Unvented cylinder - documentation

[Taconite5]

Hello,

I have an unvented cylinder which was installed at the same time as a gas boiler on a new build.

However I only have a building compliance certificate from GSR which lists the boiler specifically. Plus a boiler manual - stamped etc with installer details.

I never got any certificate or paperwork for the unvented cylinder nor a user manual

I've asked the builder and installer directly for any paperwork and I'm not getting a response.

I'm unsure now what next steps are and I have no proof it was installed in accordance with the manufacturer instructions.

 

[Madrab]

If it was installed by the same installer then they should have notified it. That can be done through the GSR too but the boiler installer would needed to be HWSS certified first. An Unvented installation is notifiable to the LABC. The alternative is that it wasn't installed by the same person that installed the boiler, therefore whoever did install it must be qualified and either registered with a competent person scheme to self certify the install or the LABC would need to sign it off.

I would press the builder/installer for information though you may have to resort to using registered mail for proof of receipt and use language like - if no response by X amount of days then you will have no alternative but to have the installation verified by the manufacturer and pass the bill on accordingly and also have the installation notification checked with the LABC. If it hasn't been notified then the builders/installers details passed to the LABC for further action.

Always give them a certain amount of time to respond though.

 

[Taconite5]

If it was installed by the same installer then they should have notified it. That can be done through the GSR too but the boiler installer would needed to be HWSS certified first. An Unvented installation is notifiable to the LABC. The alternative is that it wasn't installed by the same person that installed the boiler, therefore whoever did install it must be qualified and either registered with a competent person scheme to self certify the install or the LABC would need to sign it off.

I would press the builder/installer for information though you may have to resort to using registered mail for proof of receipt and use language like - if no response by X amount of days then you will have no alternative but to have the installation verified by the manufacturer and pass the bill on accordingly and also have the installation notification checked with the LABC. If it hasn't been notified then the builders/installers details passed to the LABC for further action.

Always give them a certain amount of time to respond though.

Thanks very informative.

It's the same installer.
Weird thing is I moved in over 2 years ago and the LABC haven't got records of it! I rang them to ask. They reference the competent person scheme but couldn't tell me which one.

As a result of not receiving a manual I wasn't aware the cylinder should have been serviced annually so now the 25 year warranty is void.

 

[Madrab]

yes, unfortunately that can void the warranty. Though some manufacturers may take the position, once explained, and that they may come out and check the installation and service the cylinder and re-instate the warranty, always worth asking.

Again I think I'd be chasing after the original installer then. I'd also be asking him for confirmation of their unvented ticket and what scheme they are a part of, if any and why it's hasn't been notified, there is a case to be answered IMO.

 

[Taconite5]

yes, unfortunately that can void the warranty. Though some manufacturers may take the position, once explained, and that they may come out and check the installation and service the cylinder and re-instate the warranty, always worth asking.

Again I think I'd be chasing after the original installer then. I'd also be asking him for confirmation of their unvented ticket and what scheme they are a part of, if any and why it's hasn't been notified, there is a case to be answered IMO.

I'm trying. Rang them today and they just kept saying "it's down to the house builder to register with the LABC".

Dunno why they are being so hard work

 

[Taconite5]

yes, unfortunately that can void the warranty. Though some manufacturers may take the position, once explained, and that they may come out and check the installation and service the cylinder and re-instate the warranty, always worth asking.

Again I think I'd be chasing after the original installer then. I'd also be asking him for confirmation of their unvented ticket and what scheme they are a part of, if any and why it's hasn't been notified, there is a case to be answered IMO.

If they refuse any of this - whom do I report them to?

 

[Madrab]

Well given the installation is notifiable then building control would be the place to start I would suggest.

The trouble is, as it is notifiable then it may fall to you initially to then get the work certified so it is 'legal' and then you need to chase them. That wouldn't re-instate any warranty though. Also they threat of getting them reported may put a fire under them. Trouble is it's 2 years long so that may make things more difficult, if the installer is still even around?

 

[Taconite5]

Well given the installation is notifiable then building control would be the place to start I would suggest.

The trouble is, as it is notifiable then it may fall to you initially to then get the work certified so it is 'legal' and then you need to chase them. That wouldn't re-instate any warranty though. Also they threat of getting them reported may put a fire under them. Trouble is it's 2 years long so that may make things more difficult, if the installer is still even around?

Thing is I rang Building control and they said they don't do them anymore and told me to refer to a CPS.

The installer is still about but they said it's the builders problem.

 

[Madrab]

What LA are you? I know a lot of the LA's are phasing out their control teams and it's going out to third party inspectors.

I'm surprised it's the builders issue though, might be a question for the BC guys as to who they would think is responsible for it., the builders aren't the ones that would be part of a CPS for the unvented, unless the installer is part of their setup , if you see what I mean? Sounds like they outsourced that work and therefore the requirement to notify for that specifically. What are the builders saying?

 

[Taconite5]

That's exactly what the BC said. Question is how do you find out which third party inspectors?

Builders are just acting as a middleman so whatever I said just gets passed onto the installer. But then I don't get a response back.

 

[denso13]

Your contract for the house would be with the builders so they need to sort it out. Tell them if they don't you'll sue for breach of contract and all associated costs for putting the situation right.

Was it a large house builder or more small scale?

 

[Taconite5]

Large builder like one of the big 3....but then I'm not surprised I found wiring done incorrectly despite having a signed EICR.......they corrected it but when I asked why it was done wrong (and signed off) they just kept saying "we corrected it what more do you want?"

So just to confirm i'm asking for -

Commissioning certificate - legal requirement under Part G3 of the Building Regulations
building compliance certificate - from either LABC or CPS

is that legally correct?

 

[denso13]

is that legally correct?

Yes, sounds good, also the warranty position put right.

 

[Taconite5]

Yes, sounds good, also the warranty position put right.

Got it!