new combi boiler on old system?

pitza

Hi, Can a new combi boiler be fitted on an old system? A local plumber has told me that if I have a new combi fitted I will have to have all the pipework and rads renewed because of the added presure and the age of the system (23 years plus) is this right? Two other plumbers have quoted but not mentioned any of this only a system power flush and mag cleaner.

Cardew

No - a power flush most likely will be required.

Why are you getting a new boiler?

pitza

Taking advantage of the boiler scrapage scheme , our back boiler is very old.

stw48

Firstly a combi boiler, especially a condensing one, will save you a fortune in gas over an old back boiler, I made the change ages ago and my gas usage reduced hugely. No pilot light wasting gas and no stored hot, and forever cooling, water. Hot water on demand with just a small wait for it to warm up.

Be aware though if any of the soldered joints in your old pipework are suspect then they could fail under the increased pressure of the new system, I replaced everything in new including radiators with thermostatic valves.

lindos90

I have been wondering along the same lines, we have always had combis and have recently moved into a house with a boiler in the garage, and a separate tank in the airing cupboard.

Im tempted to have a combi as I 'understand' the system, you heat the water as you need it, rather than heat a whole tank and possibly need it, then let it cool, then heat it up again?

The boiler is only ten years old but very noisy and costly compaired to our old system, and water just dribbles out of the showers.

I was wondering if the radiator pipes would need changing if we got a combi, as they are really narrow pipes, and wonder if they would take the extra pressure?

A friend of mine nearby in a similar property wanted a combi, but was persuaded by the rep to just have a replacement, but in hindsight she thinks they advised her that way as it was 'easy money' for them, just quick in out swap a like for like boiler.

Any advice please?