Problem Combination Boiler - Should I Replace? If so, which

[Alan17]

Hello Everyone,

First time user

I have a Ravenheat Combination boiler model RSF 820/20. For some time now I have been experiencing problems in maintaining the pressure at the minimum 1 bar level. From reading on the forum it would appear that the PRV is faulty as I have water dripping from the discharge pipe outside. When I took the cover off the boiler last night to try and get some parts information on the PRV, I also noticed that the water pipe at the base of the boiler that can be used to de-pressurise the system by letting water out seems to be dripping at the fitting you connect a hose to. I assume this is also contributing to the problem? Can anyone advise how much laeking water should I be experiencing to lose the pressure. I have put a bucket under the dripping fitting to try ang gauge it?

The boiler is about 10 years old and with these combined problems I am seriously thinking about changing the boiler. Ideally I would like to install a new condensing boiler but due to the location of the boiler and the size of the incoming gas pipe to the current boiler I understand it may be difficult to upgrade e.g. is there a minimum diameter gas supply pipe, what is there in terms of discharge? As such I may need to change for another combination boiler. Can anyone give advice in relation to this and possibly recommend a manutacturer of a relaible boiler.

My current boiler serve 12 radiators and my hot water system. I also have a shower that is served by the system The shower has no booster pump or heater unit and is purely fed from the hot water system. I do find that the shower sometimes struggles to heat up and I think that this may be due to the fact that I have quite high water pressure and the boiler can not heat the water up quick enough?? I usually have to trun the cold tap on the sink to slow the water down coming out of the shower giving it a better chance of heating up.



Sorry to bombard you with information with my first post but this seems like a really good web-site forum for these sorts of problems and it is always good to get the opinions of professionals.

Any advice would be really appreciated.

Thanks if you can help.

Alan

 

[powell30]

Right, all new boilers fitted (gas) need to be where ever possible condensing boilers. Almost all will require a 22mm gas feed (and maybe higher depending on length of run/gas rate). Condensing boilers need a to get rid of the condensate produced by the boiler. This needs to be discharged into a plastic drain or soakaway...it can be pumped or nutralised but these are more expensive options. So, without seeing location gas line etc it's impossible to give an estimate. Get a good RGI in to advise and chat over your options.

Costs vary on work required and type of boiler fitted

 

[Alan17]

Thanks for the advice.

There appears to be a missing word in your response? - I assume the word was pipe? (Condensing boilers need a ....?).

The location of my boiler is on an external wall which is adjacent a farmers field. Can I discharge the condesnate into the field in the same way that my combi boiler discharge pipe does at the moment? Alternatively can it be connected to the pipe that discharges water from my washing machine, dishwasher etc.?

Also, does the 22mm feed to the new boiler need to be dedicated as it appears that at the moment the feed to my combi boiler also branches off to feed my gas cooker?

Thanks again.
Alan.

 

[spacethegas]

the condensate can be run to the other wastes.

you will need a professionals advice regarding the gas supply.

i would advise that you change the boiler. its getting on a bit.

same with most things you broadly get what you pay for. i like Viessman, Vaillant, Worcester, Alpha, Broag Remeha to name just a few (others will have their own opinions).