Can you still get parts for a Thorn Apollo boiler?

[Rockchick71]

I have a Thorn Apollo boiler which I gather may be approx 15-20 yrs old. It was already in my house when I bought it 5 years ago and never had any problems with it. In my wisdom I decided to take out a maintenance contract for it but it was refused because the flue is less than 300mm from a top opening window. My dilemma is do I change the window to a side opener or do I change the boiler? Are parts are still available for it if I was to keep it?
Thanks

 

[Agile]

There is not much in your boiler and they can usually still be repaired if they fail which is not very often!

Officially, even changing the window for a non opening design does not sort out the problem that the flue is too close to the window OPENING!

Of course your service provided may be happy with that modification to the window but check with them first!

Most of us would say that a maintenance contract would be a waste of money with a reliable boiler like yours.

Tony

 

[Rockchick71]

Well that's good to know Tony!

The contractor made me sign a disclaimer to say I knew I was at risk (of fumes coming in the window) and I didn't want them to turn the boiler off. Should I worry about this or is it just a formality?

Thanks

 

[Agile]

They can only turn the boiler off with your permission.

If you refuse then to demonstrate that they have advised you of the danger they service a notice on you.

The risk is probably small when YOU are in the house.

Suppose Granny comes to stay from the outer reaches of scotland where they only burn peat. She is left in the house on her own and finds your heating too hot and opens that window and then dies of carbon monoxide poisoning!

Many years ago we were only told that the opening window had to be screwed shut.

Then so many UPVC replacement windows were fitted with different opening panes and the instructions that we work to have been tightened up to relate to the opening in the brickwork.

Tony

 

[Rockchick71]

Thanks Tony

Do you think it's worth me trying to get the boiler serviced (if anyone will do it), or should I leave it be as there's no problems at the moment?

Also I've got a dripping valve in the header tank above the hot water cylinder but it's right next to the ceiling and seems impossible to get to, is there any way to fix this without getting the tank out?

Cheers