boiler service - flue check

[Justin Passing]

All of that apart from bleeding the radiators could easily be done well within 20 minutes. A gas tightness test is not part of a service, (or even a landlords's gas safety check).
He might have seen the flue on his way into the house, or out of a window., or relied on the FGA numbers which would have indicated a significant fault.. That misses out bits of ivy getting near it, it's true.

Opening the boiler to look inside - couple of screws and a few seconds' look. Look at the seals, do the screws up again.

FLue and vent to GSIUR - a glance. That boiler, there would be nothing to check, by design.
He does not necessarily need to look at the meter.
The GSIUR requirement is to measure the gas consumption OR working pressure, iirc. Not both. I don't know offhand if that boiler tells you the working pressure ( "service" combination of button presses may reveal all sorts.)


Absolutely you would not expect igniters or any other random parts to be routinely changed.
Temperature sensors typically last the whole life of the boiler. They do not wear out.

Condensate traps are usually visible clearly. Not sure on that boiler. If you can see the sump is clear - at a glance - nothing to do.

There is no HW cylinder.
If the boiler pressure is ok, no action to be taken.

Someone who knows the task can clear most of it with educated LOOKING.

BG and others have shown that things like unwarranted dismantling "to clean" decrease reliability. They tend to strain clips, promote leaks, etc.

The point of a service, is to prevent breakdowns, and help prolong the service life of your system.

You check if something looks like it's going wrong. If not, no action.
Your statement is not appropriate, to the extent that it would cover more than a service. You might like a check on the water composition, but it's not a requirement.

Sorry Harry, but you're 98% wrong. Things have changed since your parents' back boiler.

The checks are simple, but not meaningless to someone who understands them.
It's a bit like looking at an ECG. Even I could spot major problems. A doctor could tell you 10 times more or see anything needing investigation. In about 10 seconds.

If you raised hell at BG they'd rip you to bits, in fewer words than I've used.

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

Sorry Harry, but you're 98% wrong. Things have changed since your parents' back boiler.

Which all confirms to me, it's all a bit pointless, bothering with a 'service'. If you came to my home JP, and what you suggested above, was the extent of your boiler 'service', you would be sent packing.

 

[Justin Passing]

Which all confirms to me, it's all a bit pointless, bothering with a 'service'. If you came to my home JP, and what you suggested above, was the extent of your boiler 'service', you would be sent packing.

You'd would still have to pay.

DiY then if you want, except the many bits in there which you can't do because you don't have the knowledge or the kit or the accreditation. And you wouldn't have a warranty, and you may not know what you're risking through lack of knowledge. The unknown unknowns.

 

[aveatry]

I had mine serviced and the chap said all it is basically a few tests. It's not like they are in there with a toothbrush and a vac. He did do a drop test as well though whilst having a cup of tea.

 

[Madrab]

I think what the trouble here is what’s defined as a service and what they consider acceptable, you may need to discuss that with them. With a 42CDI a fan pull (pressure) test would usually need to be done. Results would dictate if the HEX needs opened up and cleaned or not. That’s even before an FGA, gas rate or any other ‘service’ items is performed.

 

[gas112]

Modern stuff
People are under the impression a boiler service same as with a car service that it is going to stop them breaking down .
It doesnt
In the odd occasion it may show an existing fault that may get worse

 

[Harry Bloomfield]

I think what the trouble here is what’s defined as a service and what they consider acceptable, you may need to discuss that with them. With a 42CDI a fan pull (pressure) test would usually need to be done. Results would dictate if the HEX needs opened up and cleaned or not. That’s even before an FGA, gas rate or any other ‘service’ items is performed.

The manufacturer's manual, IMHO defines what should be done for a service, and reading mine - just the reading up, would occupy that 20 minutes. Someone who is familiar with the process, could tackle it without, but these people are not specialists in the make/model, so they would take longer.

 

[gas112]

As a gas guy walks up a garden path he would be looking up at the chimney to check the terminal looking at any flues coming through walls .Looking at vegetation looking for air bricks depending on time of year looking at the windows for excess condensation . Looking at any external pipe work and clipping , checking condition of meter boxes .Also taking note of any smells
All this is second nature and done without having to think about it .
And cust would think all he has done is walk up the path