Fairly new boiler has broken, claimed obsolete?

Mr.Boy

I had a new boiler (a Baxi Bermuda BBU HE) fitted in a rental property 5 years ago, replacing the original back boiler system which had failed. It cost over £3000.

My tenant has reported the control panel has failed (melted!) and from initial investigations I'm told this boiler is now obsolete - we might be able to get a new part but it's not guaranteed to work and might take up to 2 weeks to arrive.

Two problems:

1. How can a 5-year-old boiler be obsolete and outside warranty? Isn't there a reasonable expectation of 'fit for purpose' which for something like a boiler, is far longer than 5 years?
2. The tenant is a mother of 3 who has just had a new baby a few weeks ago. She is now living in a house with no hot water. What on earth am I supposed to do?

Any advice gladly received.

Innys1

If you buy something that's about to be discontinued, it will become "obsolete", at least in the eyes of the manufacturer. That doesn't mean you can't get spares for it, mind.

As for a new boiler lasting far longer than 5 years, dream on. Most modern boilers won't last much beyond 7. Older, simpler boilers, mind, can keep chugging on for decades. I replaced an old boiler recently which hadn't missed a beat in 25 odd years, with no annual servicing.

In terms of your dilemma, that's one of the risks you take with being a landlord. Having said that, the tenant should understand you don't keep a spare boiler in your back pocket in case of emergencies. If it were her own home and boiler, the spare wouldn't arrive any quicker.

Hoploz

I would get a second opinion if I were you. A control panel doesn't sound like the whole thing should be scrapped. Parts must be available - Baxi is a very popular brand.

jamei305

You could get something like this if repairing or replacing the boiler is going to take a while:

http://www.brandontoolhire.co.uk/en/pipe-freezing-flushing-testing-hire-equipment/3405-portable-emergency-tank.html

Innys1

jamei305 wrote: »

You could get something like this if repairing or replacing the boiler is going to take a while:

http://www.brandontoolhire.co.uk/en/pipe-freezing-flushing-testing-hire-equipment/3405-portable-emergency-tank.html

At £126 every two days, that could work out expensive.

anselld

I would suspect if the control pane has melted then is has not been installed correctly as per the MIs. i.e. if you fit a replacement control panel it will probably melt again. I would get it checked out by a (different) Baxi approved installer.

Mr.Boy

anselld wrote: »

I would suspect if the control pane has melted then is has not been installed correctly as per the MIs. i.e. if you fit a replacement control panel it will probably melt again. I would get it checked out by a (different) Baxi approved installer.

It does seem a bit weird but it is not fitted on top of the boiler as far as I remember i.e. I don't think the boiler's heat could've been to blame.

It sounds pretty dangerous to me that it even COULD melt - but I've had tenants do crazy things and not having inspected the place myself I wouldn't be surprised if something else went wrong. But otherwise, I have to assume a component failed or something along those lines since it's been working without incident and been serviced every year for 5 years (by different companies).

Mr.Boy

I'm guessing this would not be covered by insurance right - they are going to claim it as 'wear and tear'?

Hoploz

Have you checked how long the warranty is? On a property I bought the boiler had a five year warranty if you had it serviced every year. Do you have any paperwork? Any clues online regarding their usual policy on warranty for new boilers installed?

HappyMJ

d000hg wrote: »

I'm guessing this would not be covered by insurance right - they are going to claim it as 'wear and tear'?

It will be covered by boiler insurance...but not your buildings insurance.

Thrugelmir

Did you have the boiler serviced annually?