To boiler or not to boiler?

elsien

Worcester Greenstar, put in in 2009. Has been fine so far, but now needs the pressure expansion vessel replacing.

I also have an issue with intermittent hot and cold water, which isn’t the tap because that’s already been replaced so also boiler related.
Awaiting quotes for repairs for that as well.

Now wondering what the average life of a boiler is expected to be and whether I’m getting to the point where I should get it replaced before something more expensive goes wrong, because I think I’m getting towards the upper limit of how long it can keep trundling on for.

I’ve not had any quotes for a new boiler as yet either so I don’t have any figures to compare, just after general thoughts. No pipework or anything should need moving or changing..

twopenny

My old boiler lasted 40yrs. Only had to be taken out because couldn't get spares.

I'm told 20yrs on the current one but mines 26 and still ok. 🤞

greyteam1959

My opinion only.

A 17 year old boiler is not worth spending any money on repairs.

Albermarle

17 years is around that grey area - to replace or not to replace when something goes wrong.

If the quotes are in the several hundreds, the probably time to bite the bullet and replace. Cost about £2500.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/6659202/to-boiler-or-not-to-boiler

I think it'll depend on your GasSafe - do you know them well? A good rapport?

EV - buy an external one for ~£50 and plumb it in anywhere on the CH return pipe. Jobbie jobbed.

The intermittent H&C, well that depends on what you mean :-)

PS - how do you know it needs an EV?!

bjorn_toby_wilde

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81919264#Comment_81919264

Spot on.

Worcester also have a section on their website where you can check the all in cost and (only if you want to) then click through to get the quote sent to a local fitter on their list.

elsien

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81919286#Comment_81919286

Boiler dropping pressure despite leak being repaired. And quadruple checked. And water dripping outside. EV is at the back and a !!!!!! to reach.
intermittent hot and cold water means just that - hot tap runs hot and cold. Not the tap because it has already been replaced.

Ectophile

Intermittent hot and cold can mean a clogged heat exchanger. Which is a fairly major job. If the heat exchanger is partially clogged, the boiler starts heating, so you get hot water. But then it overheats and shuts down until it's cooled off again.

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81919397#Comment_81919397

So the pressure soars to the point the safety valve opens, and then it keeps dripping? That's quite typical.

So, £30 for a new valve, and usually easy to fit. £40 for an external EV, if you have a suitable location for it. Very easy to plumb in.

And then there's the P2P exchanger, but these can be had for £30.

If that's the problem, then parts are around £100, and the job 1-2 hours. If.

With old boilers, GSafes are often wary of getting stuck in as other parts can be brittle, and other problems ready to show themselves. That's why I asked if you know a good local GS who'd be happy to do this.

A new boiler will give peace of mind, but at a high initial cost.

GrubbyGirl_2

I have a Worcester greenstar also installed in 2009. I had no idea it was that old as I've only lived in the house for 5 years. Last year I needed a new filling loop as it was dripping and expansion tank and the date was on the old expansion tank. I have a very good boiler man who services it every year. He said that Worcester boilers do last well and parts are easily replaceable. The total bill was £360 so significantly less than a new boiler. Having said that my system has clearly been well looked after because when I moved in I had a couple of new radiators fitted and when the system was drained down it was very clean.

One tip he did give me was if there is a major breakdown it can be much cheaper to repair if you go directly to Worcester as they have a fixed price and will replace everything that needs replacing plus give a warranty. I've not checked this out myself. So when you get your quotes it may be worth comparing that with what Worcester can offer.

dinosaur66

as a landlord boilers are my number 1 pain in b/side

i have had both these exact faults last year in a baxi combi 28 installed in 2014 at different times

heat exchange was £130 supplied and fitted and expansion vessell / prv was £180 supplied and fitted

i was in the loft on the phone to my gas engineer who i aways use for my certs and repairs explaining the fault / was asked for the model number and he knew straight away the fault and parts needed and came round next day and fitted

tenants are elderly in this property and boiler is always in use even in the summer

so touch wood your model will be a similar price to fix

if you have any neighbours who are tradesmen ask them if they can recommend anyone they know / you want one with no call out charge / most landlords will have a favourite they always use if you know any .

i would not change the boiler just for those 2 faults albeit i rely on a tradesman who i know will not rip me off.