Potterton Performa 30E - help! advice please

[tomarbuthnott]

Bought a new Potterton 30HE combi boiler in Dec 06 from Company A. They installed very efficiently etc and have stung me for servicing fees every year.

I remember when they installed they said they would need to come back within a week to flush the system out, because they'd put some special stuff in. They cancelled: and when I tried to fix it again they said it didn't matter. So the system never got drained. Although they did come back to service the boiler a year later and gave it the all clear.

Now I am told that the secondary heat exchanger is damaged, and that this corrosive water has been leaking through the boiler. The secondary heat exchanger, fan unit, burner heat plates and condensation system all need replacing. In fact, the guy who came out basically said I need a new boiler. (and looking inside, it all looks shot).

No warranty with Baxi.

Does anyone know if I have any legal recourse against Company A or against the individual CORGI engineer for incompetent installation?

I have been quoted £1600 plus VAT by a local guy for the installation of a new Bosch Worcester boiler - is this the least worst option going forward? Obviously am furious about this.

Thanks for any advice.

 

[baxpoti]

First thing to do is flush the system and add some inhibitor, with the old boiler in place.

If replacing, fit a Band A duo-tec as it will fit straight on to the existing wall jig. Boiler changed in 1hr!

 

[Agile]

Legal stuff. Wait for Hailsham as he used to give some useful legal advice although he seems to have turned to plumbing now.

I would say that it all depends on the situation.

If the written quote showed power flushing or chemical cleaning AND if the Benchmark form showed it then you have some case.

If the Benchmark was NOT completed and the installation was NOT notified to CORGI then you have a case but a different one as it was a substandard installation.

It all depends on what evidence you have of what was intended and what was actually done.

Replacing with a Duotec as suggested and proper water treatment would be about £1200 if we did it. ( I am guessing the boiler is about £700-£800 to buy. ) Its a much better boiler and I have seen some of yours which are leaking and corroded inside!

Whatever you do if you intend any legal action then you should ensure that you have photos and an expert witness report. The report can cost £300-£900 ! You can also claim for disturbance and inconvenience.

The usual thing to do is to write an open Letter before Action inviting a short timescale ( say 5 days ) for them to put matters right.

Tony

 

[gas4you]

On the face of it you could have a case against them, but the unfortunate thing is, that no matter who says what on here, you will never know for sure until it gets to court.

As 9 times out of 10 the law is the preverbial ass, it could cost you a lot and not even win.

How about visiting a solicitor who offers the first half hour or so free and see what they think

 

[Agile]

How about visiting a solicitor who offers the first half hour or so free and see what they think

Thats usually a scam too!

They dont want to discuss or comment on the merits of the case but just to charge you about £150 to write a Solicitors letter to the other side.

Tony