Which? finds all boiler services sub-standard or dangerous

[mike42]

Based on this report, it leads me closer to possibly breaking the law and doing it myself. Despite the best intentions of this website to restrict information (possibly leading to even worse bodges by DIYers), the information is out there in books and older sites on how to do it and the right tools are feely available for purchase.

How can an average DIYer possibly know if the Gas"Safe" person they employ is doing the right thing?

http://www.which.co.uk/reviews/boilers/article/getting-the-best-boiler-service

Apologies if this is in a slightly confrontational tone - I've just read that article and am annoyed.

 

[AGAS]

WHICH !! go ahead and service your own boiler then , idi@t

 

[Madrab]

Amazing to make such a broad, sweeping judgement on an whole industry using a whole 10 examples .... oooo ... must mean they're all like that!

Time to be a bit more objective methinks.

 

[Stadan20]

I don't even know where to start on that crock of sh*te that people see as the body of every thing and fooking anything

 

[jedi]

There all shyte! Some more shyter than others! And some ever shyter than shyte itself.

Its just one big shyte fest trying to find a good engineer....

 

[AGAS]

funny how they pick their competitors , i wonder if " WHICH" would survey their worcester friends ( which they get money from), uummmm don't think so

 

[Stadan20]

funny how they pick their competitors ( which they get money from) , i wonder if " WHICH" would survey their worcester friends , uummmm don't think so

Of course not , it's a huge money spinner

 

[Hugh Jaleak]

My old man has subscribed to that magazine for years, and swears by BG. I'm not saying any more....

 

[Dan Robinson]

There all shyte! Some more shyter than others! And some ever shyter than shyte itself.

Its just one big shyte fest trying to find a good engineer....

Good engineers know how spot a cock from a mile off.


As for which..... As I've said before, should be printed on absorbant paper. And yes, I know about the other featue.

 

[Agile]

I enjoy these servicing checks.

But there are a few problems in what Which have said in their article.

For example in their write up they mention flue gas analysis. But not in the download of what should be done. Many engineers will do a flue gas analysis but it is not strictly necessary on that type of boiler ( Potty Suprima )

They also seem to consider it wrong to fire up the boiler with the case off. I normally do that for a few seconds because it enables me to easily see if all the burners are igniting and burning evenly.

They also seem to think that it is dangerous to open the boiler when it is not isolated. I agree with that, but under test conditions most engineers should be safe to operate the boiler with the case off to observe its operation and during fault finding.

They made a point of "gas being left hissing out". That presumably refers to removing the test point screw while the boiler is operating. This is not strictly correct, but to save time a lot of engineers probably do that and it is of no practical danger as the volume of gas is very small and only open for a couple of seconds.

On that model I usually remove the burner and brush it and sometimes wash it out with water.

They mention "checking the fan". I always feel the rotational resistance to ensure that it is turning freely. But other than that, except for electrical power factor readings, there is not a lot that can be done.

It is my view that most services are not done very carefully and I welcome this kind of report as it keeps the industry on its toes.

The British Gas "service" is usually only described as a "safety check" and as such is of limited scope. Usually just a flue gas analysis and visual of the boiler and flue.

Tony

 

[Agile]

I am currently doing a course on stand up comedy.

With that in mind, engineers will smile at the following extract from the Which Report:-

Independents

Of the four companies we looked at, none met the legal requirements, none followed the manufacturer’s servicing instructions properly, and only one picked up the faulty high gas pressure. One engineer wrote a made-up reading on the paperwork, while another left gas hissing out and fired the boiler with the case off. Length of service: Between 25mins and an hour Cost: Between £60 and £84 for a one-off service

 

[Razor900]

I am currently doing a course on stand up comedy.

With that in mind, engineers will smile at the following extract from the Which Report:-

Cost: Between £60 and £84 for a one-off service

Must've been sitting down when you wrote that mate

 

[AGAS]

ohh Agile, you do open yourself to some stick .

I am currently doing a course on stand up comedy.

well everyone , he's here all week

 

[ollski]

An article about boilers and which illustrates it with a photo of a water heater, we bow to their god like knowledge on the subject.

 

[hertsboilers]

I am a RGI, and believe there is no excuse for any gas operative not to carry out a basic 26-9 check on a boiler service.