Gas Boiler Advice

wackojackouk

Hey ppl

I've got a gas boiler in my house that just heats the water in the bathroom and kitchen (we have a seperate one behind the fire) for the central heating.

We've been experiencing a few problems recently with the pilot light keep going out so we get cold water.

It's not much of a problem to ignite it again but wondered if anyone could shed some light as to why this is happening. It is quite an old boiler by the way.

Also, if you have any suggestions as to how and how much it would cost to get this fixed and would it be worth joining one of the schemes that British Gas and Nationwidegascare.com offer to do this?

Cheers ppl

WJUK ;D

Robert5988

There are mixed opinions on the merits of joining the BG or similar scheme - see the thread on this subject.

However if it is an old boiler(and has a fault) it is pretty certain that these firms will not entertain you as a client; at least until you have the fault fixed and possibly the boiler replaced.

24seven

We've been experiencing a few problems recently with the pilot light keep going out so we get cold water.

I would guess you need a new Thermocouple, less than £10 normally for the part and an easy item for you to fix yourself.

wackojackouk

As I am a complete novice when it comes to Gas what does the Thermocouple do?

24seven

As I am a complete novice when it comes to Gas what does the Thermocouple do?

It's a metal probe that's in the flame, if the pilot light gets blown out, the probe decreases in temp and cuts the gas.

Take a look in your boiler and you should see it for your self and assess if you feel you could change it.

wackojackouk

Ok, I don't think I could do that myself.

I have noticed that when the Pilot light goes out there is a click which probably cuts the gas supply off as you mentioned ;D

Is it really a case of just replacing this thing then?

Any idea how much this would cost to get someone to do it for me?

Finally, this boiler just heats the water and I presume everything else comes from the back boiler, i.e central heating. What would the best option be if we needed to replace the unit as it is fairly old - AIN, Bristol is the name I think.

Cheers for your advice ;D

wackojackouk

Any one else able to help or offer advice?

Also can anyone recommend someone to service it in the Middlesex / Heathrow ish area

Cheers

WJUK

mike_the_bike_2

All I can really say is that Its no more than half an hour to do the job (probably less for an experienced gas fitter)..so a minimum call out charge.

If you know anyone that knows how to use a spanner they could do it easily..dead easy job to do..but then I've done it twice on my boiler.

As a bit of advice from me personally..Don't let British Gas (Or the Gas Board as the pensioners on my estate refer to them as) anywear near it..They will try to flog you a new boiler..

The reason my boiler is still working superbly after 15 years is because I have stopped British gas going anywhere near it

trumpet_2

I thought it was illegal to work on gas appliances unless you are corgi registered , i would not recommend it unless you are sure of what you are doing.

largeloins

Re: "..They will try to flog you a new boiler.."

I hope you will not  be in this position, but if you are checkout

http://www.idhe.org.uk/calculator.html

to make sure you get the correct sized replacement boiler for your house.

I just did it and found that one of my two boilers is effectively redundant as one will heat my house and water with capacity to spare!