New piping required if new boiler installed?

[CommonplaceGent]

Hi,

I have a Potterton Puma that has been acting up for the last few years. I've bled radiators, had the pump replaced as it burnt out and also a device with wax that regulates temperature (can't recall its name). Still, the boiler makes a racket in cold weather (think that must be the pump seizing up).

A number of engineers have suggested a new boiler (the cynic in me wonders if that is a) because they can't diagnose the problem, and b) because it is more work). However, they also say that as I have 17mm gas pipes under the floors to the kitchen (where the boiler is) from the meter in the hall, these also need replacing to meet boiling regs. They have said the wider pipes should improve the water pressure too.

Anyone had similar issues and can advise?

Thanks in advance

Tim

 

[screech]

17mm or 15mm gas pipe? i don't understand how a wider gas pipe would improve water pressure?!?! are you on about the cold mains to the boiler or pipes to your taps?

puma's are pretty noisy as a general rule, the case rattles and they scale up or sludge up, i've had to do quite a few heat exchangers on these because of this.

the part replaced would've been a wax capsule because your heating wouldn't have been working as it sticks in hot water position?

pumas were never the best boilers tbh, there are quite a few common problems with them which is why engineers would be suggesting a new boiler.

 

[swbjackson]

The correct size gas pipe will ensure that you get the maximum possible hot water flow rate at a reasonable temperature.

 

[simond]

Many Pumas are now fit for the scrapper.

Yours sounds like one of them.

Get two quotes and bite the bullet, you can only look forward to more pain with repairing it otherwise. You can't expect a combi to be reliable indefinitely, 10 to 12 years is the expectation nowadays.