New boiler or not?

[CountryFan]

Thanks CountryFan.

Yes it's too far over the top, or yes I should go with the quote?

Sorry, yes, think it’s a bit steep. Up to you with winter coming though. I think it’s should be half that.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Thanks CountryFan.

Yes it's too far over the top, or yes I should go with the quote?

It is probably over the top, but depends on the radiator - they supply, and fit, is it an extra radiator, or a simple straight swap. Get other quotes for the same job.

 

[mp129]

It's a straight swap. Sounds like I need more quotes.

Thanks Harry and CountryFan, and everyone else who's contributed.

Much appreciated.

 

[CountryFan]

It's a straight swap.

If the valves are to remain the same, then no drain down needed imo and definitely overpriced if that’s the case.

 

[mp129]

The quote states "The radiator to have a new thermostatic valve and a new return valve". I'm not sure why - the radiator needs replacing because it has sprung a leak in the middle of the bottom edge, nowhere near the valves.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

The quote states

Maybe to cover their backs, in case in the future, one does develop a leak?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

About the only benefit of swapping to a combi would be a bit of space saved, but you lose your airing cupboard. Any potential Gas saving will take many years, (if ever) to pay for the cost of the alterations.

You say the Heating is working ok, the issue is with the Hot water?

 

[mp129]

Thanks both.

Yes, heating ok (although the house seems to be taking longer to warm up). Hot water not working. We're using the immersion heater.

 

[gas112]

The quote states "The radiator to have a new thermostatic valve and a new return valve". I'm not sure why - the radiator needs replacing because it has sprung a leak in the middle of the bottom edge, nowhere near the valves.

what size is the rad and is it a double or single ?

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

Thanks both.

Yes, heating ok (although the house seems to be taking longer to warm up). Hot water not working. We're using the immersion heater.

Indicates the issue is probably not with the boiler and changing the pump may not help matters. I would look at a possible circulation issue, (sludge build up), before spending money on new parts you probably don't even need.

Radiator leak may also be related, it's a sign the system could be corroding from the inside out, in which case adding a Combi and pressurising the system could open up a whole new can of worms!

 

[mp129]

Thanks Harry, Hugh and CountryFan.

Sorry for the delay. A couple of inconvenient bank holidays got in the way.

Blimey. Where do I start? I'm just a layman. How can I argue the toss with a professional heating engineer? Anyway, I've asked another firm to quote.

We bought this house in late 2014. Several radiators sprang leaks a few years later and we had all the radiators replaced. One of the replacements leaked a couple of years ago (from rust, not a valve). I got the firm which had installed them to replace it and raised the issue of rust inhibitor. They added some. Now, a couple of years on, another rusty radiator. All three toilets have also leaked and the downstairs cloakroom ceiling shows stains which indicate past leaks in the airing cupboard above.

I've never known a house with so many plumbing problems.

Should I sell the house, have all the plumbing replaced, or just lie down and wait to drown?

 

[gas112]

Leaking rads after a few years can also indicate an electrical fault causing pinholing in rads

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I got the firm which had installed them to replace it and raised the issue of rust inhibitor. They added some.

It reads, as if many of your problems, are due to rust, and sludge - both due to lack of inhibitor. Inhibitor, is something anyone who does any work on your system, ought to make sure there is an adequate amount in your system, in order to avoid these problems. Inhibitor, is not an optional extra, it is an absolutely essential component. You would go have new tyres fitted on your car, then be offered air in them as an option.

I would stand over them, to make sure the bottle of inhibitor goes in the system, it is so very important, in preventing your system rotting from the inside out.

 

[Exedon]

Changing a number of rads indicates a serious problem somewhere.
Get a magnet and check if pipework adjacent to pump and cold feed and open vent .
If full of crap magnet will be attracted to pipework.
Re quote just looks ott try getting someone who's experienced with your type system to look at it.
If your draining down extra cost of converting to S plan minimal. Fit a decent system filter at same time.