To have no idea where to start with a dead boiler

[Allfednonedead]

I have been adulting for some time now, but still struggle immensely. Today's problem is that we need a new boiler (it's been on its last legs for a while and now refuses to heat water at all) and I don't know where to start.

Do I need to work out what boiler I need and then find an engineer? Do I ask an engineer/plumber to quote and they will tell me what I need? How do I know what I need or what I'm doing?

I feel like this must be relatively straightforward, given that lots of people seem to manage it, but I have no idea how people know how to do this sort of thing.

Please help! Both with the boiler issue and with the 'how to learn how to do adulting' issues'.

You need to work out what you want theboiler to do (how big is the house, how many radiators, baths, showers etc) then find a preferably recommended heating engineer and ask them what they recommend

I'm mid boiler issue after EDF fitted a smart meter and changed the pipework. No hot water or heating the minute the engineer left. I have checked:
That the pilot light is on (it is)
That the on/off valve is on (it is)
That if you put it ion 'constant', that it 'woofs up' (noise wise!)
That no gas is being used at all (it isn't via the smart meter).

Check all those first before you start getting things done.

Although I'm mid argument with EDF I'm still going to get someone round to do an independent investigation, and then quote me. Might be worth you doing that?

RE the household stuff, start a list of friendly handymen/women who you can rely on and trust. Some towns have lists of reliable accredited people for gardens, electricity, gas etc.

You'll be fine, it's a minefield sometimes but you'll be OK.

We knew we wanted a combi boiler and the brand (Worcester Bosch) and contacted three recommended companies for quotes, asking them to recommend the model based on house size. It also depends on your water pressure - you can measure the flow rate by filling measuring jug at full flow for 6 seconds, then multiplying that by ten (e.g. 1.5 litres would mean 15 litres per minute).

Thanks, everyone for that useful advice. I’m going to ring round for quotes tomorrow.
Steppingout, this is the kind of thing I mean. How did you know you wanted those things?

Get a local engineer to look at it. One that is recommended by friends preferably. It could be something as simple as a thermal coupler that needs changing.

When was it last serviced? If you are renting it could be the landlords responsibility. Check this out with the agent.
HTH

Getting a new boiler is not straightforward and so I am not suprised that you are struggling.

Try and ask your neighbours for a gas engineer that they would recommend and ask them to come round and quote. Try to get at least one more quote (2 if possible).

You can find out a lot of information about different types of boilers online, so try and read around before they come round to quote so that it is not too confusing for you.

Check online for your boiler, it could just need to be repressurised, you do this under neath. By just opening a tap for a few seconds, then closing it.

I'm retired but years ago I had the certificates to repair or replace a gas boiler.
Do not get one quote but get two or three, (unless the first engineer says that is simple it will only cost £20).
You might need a new boiler or it might be possible to repair it,