fire.
📞 When to call a professional
Call a Gas Safe registered engineer if the boiler locks out again after one or two resets, if you can smell gas at any point (in which case call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999 immediately), or if the condensate fix doesn’t resolve the lockout. Tell the engineer you have an E14 fault code and that the boiler is locking out on flame detection failure — this helps them bring the right parts.
⚖️ Repair or replace?
A typical E14 repair — ionisation probe replacement, electrode replacement, or gas valve work — costs £80–£250 depending on parts and call-out rates in your area. If your Glow-worm boiler is over 10–12 years old and this is one of several recent faults, replacement is worth serious consideration; a new boiler typically costs £1,800–£2,800 installed and comes with a manufacturer warranty. For a boiler under 8 years old in otherwise good condition, repair is almost always the right call.