Combi Boiler - Flue regs 2008

jasmin10

I was hoping someone could point me in the right direction for finding an online document for clarification.

In Sep a BG engineer did a service on our boiler and replaced the flue strap with a metal strap band as he said there were new regulations which state this.

In November after the old boilers repeatedly breaking down we had a nice new boiler fitted. When they fitted it I stressed they ensure they re-used the metal strap for the new flue as BG said this meets new regulations. This they did and everyting has been lovely.

For some reason BG said that it was due for a service this month and came out yesterday (I thought they only came out once a year), anyway this guy that came out had a real bad chip on his block from start from finish. Probably because we didn't take BG up on their quote for the boiler.

He went one to say that he has turned the boiler off and put it at risk as the strap around the flue dosen't meet regulations. I explained that the strap that is on his the one that the previous BG engineer said met regulations - not argued and left.

I have since phoned BG and arranged for another repair/service visit for tomorrow after explaining what has happened and for them to ensure that we didn't get the same engineer.

Could someone post a link to a copy of the reg online so I know whats what as I feel really inadequate not knowing what I'm on about so would like to sound a bit confident.

Canucklehead

Good morning: Call the RGI who installed the new boiler. See the manufacturer's installation manual (should be available online) for details on flueing requirements as well as the Domestic Heating Compliance Guide and Part J Building Regs, both available here. Post a photo of the flue/boiler for further comment.

HTH

Canucklehead

jasmin10

Thanks for replying, I had already found the part J regs but couldn't see anything.

As an update, another BG engineer came out today and said the reason its is not up to standard is because they class the strap as existing. He said that it would have been ok on the old boiler because it was an existing boiler that their engineer 'brought up to meet the standards', however a new boiler would need to have the higher end of the regulations because it is brand new, so it should have a white metal type bracket to hold it to the struts. He said it is very petty as out flue it a few mm over the 1.8mm threshold, but he has to put it at risk as it's his job.

Another thing I was unsure of is that on this boiler theres a sort of tank thing that collects gundge and bits that should be emptied, I asked why this wasn't emptied as I thought their visit was to service it. He said no as this is a part of a maintenance service and that their service was just to make sure it's safe. When I telephoned their customer service team they said it shoul be but he replied by saying 'how many boilers has she serviced'. Not sure how to take that as I thought our homecare included a service, it dosen't specify what type of service - what do you think.

I forgot to mentioned, sorry for not posting photos but I can't get up into the loft.

payless

If I had a newe boiler I don't think I would have carried on with a BG homecare agreement as I would expect the installer to have checked it all out ( and most likely insure the whole sytem for 1 yr at least ) .. buts thats another thing .

I've had the " strap" issue - BG annual check last month .. he went on and on about it ... fitted one then still went on and on.. perhaps CH or any other RGI can say if its really an issue.

At same time I mentioned the fact that I had to top up pressure fairly often... hen said just bleed rads.

Then this week I have had to top up every day!!! - noticed water at release piple - called them out and they repressurized the expansion tank ( I had already read up thats the likely issue) - cost £50 ( as I'm on a budget contract ) .yet more talk about the strap !! .. perhaps a "proper service" rather than " check" would have included checking the pressure issue ?? St

jasmin10

What do people think about what I've said about the tank bit not included as their service is a Safety service not maintenance???

The reason I didn't cancel the BG Homecare agreement is because they are very good at coming out if it broke down on Xmas day.

Canucklehead

Hi

I think I have decoded the above posts.
The boiler is fitted in an upstairs room or cupboard .
The flue runs up into the loft and out through the roof.
On the old boiler the flue was not supported adequately so an additional clip was fitted.
On the new boiler the same clip was used ,this seems to have upset BG as it's not a new clip.
Flues should be supported at no more than 1.8m apart (clip to clip)
The 'tank' is a Magnaclean or similar.

So.... As said on more than one occasion BG do a safety check NOT a service.
As an installer I would , and do , clean any filter when servicing a boiler .I would also support the flue at each joint horizontally (which would be 1m apart) and no more than 1.5m in a roof vertically.


GSR

jasmin10

Just an update. A new clp has now been fitted but also got a call out of the blue from Customer Services at BG. I explained the problems and what the guy said about having a safety service. He said that this was unacceptable and their service should be the same as if we had paid someone else to do one.

He is now looking into it and sending someone else.

I am looking for a different service contract now as I don't like being fooled and will worry that there will be other things that arent serviced and I wouldn't know. The only reason I have the Homecare plan is so that I can call someone out any day of the year. Who else offers this???

gasbag1602

Just a quick reply, i am a BG engineer working in the north west. As part of a homecare agreement you get a yearly safety and maintainance check(not a service), we clean out any magnaclean, spirovent fitted by ourselves. To the op who has a Flexi contract (£50 per call out) no we dont check expansion vessel on a service and if you were having trouble before the service you should of let the office know insted of trying to avoid the £50 call out fee(dont say that was not the reason). I will answer any questions no probs Regards Alan

payless

gasbag1602 wrote: »

Just a quick reply, i am a BG engineer working in the north west. As part of a homecare agreement you get a yearly safety and maintainance check(not a service), we clean out any magnaclean, spirovent fitted by ourselves. To the op who has a Flexi contract (£50 per call out) no we dont check expansion vessel on a service and if you were having trouble before the service you should of let the office know insted of trying to avoid the £50 call out fee(dont say that was not the reason). I will answer any questions no probs Regards Alan

re expansion vessel .. it was only a minor irration before the " service" .. and therefore I did not call them out, at that time I had no knowledge of expansion vessels( read that up when the problem ws serious) nor was I trying to avoid the fee.. just surprised when I mentioned it doing the service he did not invetigate further ( even if he said it would be costed as per flex plan)

gasbag1602

payless wrote: »

re expansion vessel .. it was only a minor irration before the " service" .. and therefore I did not call them out, at that time I had no knowledge of expansion vessels( read that up when the problem ws serious) nor was I trying to avoid the fee.. just surprised when I mentioned it doing the service he did not invetigate further ( even if he said it would be costed as per flex plan)

You tried it on, you failed and then you have the ordasity to complain about BG. I go to jobs every day where a cust has saved up several faults or small jobs(customers saying) for the service to avoid paying charges, we are not stupid! The customers that are honest with us 9 times out of 10 will get the repair done but not dishonest customers. One of the questions our call center ask when booking a service call is " are you experiencing any problems" If your answer was "no" you tried it on so get over it!

payless

Boy , that reply is enough to make me cancel my BG contract .

When did I complain .. read my posts !

BTW in your post you call it a "service" call when you previously clearly said it was not a service .

Are you saying the BG service centre use a script for booking annual appts.. ( oh better not call them annual- they don't do them until you chase them - always keen on streching out the year as long as poss- even on my LL policies which need the annual cert ! ) the only script I get is trying to up-sell the polict to 400+ appliances + dual fual swap