Combi boiler and old pipework

gibster_2

Our ancient boiler has finally packed in and it's time to get a new one, so far we've only had one quote which is £2200 for a new combi boiler and some other bits and bobs, which doesn't seem over the top. However they have said that we may be wise to get the pipework replaced at a further cost of £1500, as they are unsure wether the pipework and in particular the compression joints will cope with the added pressure, is this likely, or are they just trying to get more work out of us.

kevsan

We had our boiler replaced in October- and the plumber suggested that the pipes might need replacing to cope with the new boiler. However, he said this to make us aware and stated that hopefully they won't need replacing... which they didn't.

It is likely that they are just appraising you of the situation, rather that getting through the job, and then you have to find more money..

myrnahaz

We've been given the same advice, and the guy is a friend, so I don't think he was trying to get us to spend more but I can't help thinking there must be a way of pressure-testing the existing pipes.

Canucklehead

myrnahaz wrote: »

We've been given the same advice, and the guy is a friend, so I don't think he was trying to get us to spend more but I can't help thinking there must be a way of pressure-testing the existing pipes.

Good afternoon: There is a way to pressure test the existing pipework i.e. disconnect the boiler pipework and cap the pipes, disconnect the expansion tank and cap the pipes, ensure all air is out of the system then pump it up with this . However this procedure would cost £££ ....either the pipework fails (will need to be replaced) or the pipework holds but the procedure would need to be reversed so the customer would have heating/DHW until the replacement combi boiler is installed. Would you pay extra for that? My OH adds a disclaimer to his quotes for combi boilers i.e. 'any pipework failure will be addressed if it occurs and will incur additional cost'.

HTH

Canucklehead

gibster_2

Thanks for all the info, as stated i think i'll just go for the boiler install, but let them know we'll be happy to pay for the pipework if it fails.
cheers.