Boiler less than 3 years old but has been condemned, any legal standing against the manufacturer?

Corbula

I had a new Ideal boiler which was installed in a new build house that I bought at the end of Feb 2021. The boiler only had 2 years warranty which ended in Feb 2023. I've just had someone to service it but when he was doing the gas measure test for monoxide the boiler was getting up to 1568ppm before shutting itself off. To put that into context he said its lethal at around 600ppm. He spoke with his boss and condemned it on the spot and capped it off. He said speak with Ideal because it's not right other than that it would be a case of getting a new boiler. 

The boiler has also been making a high pitched screech which he things on the heat exchanger due to build up.

I spoke with Ideal but all I got was the warranty has run out and have me payment options for someone to take a look and see if they can repair it. Obviously I don't think it's a good idea for Ideal to send someone to take a look and say, yea going to need a new boiler and then pay him for the privilege.

Do I have any legal standing against Ideal to force them to get it fixed or replaced seeing at its less that 3 years old or is it a case of I'm out of luck, the warranty has ended and that's it? Just got to find the money somehow to afford a new boiler?

Obviously I'm very annoyed that I've now got no heating or hot water until it's sorted when I've got my wife whose pregnant and my 2 year old who's disabled and needs regular bathing. Especially when it's not even 3 years old and in such a dangerous way.

Netexporter

Try claiming on the NHBC warranty on the house. That lasts 10 years, IIRC.

Alderbank

Netexporter said:

Try claiming on the NHBC warranty on the house. That lasts 10 years, IIRC.

You don't recall correctly.

The first two years are called 'Builder's Warranty'. This is provided by the housebuilder and is snagging insurance, covering stuff like proper installation of doors and windows, plumbing, drainage, wind and water tightness of the roof, etc.
The remainder of the warranty after two years is provided by NHBC but is very limited cover restricted to major construction issues only.

In 'What is not covered' the NHBC say that 'items covered by other insurances or by warranties such as on domestic appliances or boilers are excluded from the warranty.'

https://www.nhbc.co.uk/homeowners/what-does-buildmark-cover

tacpot12

I would get Ideal out. They will be able to tell you why the boiler has failed so disasterously so quickly, If the issue is manufacturing, they will fix it for much less than the cost of a new boiler. If the issue is how the boiler was installed, you need to get a written report from them to confirm the cause. If they tell you, you need a new boiler, get a written report. In fact, I would make it a condition of them coming out that you get their findings in writing. It doesn't have to be a long report, but does have to be reasonably formal (on a job sheet is fine), and in good clear handwriting if done on site -  which I would expect that  it would be. If the job sheet is recorded on a portable device - ask for a copy of the report to be set to you and give the engineer your email address.

If the cause is how the boiler was installed, check to see if you have Legal Expenses cover as part of your home insurance. If you do, call the legal helpline and ask them if they will help you sue the builder. 

If the cause was a lack of maintenance (which I doubt), then you won't have any choice other than to have a new boiler fitted.

I can recommend Intergas, Viessman and Vaillant boilers. There is no need to have another Ideal if you have lost faith in the brand.

Lorian

At 3 years old it's highly unlikely you need a new boiler. What you need is a good gas safe engineer to check the flu and the seals and replace what's failed or maybe consider the ideal fixed price repair or repair and care offerings.

You have a working co alarm in the same room as the boiler?

Oscarmax

On 2 occasion they have tried to repair eventually the high pitch squeal is according to Ideal a characteristic of the boiler?  both one of our neighbour and ourselves have this problem only in the cold weather, we are all in new build 6 years ago.

Both boiler have been like it now for the last 4 years both work fine and pass there service test.

BellaBlondykeTheThird

Oscarmax said:

On 2 occasion they have tried to repair eventually the high pitch squeal is according to Ideal a characteristic of the boiler?  both one of our neighbour and ourselves have this problem only in the cold weather, we are all in new build 6 years ago.

Both boiler have been like it now for the last 4 years both work fine and pass there service test.

I am confused the property is 6 years old but your boiler is only 3 years old?

So this isn't the boiler originally fitted by the builder?

Perhaps you can be concise on the age of the house, age of boiler and who fitted it.

Bendo

BellaBlondykeTheThird said:

Oscarmax said:

On 2 occasion they have tried to repair eventually the high pitch squeal is according to Ideal a characteristic of the boiler?  both one of our neighbour and ourselves have this problem only in the cold weather, we are all in new build 6 years ago.

Both boiler have been like it now for the last 4 years both work fine and pass there service test.

I am confused the property is 6 years old but your boiler is only 3 years old?

So this isn't the boiler originally fitted by the builder?

Perhaps you can be concise on the age of the house, age of boiler and who fitted it.

It isnt confusing when you realise you aren't replying to the OP.

@OP, get a decent well respected local gas safe engineer to look at it.  Check the local facebook groups etc for recommendations,

QrizB

BellaBlondykeTheThird said:

Oscarmax said:

On 2 occasion they have tried to repair eventually the high pitch squeal is according to Ideal a characteristic of the boiler?  both one of our neighbour and ourselves have this problem only in the cold weather, we are all in new build 6 years ago.

Both boiler have been like it now for the last 4 years both work fine and pass there service test.

I am confused ...

Oscarmax isn't the OP and their boiler hasn't been condemned. They're just sharing their experience.
OP is Corbula. Corbula's house and boiler are both three years old.

BellaBlondykeTheThird

Ah thanks lol

Xbigman

Warranties aren't the end of a manufacturers liability. I'm not an expert but I believe the correct phrase is that any product must be of 'merchantable quality'. In the case of a boiler costing thousands it shouldn't fail completely after 3 years. You need to get ideal out and get a proper report done. If its one part then you'll need to pay, if Ideal condemn the boiler I'd expect a replacement. 


Darren