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Boiler help!

7 replies

user1469953227 · 13/01/2018 09:01

Hi

I need to change my boiler and was hoping to have a combi boiler. I have been given differing advice. My flow rate is about 10 to 11 litres per minute around mid afternoon. It is a small house & just my daughter & I.
I had British gas round hoping I would get independent advice he said that the flow rate was too low for a combi. I had the water board for a different reason they thought I had a leak I don't and the chap said (without checking it) that he thought the pressure was good! One plumber told me that I would need to change the pipes from the meter through the house at a huge cost ! I can't do that as I can't afford to do so & it would mean digging up the drive.

Has anyone had a combi with that sort of flow rate, if so is the pressure ok?
The alternative is to keep a conventional system but this would mean putting the hot water tank in a wardrobe. Has anyone done that ? Is it noisy etc.

Sorry this is a bit boring but I have been told so many different things. I am hoping to have a loft conversation (posted on a different thread for advice) so need the tank out of the loft.

Would be grateful for any advice !

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PigletJohn · 13/01/2018 17:03

how old is the house?

can you see the incoming supply pipe (upstream of the stopcock)? What colour and size is it?

How far is your house from the road?

Are you downstairs floors wood or concrete?

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user1469953227 · 14/01/2018 08:04

Hi PigletJohn the house is 1930's & has wood floors. It is about 3 /4 meters from the road, the water meter is at the end of the drive.
I can't see the supply pipe as the hole for the stopcock is so small you can only just get your hand in to turn in. I have been told I 'probably' have the old lead pipes to the house.

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pilates · 14/01/2018 08:08

If you have the original pipes it sounds like they will need updating. British Gas are notorious for being expensive btw.

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PigletJohn · 14/01/2018 08:15

ask your water company to test your drinking water for lead content (free)

there might be a lead replacement subsidy or other co-operation.

Old lead pipes are likely to be small bore, and also get squashed over time. They may start leaking at any time.

Fitting a new pipe will make a tremendous improvement.

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user1469953227 · 14/01/2018 09:19

Thank you I will contact them. Otherwise I assume I will need to pay for the new pipe and/ or go with a conventional boiler.

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LaughingLlama · 14/01/2018 09:30

Conventional boilers with hw tanks seem to be coming back. All the new build houses seem to be fitting them instead of combi boilers.
Having had both I would have a conventional boiler any day. The tank is fine in a built in bedroom wardrobe but the boiler part will "fire up" (much the same as a combi boiler does) when switched on for water or heat. I personally don't like boilers in bedrooms.
When we had convrntionsl boilers it was nearly alwsys on the kutvhen wsll quite high up and tank upstsirs in a built in wardobe or airing cupboard.
Disadvantage is the tank is big. I don't notice much difference in boiler noise between combi and conventional tbh.
I'm not a fan of the combi. Every time I go to wash my hands I'm paying yo heat water that never reaches the tap in time - so I'm paying for hot water to sit in a pipe somewhere in the house which then cools off before the next time I need it. I miss my conventional boiler.