steve ex vauxhall

iTrader: (5)

Just looking for a little information from a gas fitter or someone that may know.
We have had solid fuel heating (coal) in this house since we moved in 13 years ago, and while we do like it, it is a bit of a pita and creates a hell of a lot of dust.

The local council have finally decided that they are gonna drag us into the present day and are bringing mains gas onto the estate

Had a guy round today to "measure up" , he said he needs to rip out ALL existing pipework , the open fire, the back boiler, the hot water tank, pretty much everything that's here.

Whilst I understand that they are taking out everything that won't be needed any more, do they really need to change the pipework?

Surely the pipes will work just as well with the new system, or am I missing something?

Just trying to keep costs down , so far the quote has come to just over 3k, that's for everything with a new combi boiler , new radiator in every room and the fireplace blocked up .

But pipework

Anyone!

Truss

iTrader: (2)

Im gas safe registered.
Unfortunately for you, i'd agree with the chap you've had. It would be best practice to start again.
As its a potentially old solid fuel system, the pipework tends to get heavily contaminated with magnetite(black sludge) and this creates a real problem with your new fittings, in particular the boiler.
Also, there is nothing to say that your pipework will withstand the pressure of a combi, this means leaks and lots of mess.
You will get fitters try and clean the existing fittings, but its a false economy. It'll bite you on the *** in years to come.
I don't prices in your area, but dependant on boiler and amount of rads, £3k sounds reasonable to me.
Tell me what boiler they suggest. My advice to you would be accept nothing but a Worcester Bosch.
Hope that helps!
Ben

steve ex vauxhall

iTrader: (5)

Cheers Ben, much appreciated, it makes sense when explained

They have left a brochure of boilers that they recommend, but they are " potter ton"

No good?

Tony Harrington

iTrader: (8)

Obviously any mods will be put on hold I guess Steve!

Just received my new discs all round & bonnet dampers - getting them delivered to my place of work is working a real treat!!

Hope you get sorted mate with the heating

steve ex vauxhall

iTrader: (5)

Pmsl, nothing with the car going on hold mate, I'm happy with the coal, but she wants the gas.
So we have agreed that I can spend the same as the gas on mods

Truss

iTrader: (2)

No worries.
I don't think so, and neither do most reputable installers either.
If its a combi your having, nothing other than Worcester Bosch/Vaillant. But I dont like the way vailant are going buying smaller crap boiler brands therfore stick to worcester.

I've fit over 200 WB's in around 4 years and we've had 3 failures, and when I say failure, the boiler still worked, just had niggles!
Im an accredited WB installer and can offer 7 years warranty on new boilers, may be worth scouting out a local Worcester accredited bloke in your area.

steve ex vauxhall

iTrader: (5)

Okey dokey, thanks a lot for the info mate, will be mentioning those boilers when they come back, really don't want something that's gonna cause me hassle

Truss

iTrader: (2)

You wont regret it. If you want anymore help, drop me a PM!

steve ex vauxhall

iTrader: (5)

Thanks mate, really appreciated