Hi... help needed

[brother ant]

I moved into my house in feb, and I have had problems with my boiler. I suspect I need a new one. I dont know nothing about plumbing so thats why I am here. Cheers for advice in advance.

1) Boiler make / model (gas or oil)
E.L.M Leblanc. Gas. Its a combi if that helps?

2) What is / is not happening
When I moved in the central heating would work but the main problem was with when you turned the hot water off after running the boiler used to cut out. Now the central heating does not work and you can only start the boiler by taking the casing off and lighting with a match. You can still light it even tho the boiler is turned off.

3) Has ANYTHING else been done / changed recently
Somebody tried cleaning the boiler but same problem.

4) When did it (problem) start
has gradually got worse since feb.

5) When does it happen? eg, heating coming on or going off
central heating doesnt work at all now. I can get the boiler on by taking the casing off..... but it will go out again once you turn a hot top off.

6) Anything else you feel may be of relevance
It looks like a very old boiler. and my friend who cleaned it out for me said I need a new system.

If you guys cant help, What system would you recommend? Hopefully cheap as I seriously cant afford it as it is lol. Cheers again peeps

 

[meldrew's_mate]

Sounds like you need to keep your mate away from it unless he/she's CORGI registered and competant.

The system appears to be overheating and this causes the pilot light to go out. Call a reputable CORGI fitter and have a proper service done. Oh, and tell him about the problems in advance or he may not allow for the extra time to perform the reparatory actions.


BTW I know the youth of today use phrases such as "I don't know nuffink, innit, an'all that" but didn't actually belieeeeeve they thought it to be correct enough to use it in an acceptable English sentance.

 

[compheat]

This boiler company was taken over by Worcester/Bosch about 5 years ago. They weren't what i would call a good boiler in the first place. Parts can be expensive and they can be tricky to work on if your not used to them. (thats the FRENCH for you )

 

[brother ant]

So would you say a new boiler is in order then? what would you suggest? As already said the price is going to be a problem .

 

[compheat]

If the boiler looks to be in a poor working condition I would think about a replacement. Combi boiler's cost between £350 and £700 max and condensing combi's between £500 and £1200 depending on size/output.
the labour charge will be anything from £250 upwards depending on the amount of work required. Your best bet is to get someone you can trust to give you a honest opinion What part of the country are you based?? There are lots of good installers on this site

 

[brother ant]

cheers compheat

I think I have got somebody who is going to come out and have a look sometime this week. fingers crossed as its freezing with no heating.

obviously I would need a condensing boiler. I am hoping to pay up to £700 for the boiler its self. I just dont know what makes and models are good.

I have 7 radiators and none of them are big. and 1 bathroom? any suggestion on certain types that I would need?

 

[compheat]

Worcester Greenstar 28i junior or johnston & Starley. Reno are both good condensing combi's They cost about £850 inc VAT. For £700 you can get a Baxi 105Instant. There's to many to list. Where are you based

 

[brother ant]

yeah sorry im based in strood fella.

I know there are alot of boilers to chose from. But as most of you know what you are talking about... I was more concerened about what boilers to try and stay away from if any.


Cheers again

 

[compheat]

YOU can buy a BIASI condensing combi for less than £500 or a Ravenheat . Its a bit of a mine field I'd go for the best you can afford In the long term it wil save you money.