Heating problem

bushmins · 15 Sep 2008 at 10:29

Not getting any hot water or rad's.

I phoned British Gas who do a 1 off call out (all parts and labour) of £192, this is for the FIRST fault they find any other faults are charged extra.

Or they have a policy which means paying £37 a month for the first year, all parts/labour included.

Anyone else called out anyone other that British Gas to sort these problems out?

Admiral Huddy · 15 Sep 2008 at 10:32

Depends what the problem is..We've always had BG cover so it's never been a problem and it's paid for itself over the years.

Rather than BG, why not use a GORGI registered plumber?

Werewolf · 15 Sep 2008 at 10:42

Does the boiler even try to start up?
Is there a pilot light showing as being lit? (normally visible through the little window at the front of the boiler)
It could be as simple as the timer/controller having died - which depending on the model of controller can be a easier than wiring a plug* (also make sure no one's turned off the power to the boiler...).
It could be the pump (fairly easy to replace).
Or it could be something much more serious.

Depending on the actual fault that could be a pretty good price, as many plumbers cost a fortune just for the call out.

*A number of modern ones are two part, backplate and controller, all you need to do to change them is buy a compatible one (or the same model), turn off the power, and undo 2 screws to release the old one from the backplate).

kefkef · 15 Sep 2008 at 10:44

Yeah, check Yell.com for corgi plumbers (then do a google search to make sure they haven't been listed on house of horrors!

). Might be worth checking any insurance policies 'just in case' you have cover, my bank account (Barclays Additions Plus) has domestic plumbing/heating insurance included as part of the monthly fee, so might be worth looking into that also.

bushmins · 15 Sep 2008 at 10:53

Werewolf said:
Does the boiler even try to start up?
Is there a pilot light showing as being lit? (normally visible through the little window at the front of the boiler)
It could be as simple as the timer/controller having died - which depending on the model of controller can be a easier than wiring a plug* (also make sure no one's turned off the power to the boiler...).
It could be the pump (fairly easy to replace).
Or it could be something much more serious.

Depending on the actual fault that could be a pretty good price, as many plumbers cost a fortune just for the call out.

Been through everyhting i could think of.
Boiler is lit.
Pump seems to be working.
Everything 'sounds' the same as it always has.
Mid-Position switch is moving as it should.

I did have troubles when i replaced a phycially broken thermostat. I had trouble working out how to rewire the new 2 wire stat as the old one has 3 wires. I blew a few fuses in the process. I ended up getting a 3 wired one. But saing that it was working fine for 2 weeks after i replaced the thermostat.

It may be a good idea for me to buy a new controller encase i blew that somehow.