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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Repair or replace? Help!

66 replies

Happysinglemum72 · 18/09/2025 22:48

Not sure where to post this but can’t sleep worrying about it! Boiler broke down yesterday, been quoted nearly £800 to repair it. They can do this tomorrow and I will have my hot water back. But the boiler is 10 years old…. Is this a waste of money to repair at this age? I’ve no idea what to do? I urgently need it back up and running as have no hot water. Been looking at the possibility of a grant for a new boiler but think this is just for a heat pump…. I’m totally lost and out of my depth. Can usually do this single person stuff but slightly overwhelmed and feel sick at the cost of it all. Have two teens who are at their dads this weekend and so can get by a few days with showers for myself at the gym but that’s a very very short term measure. So I guess my AIBU is to get it repaired? It’s an expensive possible short term fix…

OP posts:
Original poster
Happysinglemum72 · 18/09/2025 23:18

Thank you everyone, feeling a bit calmer… going to get two more quotes tomorrow but this obviously means no hot water for however long that takes… which when the kids are back will be a massive problem.

OP posts:
BeckyBloom · 18/09/2025 23:09

Mine broke down in December a few years ago. I had it installed with 2 years interest free credit. British Gas but they were the only company who would do it that week and after a few days of no hot water and heating, I snapped their hand off.

Original poster
Happysinglemum72 · 18/09/2025 23:08

Yes I’ve sent them a message as a new one wasn’t really given as an option. They just sent the quote over for the parts to repair which sent me into a total panic and so I just said yes I need it fixed as need hot water ( and heating very soon) but laying here awake thinking it’s a huge waste of money

OP posts:
Namenamchange · 18/09/2025 23:08

I think you should get another quote to fix the boiler, it’s amazing how much things differ..
I needed a radiator changing, one person quoted £150’ and another £550. Get a second opinion

shellyleppard · 18/09/2025 23:06

Op I think boxt do a payment plan for a new Combi boiler?? The gov.uk website might have more information but I know they are only doing heat pumps or bio fuel boilers. Good luck x

Original poster
Happysinglemum72 · 18/09/2025 23:06

It’s a Heat line boiler

OP posts:
NewDayNewColour · 18/09/2025 23:05

Happysinglemum72 · 18/09/2025 22:59

No quote given for a new one, I’m assuming £3k/£4k??? I’ve no clue! I have savings but I dont think enough to replace it. Slightly panicked about what I will do

Edited

DO NOT USE BRITISH GAS to replace boiler. They are rip off merchants. Please ask the person who came to look at it as they can advise better than someone on here x

Original poster
Happysinglemum72 · 18/09/2025 23:03

I’m so out of my depth with this one… pretty much get everything done myself but this I don’t know where to start…. Googled a bit and all sorts of different types came up and I think the cost of it all is not helping me think straight. There have been a few tears today

OP posts:
Whenautumnleavesstarttofall · 18/09/2025 23:03

What make is it?

If it is Ideal make sure you get them to give you a quote for repair. They can be cheaper than a local plumber.

Silvertulips · 18/09/2025 23:02

There are online quotes for boilers. Some are £20 a month averaging around £2000.
Do a search!

Check your local gov eco website and see if you are eligible for help with the cost.

Original poster
Happysinglemum72 · 18/09/2025 23:00

No separate immersion heater it’s a combi boiler. Fitted before I moved in 5 years ago

OP posts:
Whenautumnleavesstarttofall · 18/09/2025 22:59

I have just been through this exact situation.

Is it a boiler with a separate water tank. If so there should be an immersion heater in the tank which you can use to buy yourself time while you make the decision.

My decision was that at 10 years old mine wasn’t worth repairing and so I have had to pay for a new one. Check that yours is no longer under guarantee. Sadly mine had just run out.

My credit card has taken a battering (Cost was £3.9k fitted) and I am busy trying to find savings elsewhere to help pay it off a.s.a.p, but at least I know the new Boiler is guaranteed for the next 10 years.

Original poster
Happysinglemum72 · 18/09/2025 22:59

No quote given for a new one, I’m assuming £3k/£4k??? I’ve no clue! I have savings but I dont think enough to replace it. Slightly panicked about what I will do

OP posts:
Caroparo52 · 18/09/2025 22:55

Boiler coming to end of life. A new one will be more efficient so save you on monthly bills. Better to replace if at all possible. Get a few quotes

bridgetreilly · 18/09/2025 22:51

If you can, I would replace it now. Otherwise it’s potentially breaking down all winter and costing far more.

Butterflywings84 · 18/09/2025 22:50

Have you had a quote for a new one?

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