Vokera 80SP Diaphragm replcaed 8wks ago not working

[shelby85]

Boiler has suddenly stopped producing hot water (and heating). We had the diaphragm replaced only 8 weeks ago.

My partner is convinced it's the same thing that's wrong but surely it couldn't be again. The pilot light is on I'm sure the new part is meant to last longer than 8 weeks.

Last time we paid over the odds to get it fixed as no one wanted the job! Any help is appreciated.

 

[McCombi]

Could be a number of things I'm afraid, without knowing if the fan or pump is running we are blind to the job.

What diaphram was replaced before? Was it one just because you had no hot water or was it both heating/water you didn't have.

Is there enough water pressure in the boiler? Ie gauge showing about 1-1.5 bar?

How much was over the odds last time? It's a simple job to replace diaphram so don't know why nobody would not want it.

 

[DP]

Might help if you said where you were.

It is prudent to get the boiler serviced when the diaphragm goes pop. Good boiler that responds well to proper care and attention.

Possibly no one wanted the job because you might have been targeting installers (who do no like servicing) or plumbers (same as already said)

 

[shelby85]

The fan is running.

Think it was one didn't know there was more? Last time we had heating but the hot water ran hot then cold all the time. This time we have freezing cold water and no heating.

Yes pressure is between 1-1.5.

It was about £100 last time, guy was in and out within about 30-40mins. I was told it should have been about £8 for the part and an hours labour so I was expecting about £50-£60 max.

I am in Lanarkshire about 10miles outside Glasgow.

Boiler was serviced about a year ago.

Thanks.

 

[McCombi]

To be honest I would have charged the same but I would have replaced the whole service kit, ie both diaphragms for that.

Not having a dig, but although you may see the part for £8 online or so you have to remember that merchants may charge more, also there is the time it takes for said tradesman to pick up the materials, and many other costs involved, ie training, gas safe registration, vehicle costs, tool costs, liability insurance etc etc. And unless a regular customer, I would charge an hour labour/diagnostic fee of £65 or ££55 if regular customer, no matter if the job takes 30 mins.
As I said, wasn't having a go, just sometimes customers don't see these costs we have.

There's a couple very clued up Vokera guys on here DP being one

 

[ggbheating]

£100 is fairly expensive for that type of repair but I do known more than a few companies that charge above £75p/h.
Best way to check is look under the boiler to see if the pins pop out and make the micro switch, both pump proving switch and DHW pressure differential, if you can see them making and it still isn't working you need to get an heating engineer out.

 

[shelby85]

Had a look but can't see any pins. The hot water is back on again now, so running a bath while I can.

Thanks for the help. I think I will call an engineer if plays up again tomorrow, probably the other diaphragm that has gone now. I would buy a new boiler but I intend to move house next year.

 

[DP]

Reading in between the lines, seems it may not be what the previous guy did not do, but result of lack of proper service and care. If your boiler was serviced a year ago, can assure you, you need a dirty BIG family using this boiler for three or more showers/ baths a day to kill the diaphragm so soon.

Great boiler that should be looked after instead of replaced as new stocks will certainly give you a fright when it comes to repairs

Regardless of your relocating status, might be an idea to get this boiler looked at so it can do its job as intended. Remember, if boiler does not work when you sell up, you are still liable for a few days.

 

[Agile]

It was about £100 last time, guy was in and out within about 30-40mins. I was told it should have been about £8 for the part and an hours labour so I was expecting about £50-£60 max.

Thanks.

I charge £106 for replacing a diaphragm although that includes a full inspection and testing of the boiler and rather more than most do on a service.

It seems that you are expecting things to be done rather cheaper than the industry normal charges. Say the engineer lives in Glasgow then he has to drive for 20 miles and that would take an hour!

As your boiler is not working at all then its clearly nothing to do with the diaphragm as that does not effect the heating.

If I was in your area and you had called me and told me how much you expected to pay then I would have said thank you but no thanks!

Tony