I had an Alpha boiler installed at my mum's house in Jan 2008 whilst she was in hospital which replaced an ancient baxi chimney boiler. It was a bit of a rush job and I compromised by not replacing the rads; the house was being rewired and the kitchen was being done at the same time so it was probably a nightmare for those working in the house (including my son doing the kitchen). The Alpha condenser heats the house to tropical temperatures and foolishly I had it installed in the living room right next to the chimney breast where the old Baxi was, thinking this would be quick and straightforward and acceptable after boxing in. The problem now is that the boiler itself bangs loudly when it comes on and it is coming on every 10 minutes during winter. I have been told the rads were not properly blown out and that the bang is due to pushing sludge around or possibly the ignition timing is out and also that the gas supply pipe is inadequate and would fail a CORGI inspection. The plumber who installed it has been back to check it out and has spent free time trying to sort it out , he is a nice bloke and says there is nothing more that can be done other than moving it out of the living room and into the kitchen with added sound insulation. Other plumbers have said they wouldnt touch Alpha boilers with a bargepole.....where do I go from here??
boiler problems
- Thread starter Jchris
- Start date
I had an Alpha boiler installed at my mum's house in Jan 2008 whilst she was in hospital which replaced an ancient baxi chimney boiler. It was a bit of a rush job and I compromised by not replacing the rads; the house was being rewired and the kitchen was being done at the same time so it was probably a nightmare for those working in the house (including my son doing the kitchen). The Alpha condenser heats the house to tropical temperatures and foolishly I had it installed in the living room right next to the chimney breast where the old Baxi was, thinking this would be quick and straightforward and acceptable after boxing in. The problem now is that the boiler itself bangs loudly when it comes on and it is coming on every 10 minutes during winter. I have been told the rads were not properly blown out and that the bang is due to pushing sludge around or possibly the ignition timing is out and also that the gas supply pipe is inadequate and would fail a CORGI inspection. The plumber who installed it has been back to check it out and has spent free time trying to sort it out , he is a nice bloke and says there is nothing more that can be done other than moving it out of the living room and into the kitchen with added sound insulation. Other plumbers have said they wouldnt touch Alpha boilers with a bargepole.....where do I go from here??Was the installer CORGI (now Gas Safe) registered? Did you check his registration?
Which Alpha Boiler?
The system should have been flushed, in accordance with Alpha's instructions, before the new boiler was installed. Otherwise the manufacturer's guarantee may be invalidated.
If the house is too hot, you should fit TRVs on all rads except the area with the room thermostat. If the boiler is coming on every ten minutes or so, it may need range rating (if that is possible).
All boilers make some noise, when igniting, but it should not be excessive. Have you asked Alpha for advice?
I don't know who is responsible for inspecting the installation as Corgi has now been replaced by Gas Safe. The best thing to do is phone Gas Safe and explain the situation.
Which Alpha Boiler?
The system should have been flushed, in accordance with Alpha's instructions, before the new boiler was installed. Otherwise the manufacturer's guarantee may be invalidated.
If the house is too hot, you should fit TRVs on all rads except the area with the room thermostat. If the boiler is coming on every ten minutes or so, it may need range rating (if that is possible).
All boilers make some noise, when igniting, but it should not be excessive. Have you asked Alpha for advice?
I don't know who is responsible for inspecting the installation as Corgi has now been replaced by Gas Safe. The best thing to do is phone Gas Safe and explain the situation.
Gas Safe are able to inspect installations, just like CORGI before. Most of the staff are the same and they have only moved 50yds down the road.
But they have a safety remit, they are not here to diagnose boiler faults. This seems to be the issue here.
Also I am tempted to say that putting a boiler in the living room on the wall wasn't the smartest idea and most householders wouldn't contemplate such a move. It will devalue the house more than add to it.
But they have a safety remit, they are not here to diagnose boiler faults. This seems to be the issue here.
Also I am tempted to say that putting a boiler in the living room on the wall wasn't the smartest idea and most householders wouldn't contemplate such a move. It will devalue the house more than add to it.
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