New boiler required

Sniblet

Great advice Hengus. I've just used a Vaillant registered installer to install my new boiler from a Ravenheat that I managed (although heaven knows how) to get serviceable use out of for the best part of 14 years!! (It came with the property that was redeveloped back in 2002.)

Also the registered installers will also have access to longer warranties as well. However I have heard that systems that have not been power or chemically flushed when fitting a new boiler are not covered under warranties. I'm not sure if that's flannel or true. So I opted for a more gentle chemical flush over a week with a magnet based filter added to the boiler.

buglawton

Got my last Vailant service done by looking up the plumber on Vailant's approved service agents postcode search.

System

Sniblet wrote: »

Great advice Hengus. I've just used a Vaillant registered installer to install my new boiler from a Ravenheat that I managed (although heaven knows how) to get serviceable use out of for the best part of 14 years!! (It came with the property that was redeveloped back in 2002.)

Also the registered installers will also have access to longer warranties as well. However I have heard that systems that have not been power or chemically flushed when fitting a new boiler are not covered under warranties. I'm not sure if that's flannel or true. So I opted for a more gentle chemical flush over a week with a magnet based filter added to the boiler.

They are covered until they fail and the investigation reveal that the heat exchanger is blocked due to sludge that should have been removed during installation. Chemical flushes are kinder than power flushes ( the latter being banned now in Germany); however, it depends on the level of sludge. My neighbour has just had a new boiler fitted and all the radiators were removed from the wall and power flushed in the yard before being re-installed and chemically cleaned. The installer used a thermo device to check first whether the radiators were getting hot across the panel.

sevenonine

Why does this webpage keep dropping out? Is it my pc or the numbers of posts/posters using it?

giraffe69

When we moved and needed someone to service a boiler we used the Parish Magazine to find one. Thus far cheap and reliable.

sevenonine

Hengus wrote: »

Chemical flushes are kinder than power flushes ( the latter being banned now in Germany); however, it depends on the level of sludge.

Apologies for delay in replying to your excellent advice. I am single and elderly so all this info is very helpful. However, your mention of chemical flushes depending on the level of sludge - is this process less time-taking than the power flush? And would it depend on the installer's discretion and reliability to do the right thing? Or should I request a power flush which can probably take longer.

Hengus wrote: »

Get more than one quote and make sure that they discuss such things as radiator cleaning, filters etc.

As you advise, the filter should be fitted during the installation but is it necessary to get the radiators cleaned before the unit is installed; wouldn't it add to the price?
I am also uncertain about using Intergas – as you say, they are “ used increasingly in social housing situations” but they have different warranty periods, so a choice is required. I just want a new unit (with filter) quickly installed as the present unit is in a perilous state.
Can you also advise whether it is better to use single installers rather company installers. I guess the company ones would be advisable?!

sevenonine

giraffe69 wrote: »

When we moved and needed someone to service a boiler we used the Parish Magazine to find one. Thus far cheap and reliable.

Thanks - we get a newsletter but it usually is looking for voluntary plumbers, gardeners, cleaners etc...probably for free use by our clergy!

System

sevenonine wrote: »

Apologies for delay in replying to your excellent advice. I am single and elderly so all this info is very helpful. However, your mention of chemical flushes depending on the level of sludge - is this process less time-taking than the power flush? And would it depend on the installer's discretion and reliability to do the right thing? Or should I request a power flush which can probably take longer.

As you advise, the filter should be fitted during the installation but is it necessary to get the radiators cleaned before the unit is installed; wouldn't it add to the price?
I am also uncertain about using Intergas – as you say, they are “ used increasingly in social housing situations” but they have different warranty periods, so a choice is required. I just want a new unit (with filter) quickly installed as the present unit is in a perilous state.
Can you also advise whether it is better to use single installers rather company installers. I guess the company ones would be advisable?!

Ok - I am now a better informed poster having had a new boiler installed this week. I used an installer that was recommended to me, and registered with/and trained by the manufacturer? It took me about 6 months to find him. The installation took 3 days. Although my system was deemed very clean, the installer insisted on a power flush that took most of the day and probably used a month's supply of metered cold water. Each radiator was washed through for about 20 to 30 minutes with a flushing pump connected to the boiler output and return pipes. There was then a lot of dashing around the house turning radiators on and off. The installer then checked the outflow of each radiator with a water metal test kit (not all installers do this). As I said, my system was deemed to be relatively clean (10parts/Million of Iron) but when the large magnet used in the power flush device was removed at the end of the procedure it was 1/3 covered in iron filings.

Does flushing add to the price? The answer is 'yes' by a large amount I am afraid. Are there cheaper alternatives, the answer is also probably 'yes' but only an installer who inspects your system can advise. I have, for example, seen an installer flushing radiators through with a hose pipe in a neighbours garden. The best course of action depends on the condition of your heating system. There is more to central heating than just a boiler as I now know.

buglawton

Did you get a magnetic trap fitted to collect future sludge? These can be emptied easily without draining the system.

horseymchorseface

What boiler brand is most the trustworthy and has the least issues in regards to reliability, cost aside