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Another boiler issue

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I had my combi boiler serviced about 4 weeks ago. The chap said that I needed a new water softener unit on it as the one I had normally only lasted 2 years or so - this one was the same age as the boiler, 8 years. When he service the boiler I mentioned that the hot water wasn't as hot as it used to be - when I fill the bath up I never put any cold in, and it's still not really hot.

He said that the new water softener might fix that.... but he wasn't sure. So I had the new softener unit, and things are no different. I did text him to let him know but I think he's on holiday, so I might have to ask someone else.

Any ideas what is causing this?

Comments

  • Chanes
    Chanes Posts: 882 Forumite
    Ninth Anniversary 500 Posts Combo Breaker
    Does the water flow quickly? We used to have a problem like that long ago and slowed down the water flow which increased the temperature a lot. Luckily there are a couple of Gas safe people on the board who will give you some free advice if they spot your post!
  • Ectophile
    Ectophile Posts: 7,955 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 1,000 Posts Photogenic Name Dropper
    First, it's winter. Combi boilers can struggle to heat the really cold mains water at this time of year.

    Second, the heat exchanger can gradually clog over the years, The more clogged they are, the less effective. Unfortunately, they are quite expensive to replace. A water softener is only likely to stop it clogging in the first place - it won't help if it's already full of limescale. Also it may be the boiler side that's clogged if the heating system is full of rust and muck.
    If it sticks, force it.
    If it breaks, well it wasn't working right anyway.
  • It's not a water softener it's a scale inhibitor, some are better than others & some last for life & some require replacing, it certainly sounds like the plate heat exchanger is scaled, your new scale inhibitor won't sort this, you either have it replaced or get it cleaned out using chemicals (which is done by taking it out & leaving a cleaner in it for an hour or so), depending on your boiler & therefore the cost of a replacement will determine which way to go
    I'm only here while I wait for Corrie to start.

    You get no BS from me & if I think you are wrong I WILL tell you.
  • Caroline_a
    Caroline_a Posts: 4,071 Forumite
    Thanks everybody! I'll see what my chap wants to do next, although just to be damn awkward I had a shower last night (separate unit from bath) and it was lovely and hot!
  • C_Mababejive
    C_Mababejive Posts: 11,668 Forumite
    Part of the Furniture 10,000 Posts Name Dropper Combo Breaker
    edited 20 February 2017 at 11:35AM
    The answer is to dig out the manufacturers spec for the boiler and using a weir cup and thermometer, set the flow rate to that quoted by the manuf and see if the correct temp rise can be acquired. If not, and its well short, something needs fixing.

    I know if i go measure my hot water tap temp now it will be around 51 c. Its unlikely you would get that with a typical combi. I have a traditional storage system with hot water cylinder.
    Feudal Britain needs land reform. 70% of the land is "owned" by 1 % of the population and at least 50% is unregistered (inherited by landed gentry). Thats why your slave box costs so much..
  • phil24_7
    phil24_7 Posts: 1,535 Forumite
    Eighth Anniversary 1,000 Posts Combo Breaker
    I'd also look at getting someone who knows their onions to service your boiler in future!
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