Boiler in flat leaky, repair or replace?

grey_lady

Help - I woke up today to find that I had no hot water, I have an unvented cylinder (mains pressure) which should use Economy 7 overnight and I also have the option of boosting it during the day (this bit still works)

The boilder is 7 years old, has never been serviced as far as i know (not lived here long) and has rust around where the pipes go in and a couple of tiny leaks.

A plumber suggested replacing rather than repairing it with a similar boiler which would cost £900, or replacing it with a 'thermal storage' type of boiler that should have a longer shelf life as it doesnt work under mains pressure
but would cost £1400 (ouch)

Grateful for any advice on what to do - thanks.

dragon47

Since the daytime top-up feature still works I would think the heating element must still be okay and it's just a problem with the timer.

The leaks should also be easy enough to plug.

I would keep getting people in to give you an estimate for the repair until you do actually get an estimate for the repair and not a quote for a complete replacement!

grey_lady

There's actually two seperate heating elements in the same tank, the bottom one is for overnight and the top one for the booster. The stupid angle of the tank in the airing cupboard means that it would have to be dismantled a fair bit to get out the bottom heating element if it was that.

Its also quite corroded / rusty around the pipe inlets which is probably where the leaks are and im wondering if that means its on its last legs and even i spend the couple of hundred now to patch it i might well have to end up replacing it sooner rather than later.

Canucklehead

Hi

What's the make of cylinder?

Corgi Guy.

grey_lady

Hi,

It's an Ariston Classico 125 - the electric type.

Canucklehead

Hi

This is a glass lined steel cylinder. It depends how rusty it is ,but I would say you would be better off getting a new one . Go for a Heatrae Sadia Megaflo or any other cylinder as long as it is stainless steel (it won't rust) . Stay with unvented.

Corgi Guy.

grey_lady

Thanks Corgi Guy, as the leaks are tiny do you think its ok to keep using it for a couple of weeks just on the booster setting for hot water?
There are so many scare stories about the unvented cylinder type of boilers that i've been pretty worried all day as i found out its 7 years old and not been serviced. That's why i was thinking that the thermal storage type sounded better.

Also, if you dont mind me asking does £60 an hour labour sound reasonable for the fitting, Im in Essex.

Thanks.

Canucklehead

Hi...you should get a quote for the job, don't pay by the hour. Make sure the plumber has a G3 (unvented) certificate...this will be listed on his/her CORGI registration card and also on the CORGI website . It should be a comfortable days work for someone with experience...the total price will depend on the specification of the cylinder. When you get your quote, post it on here for comments.

As I haven't seen your cylinder I couldn't say whether it is safe to use but if your plumber hasn't advised you otherwise

HTH

Corgi Guy

grey_lady

Well I have been quoted £900 for a straight replacement and £1400 for replacing with a thermal store system - does that seem reasonable?
Am i right in thinking that the vented cylinder should be serviced annually
(around £100) but the other one wouldnt need servicing?

OH (not qualified) wants to try and fix it himself, or order a replacement cylinder off ebay for £350 and fit it himself!

--Tony--

grey_lady wrote: »

Well I have been quoted £900 for a straight replacement and £1400 for replacing with a thermal store system - does that seem reasonable?
Am i right in thinking that the vented cylinder should be serviced annually
(around £100) but the other one wouldnt need servicing?

OH (not qualified) wants to try and fix it himself, or order a replacement cylinder off ebay for £350 and fit it himself!

As Corgi Guy has said post the make being offered for £900 and we will give our views (sounds a good quote though if its a good quality cylinder). I also agree, stick with unvented.

Don't let anyone unqualified do this work and that includes hubby, this is a job for a pro only, here is why: http://au.youtube.com/watch?v=pu3FwgIHsQA

A mistake with plumbing could mean a ceiling down, a mistake with these could leave a building plot! literally!

Another Corgi Guy

grey_lady

Thanks Tony, I made OH watch that! he is not allowed near it - I think he still wants to check and see if it's just the thermostat (he's an electrical eng) but even that worries me the make is Ariston Classico 125 and it would be a straight like for like replacement for £900


The plumber I had out would do either but suggested the thermal store as a replacement as being likely to last longer, so can I ask why you recommend sticking with the vented cylinder? it seems that if its only going to last 7 years and i have to pay up to £100 for a service every year then that's quite an expensive route to go down in the long term.