New boiler install - some questions

ixtlan

Hi All,

My installer says he will fit a Baxi Solo 18kw, or a Worcester-Bosch. He didn't press either on me but said they usually install the Baxi. The W-B (don't have a model) is only €100 more and that brand seems to score well in comments. Should I take the W-B?

Also, the installer says that he does not advise a power-flush but just (I think) a chemical clean. He said he used to recommend a power-flush, but now thinks that they stir up too much sediment which remains in the system and if you install a Magnaclean (which he recommends) you will be constantly cleaning it for a long time after the flush.

Just FYI, I know there is iron oxide in the system (as one rad is leaking when on full and the water is black) but there are no issues with radiator heating that I know of so maybe that suggests sludge is not a major issue? Also it's a soft water area. Should I demand a power-flush? If the installer says it's better not to then I'd like to believe him.

The current boiler and system is now 20 years old.

Ix.

yoshytoshy

The WB boiler is far better ,if the system is black dirty then a flush is best.
If the installer is recommending a Baxi ,then he probably cannot offer you the five year guarantee that worcester offer.

The lads on the forum here also recommend the viessman boiler.

JohnnieK

Go for the power flush. It takes a day to do it right on an avarage house. Also go for the Worcester much better.

ixtlan

Thanks guys. I'll make some more enquires. I suspect yoshytoshy might be right about the warranty, but I see that a non accredited installer still gets a 3-yr warranty, and the Baxi only gives 2 years, with an extension to 5 if there is a certified service every year.

Anyone else got opinions on the powerflush? As with most things goggling gives a lot of conflicting advice. I see it is best practice, but also see that it can cause minor leaks in old systems (and mine is 20 years old). Also since I see no symptoms that people reference as a reason to powerflush I wonder if it's more prudent (and cheaper) not to have it done. And, if the Magnaclean is installed, perhaps that makes it less of an issue?

Ix.

yoshytoshy

All extended warranties require a service every year. Basically the log book is filled out ,just like you would with a car.

ixtlan

ixtlan wrote: »

Anyone else got opinions on the powerflush? As with most things goggling gives a lot of conflicting advice. I see it is best practice, but also see that it can cause minor leaks in old systems (and mine is 20 years old). Also since I see no symptoms that people reference as a reason to powerflush I wonder if it's more prudent (and cheaper) not to have it done. And, if the Magnaclean is installed, perhaps that makes it less of an issue?

The quality of the system water dictates the level of flushing required, you have black system water so as posted a power flush should be given and I would fit a magnaclean as a given aswell, not one or the other.
If you're installer get's it wrong and the boiler over time get's effected by the system water then the warranty is null and void.

As for leaks a power flush may show up, you have to clean the heating system for a new boiler, if you leave bits in plugging holes in rads then those bits over time may impact on the boiler, you may say that's what the magnaclean is for to collect those bits, if your wrong it could cost you more in the long run.

It's called best practice for a reason, it's about having a heating system that's going to give you the least amount of trouble and the most amount of longevity, as you move away from good practice your risks can increase.

slavetothegrind

agree with above powerflush essential and the magnaclean is a great addition to any system.

at 20 years old it is better to find problems than to ignore them.

an ultrasonic thickness tester will find corroded spots in rads, your plumber may have one.

as gary said if bits of sludge and corroded metal come adrift and make their way into your new boiler and the system was not properly treated beforehand you have no warranty cover.

you have said one rad is leaking so there is a fresh water intake going on for x amount of time, this speeds up corrosion greatly.