Flue fan

[Argentum66]

Hi there.
My boiler has tonight developed a squeal and the heat has cut out. On investigation the noise is coming from the fan on top of the boiler supplying the flue so I suppose the boiler has cut out as adequate air flow is not being maintained. So first of all, as an unqualified competent diyer can I legally change the unit, secondly how hard is it...it looks fairly easy, and thirdly where do I get a replacement unit? Thanks in advance. Argentum

 

[Elkato531]

The fan forms part of the flue system and it is therefore a safety critical part of the system. There are those that will argue that you are allowed to do it yourself but you won't (or shouldn't) get advice on how to from anyone qualified as its against forum rules. Call a gas safe registered RGI and get it done professionally.

 

[Dan Robinson]

competent

Competent in what? How would you carry out your 26.9 checks?

 

[AGAS]

jeez what are some people like ,Argentum66 hasn't it cross your mind that it may be dangerous

 

[Argentum66]

Hi Dan
I suppose that was my question. I am competent in a number of areas, I an confident I can undertake the mechanical aspects and the electrical aspects but didn't know if there were regulations/checks that needed adhering to. I'm asking a question not challenging the regulations.

 

[Argentum66]

So, accepting that I will not replace it myself, is there anything I can do to get my heating on temporarily tonight? I have read elsewhere about spraying WD40. Is this a good idea just to get the thing working?

 

[AGAS]

 

[mcmoby69]

Well considering bearings need greasing and wd40 is a degrease, no. Plus,wd 40 is flammable.

Surely you can cope for a day without heating and hot water?

 

[AGAS]

as an unqualified competent diyer can I legally change the unit, secondly how hard is it...it looks fairly easy,

it just shows you are not competent so stop fiddling

 

[muggles]

So, accepting that I will not replace it myself, is there anything I can do to get my heating on temporarily tonight? I have read elsewhere about spraying WD40. Is this a good idea just to get the thing working?

No. You shouldn't even be taking off the casing to the point where you can see the fan - some boilers become extremely dangerous once the case seals are disturbed and need careful inspection and testing by a person experienced with working on them prior to use once the casing has been removed.

 

[ollski]

Can I guess?, ideal classic?

 

[Argentum66]

I can see I'm not going to get any help here. I'm not fiddling, I'm asking questions before I fiddle, or don't fiddle as it may be; surely this is the best thing to do before jumping straight in. The responses I'm getting are at best sarcastic and certainly not helpful, very different from the other forums I have experienced. If this is the way some of you talk to your customers it's no wonder they don't want to engage with you and try to do things themselves.

 

[muggles]

I can see I'm not going to get any help here. I'm not fiddling, I'm asking questions before I fiddle, or don't fiddle as it may be; surely this is the best thing to do before jumping straight in. The responses I'm getting are at best sarcastic and certainly not helpful, very different from the other forums I have experienced. If this is the way some of you talk to your customers it's no wonder they don't want to engage with you and try to do things themselves.

How was my response unhelpful? I gave you advice that would prevent you creating a potentially dangerous situation. Forum rules prohibit giving advice on gas-safety related issues other than to call a pro in, and removing the case of an old boiler is very much gas safety related as failing to refit it and test it correctly could kill you

 

[Argentum66]

Not necessarily referring to you Muggles, Your response came in while I was writing.

 

[Agile]

People always seem to be unhappy when they don't get the replies they hope to hear.

Anyone posting on a forum is deemed to have read the rules and agreed to abide by them.

They very clearly say that we should not give advice on gas safety matters.