Replacement boiler options

patricia1066

I need to think about my options...

I have a 15 yr old Potterton traditional boiler, feeder tank and cold water tank, and immersion cylinder (orange insulation factory fitted) which is very reliable and heats up the house with 10 radiators. Its rated as 80,000 Btu.

I would like to replace it before it cops out, and save money on gas of course.

One Plumber suggested that I do the work in 2 stages -
first fit a pressurised expansion tank to the current boiler, which he says can take it as it has a cut off valve. He will fit a TF1 on it while he is there.
second visit he will fit a Vaillant boiler and put TRVs on the radiators. He will drain down the rads and flush it through at mains pressure. He will fit a compliant flue to the roof and make the necessary adjustments.

It worries me that he said there may be leaks as it is an old system, its a hard water area and its never had inhibitor as far as I know.

He suggested a unvented cylinder also.

Our water pressure from cold tap is 12L pm.

Another option is to leave the boiler as it is. Replace the cylinder for another copper tank and get the rads cleaned individually by hosing them in the garden. Then put magnaclean on, and inhibitor in the tank.

Any thoughts?

diywhynot

What is the mains pressure? The 12 l/min flow rate is insufficient for an unvented cylinder or a combi. Get yourself another RGI.


Have you had any problems with your CH system?

patricia1066

I have seen 3 gas safe engineers now, and they all checked the mains pressure and still recommended unvented cylinders. It was the first one that told me that I get 12L pm which wasnt much.

No problems at all running 10 rads silently, and 2 showers. We have a Stuart Turner twin valve shower pump, which works hard as it is 1.5 bar.

southcoastrgi

as DYN said plus it's not only flow but pressure needs to be checked, if you really do have only 12 ltrs/min then stick with the same system as you have now & IMO if the boiler ain't broke don't waste your money replacing it

patricia1066

Yes I think I will keep the boiler. How do I find someone able to service it in Bromley area?

Is there a register of ancient Potterton RGIs - the Pottertons not the RGIs I mean :rotfl:

southcoastrgi

recommendations from friends or neighbours is the best bet, failing that you can search for an installer on the gas safe web site, when you phone them ask if they service old boilers, you would be surprised at the amout of RGI's that are regd but don't have the first clue about servicing.

& if all the three you have found so far want to install an unvented cylinder on 12 ltrs/min flow rate I wouldn't use any of them for the service.

marlo22

i think you should change the complete heating system, because its too old & will gives problem for servicing. its better to take new one by adding amount you will spend in year on its servicing . There are many service providers who replace your old heating system with discounted rate. which area you living so i can help you.

Ionkontrol

marlo22 wrote: »

i think you should change the complete heating system, because its too old & will gives problem for servicing. its better to take new one by adding amount you will spend in year on its servicing . There are many service providers who replace your old heating system with discounted rate. which area you living so i can help you.

Total spam guff. Ignore.

Avoriaz

patricia1066 wrote: »

…Another option is to leave the boiler as it is. Replace the cylinder for another copper tank and get the rads cleaned individually by hosing them in the garden. Then put magnaclean on, and inhibitor in the tank.

Any thoughts?

Yes.

If it ain’t broke, don’t fix it.

You might get another ten years or more from that boiler, cylinder etc.

Adding inhibitor is advisable.

Cleaning the rads is really only needed if you get flow problems or cold spots suggesting sludge has built up. Maybe try removing one radiator and check if there is sludge in there and then only do the others if there is a build up of sludge.

But otherwise, in my opinion, if it all works fine then leave it alone. You won’t easily recover the costs of a new system in gas savings or in repair and servicing costs etc of the existing system.

My inexpert opinion, others may disagree.

southcoastrgi

marlo22 wrote: »

i think you should change the complete heating system, because its too old & will gives problem for servicing. its better to take new one by adding amount you will spend in year on its servicing . There are many service providers who replace your old heating system with discounted rate. which area you living so i can help you.

just go away the OP doesn't need your totally incorrect advice & it might be a good idea to learn English if (I hope not) you decide to reply

jennifernil

We have a 25 year old Potterton, similar system, never missed a beat. We are working on the "if it ain't broke, don't fix it" basis, and will be leaving it strictly alone as long as it keeps going.

We do however have TRVs fitted from new.