ADVISE PLEASE - What replacement boiler for Ferroli DOMIcompact F24B ?

[bilabonic]

Hi All

I have a Ferroli DOMIcompact F24B and it is nothing but trouble, i have had a new PCB fitted, new preesure gauge, new pump and it is not working AGAIN due to pump broken again !!!

The Engineer has disconnected the pump so i only have HW, he also stated there is very small leak on Heat Exchanger (he did show me tiny bit of rust on backplate of the boiler ?)

I have had enough the Ferroli and need something reliable for winter....

I have asked for a price of a total replacement boiler and wanted a Baxi DUO TEC 24 or 28E as he has fitted on of these at my parents and it has been brilliant PLUS a 7 year warranty !!

He has stated that since the FLUE exits vertically through the roof (it goes through ceiling for 1m then 45deg for 1m the vertical again up through tiles/roof), it alsi has a 'support bracket midway).

I would also like to add ALL of the flue is less than 1 year old as it was all replaced when i had a new roof/Local Gov grant.

He has stated a BAXI can NOT be fitted due to the flue being the wrong size and is getting back to me later wit a 'suitable boiler' which will most probably be ANOTHER Ferroli or if i want a BAXI i would have to have ALL the flue replaced as well (expensive!!!)

Is this true guys ? What are my options here ?? What would you recommend???

Thanks in advance.

Cheers

 

[Riley]

You absolutely cannot use the flue of a different boiler. This is classed as modifying a gas appliance and is a big no no

 

[bilabonic]

You absolutely cannot use the flue of a different boiler. This is classed as modifying a gas appliance and is a big no no

Cheers, i just wanted confirmation...

What would be my best option ?
Use a newer model compatible Ferroli ( i hate them !!!!)

Or get pump replaced and when i have the funds get a decent boiler/new flue ?

I did forget to ask, will he need to go onto the roof when flue is replced or can it be done from attic space ?

Cheers

 

[Riley]

I would always suggest that you go for the best boiler you can afford. Ferroli in my humble opinion are toilet and I wouldn’t fit one of my life depended on it

 

[Riley]

And yes roof access will probably be required

 

[king of pipes]

Any boilers better than that garbage sorry! but true , if your on a tight budget look at baxi or ideal , a loft install you will have to follow the regulations ,have a fixed loft ladder , timber walk way , wired lighting, guard around the boiler, smoke and co alarm , and no flue can't be fitted from inside the wall will need making good before the weather shroud is fitted on the outside. Cheers kop

 

[bilabonic]

Any boilers better than that garbage sorry! but true , if your on a tight budget look at baxi or ideal , a loft install you will have to follow the regulations ,have a fixed loft ladder , timber walk way , wired lighting, guard around the boiler, smoke and co alarm , and no flue can't be fitted from inside the wall will need making good before the weather shroud is fitted on the outside. Cheers kop

The boiler is easily accessible as its just on the wall in the bathroom, it's only the Flue that goes through attic/roof....

A Baxi is what i want (did not think the DUO TEC with 7 year warranty were budget !!)....

What would you class as a NON budget boiler then mate ?

Looks like i will just get pump replaced for the winter and get something decent next summer when i have more funds (the amount i have spent on this terrible Ferroli over the years it WOULD of been more cost effective to have changed it years ago !!!

#Oh well

Thanks

 

[Harvest Fields]

Vaillant for me

 

[bilabonic]

Vaillant for me

How many years warranty though ? My parents Baxi with 7 years has been FAULTLESS !!

 

[bilabonic]

Plus i have spoke to a mate who has a Ferroli 701 fitted in 1997 and STILL going !! It's had a new PCB and new PRV since then !!! Must be luck or the installer !!

 

[ShaunCorbs]

both the boilers were made better back then less to go wrong

 

[Riley]

Same as cars sometimes you just get a lemon but there are so many variables. Type of system, quality of install, regular maintenance, amount of use, proper sizing, correct controls to name but a few

 

[Harvest Fields]

Plus i have spoke to a mate who has a Ferroli 701 fitted in 1997 and STILL going !! It's had a new PCB and new PRV since then !!! Must be luck or the installer !!

The latter

 

[Harvest Fields]

Do not like ferroli at all

 

[Scott_D]

A new boiler needs to be fitted to a clean system, preferably with a magnetic filter.

 

[AMGasServices]

I’d say install an intergas. Less moving parts less problems.

 

[bilabonic]

A new boiler needs to be fitted to a clean system, preferably with a magnetic filter.

I always presumed those filters were 'snake oil' !!! Plus the stupid amount of additives out there, my engineering is fitting new pump and using anti leak additive now !! Fernox ?? Pump with fitting/additive costs nearly half the price of the WHOLE boiler !! Rrrrr

 

[Scott_D]

I always presumed those filters were 'snake oil' !!! Plus the stupid amount of additives out there, my engineering is fitting new pump and using anti leak additive now !! Fernox ?? Pump with fitting/additive costs nearly half the price of the WHOLE boiler !! Rrrrr

No they are very good!

 

[king of pipes]

I didn't say baxi was a budget boiler I said "if your working on a budget" meaning baxi and ideal will be competitively priced both offer good warranties up to 10 years on some models don't fit a 24kw the hot water produced will be disappointing in winter, many merchants sell a replacement heating pack which will be the boiler , flue , magnetic filter, chemicals , and scale reducer at a discounted price . Cheers kop

 

[DGT plumbing]

Anything but another Ferroli. I wouldn't fit them things if they gave them away.

 

[bilabonic]

I didn't say baxi was a budget boiler I said "if your working on a budget" meaning baxi and ideal will be competitively priced both offer good warranties up to 10 years on some models don't fit a 24kw the hot water produced will be disappointing in winter, many merchants sell a replacement heating pack which will be the boiler , flue , magnetic filter, chemicals , and scale reducer at a discounted price . Cheers kop

You are SPOT ON, i asked my Engineer and they sell more of the higher model 28kw !!! So i would be cheaper !!

I NEVER would of presumed that !

Thanks for your info and knowledge...It is MUCH appreciated. !

Cheers

 

[Rob Foster]

ATAG all,day long why buy a Ford when you can have a mercedes Rob Foster aka centralheatking

 

[Rob Foster]

Vaillant for me

I love Vaillant Audi of boilers
Rob Foster aka centralheatking

 

[Scott_D]

ATAG all,day long why buy a Ford when you can have a mercedes Rob Foster aka centralheatking

Have you got one in your house?

 

[Rob Foster]

Have you got one in your house?

I have several houses. I own a gloworm 100ff, two vaillant 28 kw combis, and a Worcester 28
Rest are off gas main. My next house will have Atag
House with 100ff is being demolished after Xmas

 

[Sharp Point]

I love Vaillant Audi of boilers
Rob Foster aka centralheatking

Use to be

 

[Rob Foster]

Use to be

Your probably right as Audi was a good make when I had A6 avants now every drug dealer has got one. I want a Maserati Quattroporte Ghiblin In Matt black next

 

[Rob Foster]

Your probably right as Audi was a good make when I had A6 avants now every drug dealer has got one. I want a Maserati Quattroporte Ghiblin In Matt black next

Except you cannot get a bathroom suite in them

 

[Sharp Point]

My little toy could fit a whole bathroom suite in, and with all my tools/tube and probably beat most super cars to the job.

😉

 

[sammathias]

Why repair a terrible boiler? Your just wasting money. I've replaced two 3 year old ferrolis before now because the landlord had had enough of breakdowns. Would never touch/work on one again. As for vaillant, all boiler have their troubles...but serviced properly and with a 7 year warranty you can't go wrong...ecotec plus.

 

[bilabonic]

Why repair a terrible boiler? Your just wasting money. I've replaced two 3 year old ferrolis before now because the landlord had had enough of breakdowns. Would never touch/work on one again. As for vaillant, all boiler have their troubles...but serviced properly and with a 7 year warranty you can't go wrong...ecotec plus.

I agree, if you read the thread i WANTED to replace it with a Baxi DuoTec/7 year warranty BUT i presumed the existing flue could be used, it can not so it's not just a simple boiler 'swap', looks like i will need scaffold for the tile 'shroud' PLUS loft access/working up there to fit flue will be a nightmare as the insulation is 3 ft thick....

I have spent about £1500 JUST to keep it going the last 2 years !!

I never new Vaillant do a 7 year warranty boiler !!

I 'think' there is a way to put a 90 on top of boiler outlet and put it out through outside wall, it will not look as nice, but would save a LOT of hassle/money...????? What do you reckon, i could add pics if necessary...

 

[Rob Foster]

I agree, if you read the thread i WANTED to replace it with a Baxi DuoTec/7 year warranty BUT i presumed the existing flue could be used, it can not so it's not just a simple boiler 'swap', looks like i will need scaffold for the tile 'shroud' PLUS loft access/working up there to fit flue will be a nightmare as the insulation is 3 ft thick..

I have spent about £1500 JUST to keep it going the last 2 years !!

I never new Vaillant do a 7 year warranty boiler !!

I 'think' there is a way to put a 90 on top of boiler outlet and put it out through outside wall, it will not look as nice, but would save a LOT of hassle/money...????? What do you reckon, i could add pics if necessary...

Go for the pics as people wake up they will log on and all have a look, centralheatking

 

[sammathias]

Standard 5 year warranty but 7 years if fitted by a vaillant advance installer. Some even are 10 year. You could go horizontal with the flue...all depends on boundarys and distances. I have known installers to use existing flues from different manufacturers but as said above it is illegal.

 

[bilabonic]

Here are some pics guys (the current flue through roof it LESS than year old as the WHOLE street had grants for new roofs etc, it must protrude about 1m and is still shining like new !!!

Pics below with proposed alterations, what do you reckon guys ??

Cheers

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Any reason why you want to change the flue location?

 

[bilabonic]

Any reason why you want to change the flue location?

It ALL in the post mate, the EXISTING flue can NOT be used apparently (even though its all like new !!)

Loft access is awkard and i would need scaffold i presume for the roof ??

 

[Dilalio]

Go for the new flu location and just put a new one in to that point. Don't forget that it needs inspection hatches if you decide to box it in.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

It ALL in the post mate, the EXISTING flue can NOT be used apparently (even though its all like new !!)

Loft access is awkard and i would need scaffold i presume for the roof ??

Replace the flue for a new one you won't need scaf just a cat ladder

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Go for the new flu location and just put a new one in to that point. Don't forget that it needs inspection hatches if you decide to box it in.

That's a lot of work your talking of adding an extra 5-600 ontop moving the flue to a horizontal

 

[Dilalio]

That's a lot of work your talking of adding an extra 5-600 ontop moving the flue to a horizontal

I know, but it's better accessible and depending on who he's getting to install it, whether they'd work of a ladder. Need to be an uninterrupted run out the roof as well cos access to loft space isn't easy and may not be good for inspection. Up to OP really, but I think he'd really like to reuse the existing flu which ain't possible, no matter how shiny it is 😉

 

[bilabonic]

Who's right here boys, conflicting answers again ?

How is it a lot of work just putting flue horizontal ? Most are anyway..Just needs extra length kit.

What about access in loft, its 3 ft deep in insulation, plus has two 45 deg bends...

 

[Dilalio]

The GSE who's gonna do it is right 😀

 

[bilabonic]

Don't think my regular plumber is interested !! Not ringing me back !!!
Think i will post on Facebook as there's few of the 'boys' i know who are GSE..

 

[ShaunCorbs]

It's a full day just doing the flue horizontal

Need 2 45
3-4m lengths
A load of clips 5-6
And to core a new hole

Also needs to be a min 300 mm away from the window edge also a min of 300 away from the boundary

 

[bilabonic]

It's a full day just doing the flue horizontal

Need 2 45
3-4m lengths
A load of clips 5-6
And to core a new hole

Also needs to be a min 300 mm away from the window edge also a min of 300 away from the boundary

Do you mean x2 90 degs if still on current protruding wall?

4 m length is nothing, plus couple of clips, Plus 4" core is nothing imo, done plenty over the years....

Or the boiler could be moved to the right (off the protruding wall) and copper adjusted, it normal 90 deg from flue and straight 3m run ??

 

[ShaunCorbs]

45s and correct

No but at around 50 a m it adds up

Then 50 for the bends etc

Still takes time tho

 

[bilabonic]

45s and correct

No but at around 50 a m it adds up

Then 50 for the bends etc

Still takes time tho

I've had a reply of my GSE !! He said he would replace existing Flue of ladders as you described....

Thanks mate..

 

[bilabonic]

Not ONE GSE has recommended routing flu through wall.....All want to fit Baxi/7 Year or ATAG as higher price..

 

[bilabonic]

Meeting two GSE today, both fit new flu through roof as its easily done by ladder (their words).

ONE of them mentioned that Baxi are phasing out the HE series and stated the new 600 series is better and MUCH smaller and 30Kw !!!

Never heard of them so getting quote for both...

Anyone advise on these ??

Thanks

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Duo tech or 600

600 series is a new boiler few problems so far but ok

 

[bilabonic]

Duo tech or 600

600 series is a new boiler few problems so far but ok

I'm getting price on both, the 630 (30Kw) and the usual 28Kw Duo Tec.

what is the best one ?

 

[Harvest Fields]

I'm getting price on both, the 630 (30Kw) and the usual 28Kw Duo Tec.

what is the best one ?

Neither. Go for a Vaillant.😀😀😀

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I would go duo as it's time proven but it's slightly noisy

 

[bilabonic]

Neither. Go for a Vaillant.😀😀😀

My mate has a Vaillant and he's had 2 new fans on it !

They always seem to **** up when he's away on hols..lol

Baxi ALL the way !!

 

[Harvest Fields]

My mate has a Vaillant and he's had 2 new fans on it !

They always seem to **** up when he's away on hols..lol

Baxi ALL the way !!

Each to their own mate. Not had issues with the ones I’ve fitted. Must be bad luck on his part.

 

[bilabonic]

Well it's CHEAPER to get a Baxi 630 fitted than an Baxi ECOtech 28 !!

PLUS waiting on price for an ATAG, which looks like will be couple quid more than the both of the above !!!

Plumbers had BETTER screwdrivers than me !! Wera ...As a spark i was offended...lol

Crazy !!!

 

[Harvest Fields]

Baxi do not make ecotec mate.

 

[bilabonic]

Neither. Go for a Vaillant.😀😀😀

Baxi do not make ecotec mate.

Duo, sorry...

 

[Harvest Fields]

Duo, sorry...

I know what you meant mate. I was being. A bell. Sorry.😀

 

[bilabonic]

I know what you meant mate. I was being. A bell. Sorry.😀

Bloody Italians !!

 

[bilabonic]

Well £1500 spent, and ONLY 2 hours fitting Baxi 28HE is in !!

The flu took about 25 mins !!

Think i am in the wrong trade !!

 

[sammathias]

Glad you got it sorted. Any pictures??

 

[Riley]

2 hours????

 

[Riley]

No powerflush I assume

 

[bilabonic]

No powerflush I assume

This was what was stated, i was not there at time of fitting.

Baxi duo tec 28
New flue supported as well through roof
Chemical flush
Hot flush
Inhibitor
All required documentation Registration with gas safe Warranty
£1500

 

[Riley]

In two hours??? You cannot flush a system in two hours. Any pics

 

[Riley]

We aren’t trying to cause issue but just concerned for your cash

 

[Harvest Fields]

Well £1500 spent, and ONLY 2 hours fitting Baxi 28HE is in !!

The flu took about 25 mins !!

Think i am in the wrong trade !!

You also cannot get all documents on the day. The boiler has to be registered with manufacturer and gas safe. Paperwork takes a few days normally. Also definitely no powerflush there. Any filters?

 

[bilabonic]

We aren’t trying to cause issue but just concerned for your cash

I do have pic BUT it's just the boiler itself, i was surprised ALL the existing Ferroli piping virtually aligned with the Baxi, ie no crossovers.

I did go up the attic as well and checked the flue etc, all new x2 45 degrees and x2 supports. (I installed a wired room stat i had spare).

ALL other quotes were £1550-£1700.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Cannot see a filter on the heating or on the incoming. I also wouldn’t couple the condense like that. But as long as it is safe and you are happy.

 

[Harvest Fields]

Also you shouldn’t be taking the case off the boiler to fit your stat. YOU ARE NOT GAS SAFE REGISTERED.

 

[bilabonic]

You also cannot get all documents on the day. The boiler has to be registered with manufacturer and gas safe. Paperwork takes a few days normally. Also definitely no powerflush there. Any filters?

I had a gas safe cert, boiler was registered on the day with baxi andgas safe register, i will have them in the post, no filter.

I never removed the boiler cover just 'dropped down' the the bottom part to remove link/fit stat...

I'm a spark, how many plumbers on here are Part P or similar to connect the mains ??

 

[Harvest Fields]

I gase safe cert, boiler was registered on the day with baxi andgas safe register, i will have them in the post, no filter.

No filter mean no warranty. They need to fit a filter.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

I had a gas safe cert, boiler was registered on the day with baxi andgas safe register, i will have them in the post, no filter.

I never removed the boiler cover just 'dropped down' the the bottom part to remove link/fit stat...

I'm a spark, how many plumbers on here are Part P or similar to connect the mains ??

Don't need to be part p unless your fitting the fused spur from that were fine to wire

 

[ShaunCorbs]

No filter mean no warranty. They need to fit a filter.

In theory if cleaned and inhb installed there's no need for a filter but it's worth a 100 just for peace of mind

Warrenty ok with no filter aslong as system is cleaned / clean

 

[Harvest Fields]

In theory if cleaned and inhb installed there's no need for a filter but it's worth a 100 just for peace of mind

Warrenty ok with no filter aslong as system is cleaned / clean

The first thing they do now from what I am told is a water check? Not sure it will be clean enough in 2 hours?

 

[Harvest Fields]

Don't need to be part p unless your fitting the fused spur from that were fine to wire

Jumped the gun a bit there. Sorry. My bad. Forgot that Baxi have the drop down pcb and seperate combustion cover

 

[bilabonic]

Yea i just checked with filter, does not need one for warranty, i have a Magnatec spare somewhere as well !!

 

[ShaunCorbs]

The first thing they do now from what I am told is a water check? Not sure it will be clean enough in 2 hours?

Who knows and prob won't be clean,

 

[bilabonic]

Jumped the gun a bit there. Sorry. My bad. Forgot that Baxi have the drop down pcb and seperate combustion cover

Yep, just two screws and it drops down, then one screw to remove plastic cover that has LNE and stat connection.

 

[Harvest Fields]

I just checked also and yep. You are correct about filter. Sorry. However it does state that it has to be flushed properly and I doubt your system would have been clean in 2 hours.

 

[Riley]

Guarantee system dirty

 

[sammathias]

No filter mean no warranty. They need to fit a filter.

You mean inline scale filter or magnetic filter? Having no magnetic filter doesn't void warranty even tho its good practice to fit one...system needs to be crystal clean mind. Don't have to fit scale filters down this way so not sure.

 

[sammathias]

Should really read the rest of the post first haha. Sorry harvest.

 

[Harvest Fields]

You mean inline scale filter or magnetic filter? Having no magnetic filter doesn't void warranty even tho its good practice to fit one...system needs to be crystal clean mind. Don't have to fit scale filters down this way so not sure.

I have seen companies honour warranties with dirty water because a magnetic filter has been fitted.
Inline is a must up here.