How long does it take to service a boiler?

[kasser]

Yes, combi.
It was so obvious to me I forgot to state that.

 

[turnpin]

Were the credentials of the service guys checked and did they leave an invoice ?.......regards Turnpin:smile5:

 

[Masood]

I have no issues (yet). There were 2 of them and they said it would take 20 minutes, though I didn't note how long they actually took.
20 minutes sounds faster than what I've read it's supposed to take, 30 - 60 min. Two of them sounds like it should be faster but I doubt you can have two people working on a boiler at the same time?
My concern is that I am unable to actually verify what they've done.

It's easy to check the work of a bricklayer - wall goes up, a plumber fixes a leak, all dry, boiler install, hot water available, etc.. but boiler servicing? In 20 minutes? And as I said, it's not new.

OK - 20 minutes is fast, but with easy access it is possible to service a newer model Worcester to manufacturer's spec in that time if you're slick and know the boiler inside out, and - importantly - the boiler is already up to operating temperature.

It's not always necessary to strip the boiler down..

 

[Chalked]

It depends what some regard as a service.
There are, on certain models things that must be carried out and things that should be carried out.
A calibrated flue gas analyser with the right guy operating it. will say in a few seconds weather a full strip down is required. Or other issues. As will a gas rate.
But in my Veiw a service is not just a check, it's doing the right work on an appliance, so that with best intentions, it should operate safely, efficiently and reliably for the next 12 months. Too many, just stick the probe in the flue and say it's fine.

 

[Last Plumber]

I would expect it to take at least 45 min including gas tightness testing etc. It does depend a lot on what they call a service.

You can't tell if they've done it, just like you cant tell if your car has been fully serviced unless you know what you're looking for.

Did you employ Gas Safe Registered Engineers?

 

[A1P]

And how do I verify that it has actually been serviced and it was not just a safety check being carried out?

In boiler servicing ,as in car servicing,there is an element of trust.You often cannot see anything obvious for your 'hard earned.'As regards 20 mins and 2 men,possibly a bit light on time,Worcester's can take longer than some.As for 2 men ,possibly engineer plus apprentice.In the end try to use a tradesman you trust on a regular basis.When I fit a boiler I do it in the hope the customer will use me to service it according to MI instructions on a regular basis.Good for both parties.

 

[kasser]

But in my Veiw a service is not just a check, it's doing the right work on an appliance, so that with best intentions, it should operate safely, efficiently and reliably for the next 12 months. Too many, just stick the probe in the flue and say it's fine.

That's what I was getting at and not being a gas engineer, I can't tell much. There should be a form/report (perhaps there is), stating what has been done and values noted down. I believe an electrical safety check has such a certificate/report.

 

[kasser]

Yes, engineer is gas safe registered. I don't think I got a receipt for the payment.

 

[kasser]

By the way, being gas safe registered doesn't mean he will do the job properly?
As long as he leaves the boiler in a safe condition, Gas Safe won't be on his back. So servicing could mean sticking a probe in there and that's it, even for a Gas Safe engineer...?

 

[Last Plumber]

I always print off a FGA ticket but to be honest with you, it means nothing to most customers so I keep them myself on file for twelve month just in case I need to reference it for anything.
( I have never had to though).
I also fill in the service sheet at the rear of the installation manual with comments and CO2/CO Ratio and a few of the other readings. Again, that is more use to any future engineers or myself than the customer.