New tentants, boiler problems, comments please

clutton_2

""Just because the landlord has a service agreement doesn't mean the boiler can be fixed immediately. Some boilers need parts which take time to come in.""

that is why the law cannot define "reasonable" in terms of how long it takes to effect repairs... there are far too many variables in each job.

buglawton

I agree with G_M. Your boiler may be the 'balanced flue' type and could become dangerous if the installation is tampered with by shortening an exhaust. Looks like you need a Corgi reg'd person to inspect now and re-certify it or you could be liable for any dangers.

Unfortunately much of Corgi is a racket that would impress the M*fia for its ability to extract cash from hapless punters. Try to get a gas engineer by recommendation and avoid being pushed into overpriced maintenance contracts by British Gas.

Another thing you can instantly do is install a carbon monoxide alarm near the boiler, a few quid from Tesco large outlets.

mikey72

Ban the diy, but look at re-routing the condensate pipe either when the weather picks up or when you get the boiler serviced. Get the pipe put back together until then, as it should feed into a drain.
I don't have any service contracts on the house I let out, but I do all the repairs myself, or get a local plumber I know to do the service and gas work.

roger196

On the assumption this is the condensate pipe, altering the outlet point of the condensate pipe can have serious consequences to your property. The condensate is carbonic acid which over time will disolve cement, mortar or even copper pipe. You need to get whoever does the gas safety certificate to check that the new outlet point conforms to current regulations or to quote for the cost of putting it right. Or you could always ring gassafe technical advice department or look in the manufacturers instructions( the thick booklet which comes with the boiler). Spare copies can often be got from the manufacturer or from their website.

poppysarah

Boiler at neighbour isn't working. They're re-routing the condensate pipe to avoiding it running through the 4 inches of snow ...
Very common problem at the moment apparently.

But it's the landlord's responsibility to make sure the installation meets regulations. Ask them not to make any further alterations again and perhaps charge them if it costs you money to sort out the cut pipe.

Can you lag the outside pipe? Or is it just one of those things that these extreme (and hopefully rare) weather causes?

clutton_2

CORGIi - is no longer responsible for Gas Safety in rental propeties - it is GASSAFE

Tyler_Du

Thanks for all the comments everyone. Was back at the property today, the boiler is still cutting out intermittently. The pipework has all been re-lagged, plus extra insulation placed around the pipes in the loft (I did it when they first reported the problem). Will be booking another engineer on Monday as water is now dripping from the boiler. Left a oil filled radiator for the tenants incase they are left without central heating (they do have a gas fire, but only in living room).
We do have a service contract. I think we'll wait until the cold weather has gone before reminding them that DIY is not allowed

clutton_2

does the property have a coin-slot electric meter ? if so, and if tenants have let it run down, this could cause boiler to stop and start and flash a red light....

have you topped up the boiler with water ? - if not - low pressure can cause intermittent operation

When did you do the LGSC ? and when was it last serviced ?

theGrinch

tenants need to be flexible too. all the boiler problems I have had have arisen from tenant misuse; usually leaving the heating on 24 x 7 at the highest setting and overheating the boiler.

Tyler_Du

clutton wrote: »

does the property have a coin-slot electric meter ? if so, and if tenants have let it run down, this could cause boiler to stop and start and flash a red light....

The property does not have a coin-slot electric meter

clutton wrote: »

have you topped up the boiler with water ? - if not - low pressure can cause intermittent operation

The pressure is with the normal range

clutton wrote: »

When did you do the LGSC ? and when was it last serviced ?

LGSC was done end of Nov last year, boiler was serviced 8 months ago.

theGrinch wrote: »

tenants need to be flexible too. all the boiler problems I have had have arisen from tenant misuse; usually leaving the heating on 24 x 7 at the highest setting and overheating the boiler.

One of the tenants works odd hours and has showers / heating on at 03.00am when getting ready for work.