Boiler fix or replace advice

[Red2k]

Hi all,

I have a 10 year old Valiant Ecotec 37kw system boiler with tank that's been causing some issues last couple of winters when it gets really cold. Latest was when we had the cold snap a couple of weeks ago, it stopped working randomly with some error messages. Managed to reset it but the pump is now making a loud noise. I claimed under our home emergency cover but that got rejected as the replacement parts cost (engineer came out to check) would be expected to be close to £500 before labour and it exceeded the claim limit.

At this point I am wondering if its worth replacing it considering its age. Online quotes seem to be 3-4k for a boiler swap of similar KW. Annualised cost over a 10 year period covered under guarantee would therefore be £3-400 (of course all front loaded). So in effect replacing potential cost of fixing this every year with guaranteed cost of new boiler, but paying for the peace of mind that it will hopefully work and any issues fixed under guarantee. I will have annual service costs on both boilers anyways so that would be the same.

For what its worth its been serviced annually and very recently had the burner serviced as well.

Appreciate any thoughts.

 

[terryplumb]

What was the engineers diagnosis,and what parts were suggested that needed replacing ?

 

[Red2k]

As it was an engineer sent by insurance I did not get a copy of their report but I've been told it's to replace the pump, mass flow sensor and some cable.

 

[Razor900]

Do you mean a system boiler with separate tank or a 937 with built in storage?

 

[Red2k]

System one with seperate tank.

 

[spile]

I’d get a second quote on the repair.

 

[CountryFan]

Maybe consider a fixed price repair from Vaillant as the mass flow sensor I believe can be expensive, whereas Vaillant should be cheaper for parts

 

[Red2k]

I’d get a second quote on the repair.

Getting it as well

 

[Red2k]

Maybe consider a fixed price repair from Vaillant as the mass flow sensor I believe can be expensive, whereas Vaillant should be cheaper for parts

This looks promising, was not aware it existed, many thanks!

 

[TonyW2]

Hi all,

I have a 10 year old Valiant Ecotec 37kw system boiler with tank that's been causing some issues last couple of winters when it gets really cold. Latest was when we had the cold snap a couple of weeks ago, it stopped working randomly with some error messages. Managed to reset it but the pump is now making a loud noise. I claimed under our home emergency cover but that got rejected as the replacement parts cost (engineer came out to check) would be expected to be close to £500 before labour and it exceeded the claim limit.

At this point I am wondering if its worth replacing it considering its age. Online quotes seem to be 3-4k for a boiler swap of similar KW. Annualised cost over a 10 year period covered under guarantee would therefore be £3-400 (of course all front loaded). So in effect replacing potential cost of fixing this every year with guaranteed cost of new boiler, but paying for the peace of mind that it will hopefully work and any issues fixed under guarantee. I will have annual service costs on both boilers anyways so that would be the same.

For what its worth its been serviced annually and very recently had the burner serviced as well.

Appreciate any thoughts.

 

[ChrisJP]

As it was an engineer sent by insurance I did not get a copy of their report but I've been told it's to replace the pump, mass flow sensor and some cable.

A cost of nearly £500 just to obtain a pump, massflow sensor and cable, and not include the labour to fit these items, seems very high to me.
Are you sure your Home Emergency Cover insurance company didn't encourage the "engineer" they sent out to exaggerate the cost so they could reject the claim?

 

[Red2k]

A cost of nearly £500 just to obtain a pump, massflow sensor and cable, and not include the labour to fit these items, seems very high to me.
Are you sure your Home Emergency Cover insurance company didn't encourage the "engineer" they sent out to exaggerate the cost so they could reject the claim?

Can only speculate on that. The insurance outsourced it to a third party claims handler who outsourced it to a local firm. So could even be an issue at the local end. They might get paid their call out fee regardless and could be charging inflated prices for the parts in case it actually gets approved!

 

[Red2k]

So I went for the Vaillant repair and care scheme as it was marginally more expensive than the fixed price repair and covers me for 6 months. Called yesterday morning and engineer was there today. He replaced a bunch of parts right off the bat - pcb, gas section, venturi, electrode. So can't fault the service and value from that perspective and would definitely recommend based on experience to date. Unfortunately the problem seems to have not fully gone so might have to call them back but at least I'm covered and don't have to think about a new boiler just yet. Another plus is that this scheme lets me defer the unexpected cost over the next six months.