installation failures and poor servicing of boiler

[oorwullie]

System installed 2007 under Govenment grant scheme and passed off, by installers until 2009. On expiry of installation warranty it was taken over by a well known service and insurance company, passed in 2010 & 2011. In 2012 still under this company was FAILED on installation issues.
1) Flue joints, 5 off not self tap screw secured.
2) NO ceiling plate around flue in cabinet.
3) Gas meter insecure and fitted with steel flexy casing, as well as too close to electric meter. Been like that since moving into property in 1989.
4) NO sleeve around feed pipe which goes thru a brick wall to cooker
Been like that since moving into property in 1989.
Managed to secure meter to wall by fixing a wooden baton and strapping, but do not know how to handle other issues. Can anyone advise?
As regards servicing an Ideal HC15, the most they do is remove the cover and take note of the serial numbers. They certainly do not work to the manufacturers recommendations. Only one actually removed the condensation trap and cleaned it. All the rest have said it is of little consequence as the manual is for reference only.
Seems a bit like taking a car for service and they check it has oil and an engine and thats it serviced. Can anyone recommend a good insurance and service company for this type of boiler?

 

[Tibbot]

Insurance providers exist to sell insurance policies. Service contract companies are similar except with a bit more idea about heating. Many people choose cover because their fear of an unexpected bill outweighs their interest in a proper job. If you are the latter then finding a reputable independent is all you need to do.

 

[swbjackson]

1. Most ideal flues don't require self tappers. Flue should be supported at max 1m intervals though.
2. ceiling plate is cosmetic only.
3. Possibly noted as being NCS but sounds like you have sorted it.
4. An existing pipe when the install was done so would be classed as NCS (not to current standards)

Get a recommended independent engineer to come in and service it for you. Put the insurance money you save into an account to save up for repairs.

In my experience most of the guys working for the large companies are under pressure to complete a minimum number of jobs per day and will skimp where ever they can to allow them to hit targets.

 

[Dan Robinson]

Dont' you just love those"well known service and insurance companies".

+1 for Tibbot.

 

[mickyg]

i always find it amusing people think that a big insurance company will come and do a proper service. British Gas have even gone to the lengths of renaming it to save confusion
Its not a service madam its a safety and maintenance inspection
inspection= look but dont touch !

 

[Dan Robinson]

Its almost as amusing as those who think a service is going to fix all the ills that afflict their poor boiler that has only ever had one of these "performance and safety inspections"

 

[oorwullie]

Have GasSafe coming in for check of installation. No S/T screws mentioned in installation manual.
Seems to be a common issue with (rip off) insurers. Would have thought they could be taken to task with misselling as a service of the system.
Any good service engineers in Redditch area for Ideal HC15?

 

[petit_pablo]

If the insurance provider is BG then they dont sell it as a "service" as has been said before.

Your original post hasnt really explained the situation? How has it failed? There is no such thing.

1) Ideal flues do not need screwing, they are push fit and have a little locking dimple on the turret.

2)Im assuming there is a gap in the ceiling where the flue goes through the roof? The gap should be sealed by whatever method is suitable. The ceiling is a firestop and shouldnt have gaps. Not a gas reg but a building reg i believe.

3)If the gas meter is not secured to a bracket and its connected with 2 flexi pipes then it needs properly securing. Being too close to electrics isnt uncommon, doesnt make it right though however long its been like that.

4)Gas pipes should be sleeved through walls.


All the above are not to standard except point 1 which isnt an issue on an ideal.