To change or not to change

[Tiam]

My existing boiler is Potterton Netaheat which is about 20 years old.

I lived in a 3 bedroom house and just a few days ago, all my radiators located downstairs had all stopped working. All the radiators in our bedroom are working perfectly well

Called my local plumber who is a specialist with Potterton boilers and after checking out the problem, he told me that the system needs cleaning out due to sludge build up. Hence I am thinking of changing the boiler however, my plumber told me it is not necessary because it is still working fine.

I am inclined to change the boiler because of its age and also, friends have told me that cleaning out the sludge does not guarantee that it will compeletly solved the problem

I am weighing the pros & cons and still can't make up my mind as to whether to change the boiler or cleaning out the system.

Any advice will be greatly appreciated!

Thank you

 

[Bahco]

In my neck of the woods, you can have a brand new system, i.e. boiler, rads and pipework for 2K. I would go for that personally if my system was 20 yrs old and I was planning on staying in the house long term.

You pays your money.....................

 

[Lagerkhan]

My existing boiler is Potterton Netaheat which is about 20 years old.
Thank you

Some of them early netaheats had asbestos inside and i remember being told some 10 years ago to stop servicing them

Best to get rid carefully

 

[namsag]

It may be something as simple as your pump has gone an your not being told the truth...What size pipework goes to your downstairs rads did they all stop working gradually or all of a sudden

 

[gas4you]

I would look at pump first also as it appears your upstairs rads are heating via gravity convection. is it a fully pumped or gravity primary system?

I would go for a new boiler and upgrades to TRV's and fully pumped system etc to comply with latest regs. A new boiler installation should include a full powerflush as well to do the job properly

Nteaheats also have common problem of flue rusting through which should be checked with screwdriver each service.

My area new boiler, flush & controls upgrade would be around £1800-£2100 + VAT.

how do you do a full system for £2000 Bahco

 

[Bahco]

How do you do a full system for £2000 Bahco

The fitter that gave me work experience used THESE PEOPLE .

You can see he made a few quid, each one taking 2 days

 

[Agile]

I am weighing the pros & cons and still can't make up my mind as to whether to change the boiler or cleaning out the system.

Its not a question of doing one or the other!

The rads have to be cleaned out regardless of whether you are going to change the boiler or not.

If your downstairs rads are each fed from "drops" from above then thats a common cause for a blockage from dirt going down but not up.

As suggested it may be a problem with the pump!

Tony

 

[2face]

replace boiler and flush it .. round here 1800/2000 is reasonable ..

 

[gas4you]

The fitter that gave me work experience used THESE PEOPLE .

Now I can see how

Even I cannot usually compete with these via my internet shop CLICK HERE which is why I don't bother competing or stocking baxi or potterton. he is obviously on some sort of good support package.