PLEASE HELP ME WITH MY DODGY BOILER!

[dodgypottertonsuprima]

Thanks i might investigate that a bit more. The plumber who fitted the boiler did use fernox and it hasn't really been used in 3 years due to all the faults! Electricity bill is horrendous due to running on the immersion for all this time!
We never had this many probs with the old one - that is untill it was condemned!

 

[JohnD]

... the old one -...

If that means you have old pipes and old radiators, then you probably have old sludge too.

 

[dodgypottertonsuprima]

Good point. I would have thought the plumber who fitted it might have mentioned all this. Especially as it is the same plumber who has done most of the work on it. Nevermind I think I will ask about having that done. It would make sense as the radiators don't heat evenly. I wonder if that would be covered on my British Gas boler care policy? Probably not! At least I didn't have to pay for the new pump today!
Thanks again for all your help, I know nothing about plumbing but that all seems to make a lot of sense.

 

[JohnD]

Not.

If you know any good and reliable CH Engineers, ask if they have a powerflushing machine and what they would charge.

Personally I would get a pro in to fit the Magnaclean, and I would do a chemical clean myself, first, as powerflush is fairly expensive. The Magnaclean will trap all the stuff that is't flushed out and drifts round (and there will always be some).

 

[dodgypottertonsuprima]

I don't know of anyone in my area as we seem to have a real shortage. I will ask in Ideal Plumbing if they have a list of approved people. Should I be able to buy these things myself or would they be trade items? I really appreciate the advice. Thank you

 

[JohnD]

You can certainly buy it yourself. Fitting would need a certain amount of plumbing skill. I'm not a plumber myself and have never fitted one, but I've been thinking about it. It needs a fair amount of room near the pump on the big pipes.

 

[dodgypottertonsuprima]

I don't think I will try it myself, it would definitely be a disaster! I just thought it might be cheaper to buy the chemical clean myself and then get some help. If the boiler still isn't right on Monday then I think I will get some quotes. Every plumber who's looked at it seems mystified and none of them have ever given as much advice as everyone on here. Thank You

 

[JohnD]

The chemical clean is an easy DIY job.

 

[Paul Barker]

Can I just say that when I takle out an old heavyweight and the old boiler is full of crusty black stuff it takes me a full days labour to just clean the pipes and radiators to my satisfaction. In no way would I just poor a 1 litre bottle of non acid cleanser into the header tank. This has been your problem all along.

Usually I do this at my own expense if I have stupidly given a quote without properly estimating, so they get my time, expertise and capital equipment for a day for free due to my own stupidity. I could never attach my boiler which I guarantee to your system. I wouldn't even attach a pump to it.

A magnetic filter is a great idea but not your solution in isolation. You need a good cleansing.

First sack the plumber. The relationship is not worth continuing.

Don't fit another part until the system is properly flushed.

Where in the country are you?

 

[simond]

I'm with Paul on this.

There is no substitute for a clean system. Even a Potty Suprima will last longer and more reliably on a properly prepared system.

Most of those on this forum who vehemently argue against the benefits of a Powerflush machine have not bought one themselves. Whether this is down to economies or deep held beliefs, I am not sure.

We have a number of Norstrom Power Flush units and they are out every day, prolonging the life of the new boilers we fit. Fitting magnets in removable jam jars is no substitute for proper preparation, IMO.