New boiler and Powerflush

dorien

Can anyone please help/advise, so I can go forward with British Gas with my complaint.
Last week I had a new Baxi boiler installed by British Gas sub-contractors. The old boiler and system was 22 years old. Been having problems with blocked/sludged rads etc. When they came they done a powerflush whilst installing the new boiler. The flush took approx 3 hours ! when they commissioned the boiler, I still had two rads with vast cold areas, the powerflush had not removed all the sludge. A new cylinder was installed 2 days later by another fitter (as they had caused a leak on the inlet) and when he drained the system down, the water was still a dirty dark grey colour. On his report sheet he put a comment that we need a re-flush. I have withheld payment and complained to BG by letter (no answer as yet). What I would like to know is, is my new boiler now at risk due to my system not being cleaned properly.
(have since looked on Internet and a Powerflush should take a min of 5/6 hours if done properly)

gas4you

Powerflush will never get an old system 100% clean. Usually about 80-85% clean on a good day. That is why a magnaclean or similar device should always be fitted as well.

Powerflushing is way over rated, but is good and really a necessity on a system like yours.

Whether or not you can only say you have not had a 'good one' because it hasn't taken 5-6 hours is debateable.

If they are going to carry out another, then there will be no lasting problems for your new boiler. I cannot understand why BG didn't fit a device such as a magnaclean or what ever they buy cheaoest these days.

dorien

Thanks for your reply, they did fit a Magnaclean above my boiler, I had a call from BG customer services who said the Magnaclean will stop any damage to my boiler. I am awaiting a call from the Installation manager now to see what they are going to do about my 2 cold rads and re-clean.

rgannon4

Hey,

I had a similar problem. Had my boiler exchanged for new Worcester but they never flushed my rads (or even advised me!). Rads still never got hot. I had to get another company in to resolve the issue who I cant praise enough.

gas4you

rgannon4 wrote: »

Hey,

I had a similar problem. Had my boiler exchanged for new Worcester but they never flushed my rads (or even advised me!). Rads still never got hot. I had to get another company in to resolve the issue who I cant praise enough.

Hope you sent the bill to the installers;)

BargainBilly

Good article... I think im in the same boat. My 15yr old boiler is giving up the ghost and British Gas on the annual boiler check said so.....two weeks following visit water leaking??!! engineer re visit said system definitely needed back flushing and new boiler,,,,, now dripping constantly into bowl and radiators not responding to bleeding??

Coincidentally i got new boiler sales docs in post from gas offering this and that?? Where is the best value for a new boiler ?? British gas with a specified insistence to powerflush/back flush,,, Demand a Worcester boiler with "magnaclean" Help anyone its getting colder ??!!! thank you, ps I need to re negotiate my gas /electric rate havent done so for 2yrs both with Scottish gas, any discount to be made with new boiler purchase etc??

dorien

Bargain Billy, although I have got the problem with B.Gas not doing the powerflush properly, (well there sub-contractors) I would seriously recommend that you get a quote from them. The first quote I had from them about 10 months ago was £3,400, they then reduced there prices by a third, so came and gave me a new quote, came down to £2,178 after discounts etc..this now compares with Independants quotes, but my point is ...if you go with British Gas, and anything else goes wrong they put it right at no extra cost to you. Hence my having a new hot water cylinder, thermostat and programmer put in at time of installati
on at no extra cost, NO independant company would do that.
As per my original post, I am still withholding the money, as I have yet to hear from there Installation Manager as to when and what he is going to do !!!! Will keep you updated..Dispite this I would still recommend British Gas for a new boiler because of the points above.. Hope this helps..

rgannon4

Yes, I should do

BargainBilly

Well the boiler salesman has just been from Scottish Gas and quoted .............wait for it ......£3200,,,, for a two bedroomed bungalow??!!........The magnaclean and powerflush were included, the flush was the only refuseable item ie £250 off ...Crazy when the boiler is £800 ,, stated he ha dto put new pipes via attic etc,,, Smelled a con? So now looking for an independent quote with a worcester boiler ?? At least I,ll get to compare Thanks for help Any suggestions for a pensioner ??

gas4you

Phone your local Age Concern or similar and see if they can recommend anyone.

frankie

Why not use recommended local plumbers/heating engineers instead of the big companies like BG?

Just had a new Worcester lpg boiler fitted, new radiator fited with new pipe runs, condensate filter and pump, 'local' 'powerflush' for £2300. Work took over two and a half days.

I also know where the plumber lives! He does a lot of local work around our villages.