Back boiler and combi query

[Mikedisco]

Hi guys!

Beanie here! Hi to everyone and happy Christmas.
Ok here is my query, when I moved into my mid terraced house 4 years ago there is a fairly modern combi boiler and a traditional fire with back boiler ( un used ). I thought it would be nice to use the fire for cold days and for the
fun to be honest so I had the chimney swept and drilled 6 x 6 mm holes into the back boiler through the back of the fire and started using the fire on odd days here and there.
Well now I hav fallen In love with the traditional fire and now it is on daily and after a return from the gas supplier of £474 I am now wanting to re instate the back boiler and run 4/5 rads off it during the winter.

 

[Mikedisco]

My first question is, can I tap and plug the holes I drilled into the back boiler?
My second question is can I run the back boiler for the rads and use my existing combi to provide hot water?

 

[metaldust9]

no,also why would you wana run 2 boilers and double the gas bill plus combi needs system pressure ie 1bar 1.5 bar ect on c/h side for boiler to fire to get hot water

 

[Blake]

hi,

i'm a little confused, why have you drilled holes in the back boiler? I'm also unsure why you would want to run a back boiler which is only around 60% efficient compared to a combi which is 80% or more depending on model and if condensing.

Did you have the fire checked out prior to using it as the fire and back boiler are integral to each other with regards to flueing?

 

[ecowarm]

hi,

i'm a little confused, why have you drilled holes in the back boiler? I'm also unsure why you would want to run a back boiler which is only around 60% efficient compared to a combi which is 80% or more depending on model and if condensing.

Did you have the fire checked out prior to using it as the fire and back boiler are integral to each other with regards to flueing?

Its an open coal fire with a back boiler ,,,,,, not gas

 

[Blake]

I'll go back to watching the footy then

 

[ecowarm]

Can pipe to heat store and then run to rads from there, combi could run a tap or two and rest of house could come from store.

As for repairing the existing boiler I think is a big NO, why not get a wood burning stove fitted linked to above store by a competant installer and only pay 5% Vat

 

[Mikedisco]

Yes it's an open firenot gas, my plan is to run rads off store and domestic hot water to taps from combi.
I'm an engineer so I believe drilling and tapping the holes and plugging them would offer a good seal.
Would I need a changeover valve from back boiler to combi?

 

[Blackcatgas]

You cant beat a coal fire so romantic.

 

[tamz]

It would be better to have the 6mm holes filled with a weld.

As said a heat store is your best option. Not cheap to buy tho.