T
Tim Hardy
I’m currently looking into replacing my 20- year-old Ideal Classic FF 360 gas boiler in a 70s semi and have been getting various quotes for a condensing conventional boiler, as we don’t want a combi.
The current boiler works well, we have it serviced every year via British Gas Homecare, but it’s less efficient than new condensing models and we’re concerned at it breaking down during the winter and parts being unavailable to fix it.
Our radiators are always red hot, no cold spots, only one small bedroom one and the tall bathroom towel rail needs regular bleeding.
My question relates to the system cleanse/powerwash options being offered by the different quoters.
All installers would drain the system and give it a chemical treatment to clear it out, but British Gas have recommended a power wash too, whilst one reputable local firm says they wouldn’t recommend power washing our older piping as it could cause leaks.
That makes sense, as one reason for avoiding the combi system is that we’ve been advised the pressure on the system would be too great.
The local firm’s method is to drain and put in a chemical treatment, have us use the heating an hour a day for a month so the chemicals can clean the system, then come back and drain the system before adding inhibitors.
British Gas seem to want to do everything in one day, which is perhaps why they want to power wash it, though they’re happy to just do a chemical treatment in one day and say it might be enough.
I’d appreciate any comments as to whether a power flush is inadvisable for us and also whether the British Gas method without the power flush would work, or whether leaving the chemicals a month is better.
Thanks.
The current boiler works well, we have it serviced every year via British Gas Homecare, but it’s less efficient than new condensing models and we’re concerned at it breaking down during the winter and parts being unavailable to fix it.
Our radiators are always red hot, no cold spots, only one small bedroom one and the tall bathroom towel rail needs regular bleeding.
My question relates to the system cleanse/powerwash options being offered by the different quoters.
All installers would drain the system and give it a chemical treatment to clear it out, but British Gas have recommended a power wash too, whilst one reputable local firm says they wouldn’t recommend power washing our older piping as it could cause leaks.
That makes sense, as one reason for avoiding the combi system is that we’ve been advised the pressure on the system would be too great.
The local firm’s method is to drain and put in a chemical treatment, have us use the heating an hour a day for a month so the chemicals can clean the system, then come back and drain the system before adding inhibitors.
British Gas seem to want to do everything in one day, which is perhaps why they want to power wash it, though they’re happy to just do a chemical treatment in one day and say it might be enough.
I’d appreciate any comments as to whether a power flush is inadvisable for us and also whether the British Gas method without the power flush would work, or whether leaving the chemicals a month is better.
Thanks.
