GulfStream 2000 -Overheating Lock out

[Gstar]

Hi, I have been living in a brand new flat for 2.5 years the heating system contains sludge which is causing the boiler to overheat. This has been diagnosed that it requires a powerflush. Also its a bit weird only after 2.5 years of usage that water in the system has caused sludge and the necessary chemicals were put in when installed. So everyone is baffled that the condtion of the water has detiriated so quick ??

Any ideas?

 

[Softus]

If the installation was not designed correctly then it's possible that air has been pulled into the system, or that a leak could account for the same effect.

Also, is it just your assumption that a chemical inhibitor was added?

 

[Gstar]

The paper work is the only proof and the word of the installers. Having said that it should not be requiring a power flush so soon, also have checked for leaks and there are none. The pipework is plastic and smaller than the normal pipework.

 

[Softus]

The paper work is the only proof and the word of the installers. Having said that it should not be requiring a power flush so soon

Exactly, so they must have done something wrong.

...also have checked for leaks and there are none.

Some people claim to have seen leaks that allow air in but don't allow water out. Is your system vented or unvented?

The pipework is plastic and smaller than the normal pipework.

Not sure what you mean by smaller, but is it barrier pipe?

Do any of the other flats have the same problem?

 

[ChrisR]

If you know which inhibiting chem was supposed to have been used you can get a test kit for it.
You may have a claim against the housebuilder?

If the stuff is/was in there in the right concentration, there will be another problem such as ingress of air through invisible microleaks, or replacement of water from leaks, whcih you may not see either.
Soldering flux could have beeen left in the system if it were not flushed properly.
It's just possible, though unlikely, they they didn't use "barrier" pipe, written on the side. Non barrier pipe lets oxygen in.

 

[Gstar]

Ok will find out and thanks. By doing the powerflush, will this solve this problem ?? Can you reccomend a decent company that can do this as British Gas want around £700 ?!??!

 

[nickso]

Ok will find out and thanks. By doing the powerflush, will this solve this problem ?? Can you reccomend a decent company that can do this as British Gas want around £700 ?!??!

£700?? their usual price is £568....are you inside the m25?

 

[Gstar]

Yes, in Slough .....They also said that the boiler will need to be switched off which to me means that the sludge etc will still be resident in the system ?????

 

[nickso]

if they mean when they do the flush thats ok....the machine has a pump in it to get round the rads.

remember BG flushes are guaranteed for life as long as you dont interupt your contract for any reason and if you can prove that you inhibit the system on a regular basis. you might want to check if that guarantee still applies if you have non barrier pipe though. no one else is likely to offer that kind of guarantee.

 

[Gstar]

Cheers, so its best if BG carry out this task. What happens if the problem still exists ie. replacing the heat exchanger unit etc ????

 

[nickso]

im not actually saying BG are best for it.....anyone with a machine can do it for you im just pointing out the benefit of paying BG a higher price to do it.

if the water quality is bad enough then chances are there may be further complications inside the appliance. im afraid the only advice there is you have absolutely nothing to lose by flushing it out as it needs doing anyway. in certain cases BG may carry out other repairs if needed to get the appliance working and im afraid that bit is a bit of pot luck and varies from region to region as they are not obligated to do so under the terms and conditions if its a direct result of poor water quality.

give any engineers who come round a cup of tea and a nice biscuit and it might get done for nowt. otherwise you may find you will pay for the labour only and they will supply the parts....its really down to the manager if it gets that far.

whatever you do dont lose your rag with the engineers or you will be paying for it all.

 

[Gstar]

Ok, thanks for that, lets hope BG can sort this out once and forall......appreciate your time and information.

 

[Softus]

Can you reccomend a decent company that can do this as British Gas want around £700 ?!??!

£700?? their usual price is £568....are you inside the m25?

Yes, in Slough

...but is it barrier pipe?

It's just possible....they they didn't use "barrier" pipe

you might want to check if that guarantee still applies if you have non barrier pipe though

 

[Donki]

BG price on some systems are over the nomal price of £568 due to extra labour need & pipework configuration.
The powerflush normally has lifetime warranty, again depending pipework configuration.

 

[ChrisR]

£700 is quite a lot more than an independent would charge for a powerflush alone. Double, say. If you get someone else to quote they might tell you free about what's wrong, as well.
As always, if you know someone recommended, there is scope to save money.