boiler repairs

[Nige]

Hi,

Whats the most common boiler problems when they break down and is it possible for a reasonable D.I.Y er to repair them bareing in mind the expense of a call out these days.

thanks,

nige.

[BigWallop]

Why Nigel? What's wrong with your boiler? A make and model helps a lot here. Also need symptoms and what you were doing when the boiler broke down.

[Lurch]

On Mon, 3 Jan 2005 22:48:59 +0000 (UTC), "Nige" strung together this:

The water's cold, I always find that's a major problem.

Dunno, depends how cold the water's got.

Well, sometimes it's worth handing it over to someone who knows what they're doing.

[Nige]

Hi bigwallop,

no problem with my boiler yet :) just a general question.

thanks

nige.

[John Rumm]

Depends on how specific an answer you want...

In general terms, failing to heat at all is a common problem. For combis you could add the alternative of just failing to provide hot water.

In many cases yes... again depends on the nature of the problem and the skill level of the DIYer

[Dave Plowman (News)]

With older boilers probably the thermocouple.

[Nige]

yes,

I should have asked what boiler components usually fail and can a d.i.y.er replace these,

thanks for your replies,

Nige

[Dave Plowman (News)]

I'm afraid it depends on the competence of the DIYer. You can legally replace anything you want on your own boiler - if you are competent to do so.

[raden]

In message , Nige writes

Usually

pump fan pressure switch pcb heat exchanger diverter valve programmer gas valve one of the temperature sensors

of course it could be something else

[Nige]

thanks for replies

nige

[Ed Sirett]

Same as cars. Might be easy might be hard.

Some models have stock faults which get known about quite quickly.

[Ed Sirett]

fairly reliable).

stuff, or even just fall to bits in the hot flue gases. It contain a microswitch.

the innards can become sticky with age.

liquid expansions ones tend to become insensitive with age, fixed temp 'cans' - go out of spec or fail, changeover 'cans' can develop dead spots. )

Micro-switches - changeover ones especially.

Syncron motors which power external zone and diverter valves burn out.

Ignition electronics - especially shorting ignition lead or misplaced electrodes.

Expansion vessel - the root problem with the over whelming bulk of sealed systems problems - see FAQ below.

Corrosion of primary circuit - leading to many other faults.

Scaling of the secondary heat exchanger - leading to a cluster of faults.