Cowboy plumber - what shall I do?

[dylan86]

More than a year ago I hired a certified plumber to change my boiler.
He installed me a Ferroli which is working fine.
During the installation I noticed that he was a bit inaccurate: the thermostat that he installed not only it was not working, but also risked to burn the boiler because it was self powered. He gave me a discount because I noticed that.

However he guaranteed free services for one year so I called him back to double check an issue with the heating system. The way he solved it was a bit rough: he hit a part of the boiler to make move the piece that swings from hot water to heating mode.

Moreover I asked him to do the service to another boiler in my other flat. He did it and gave me a certificate. However after a few hours I noticed that the pressure went down to zero.

Basically he "tested" the safety valve and by doing some debris got stuck in it and the water kept flowing out. He said that it was a problem of the valve and he could have not avoided it in order to issue the certificate. Conversely on the manual I read that the valve should not be checked otherwise this problem occurs.

I tried to call him a few times, he answered only once saying that he could have replaced it with a new valve that I would have had to pay. I said that I was going away for a few days but once back he had to fix it for free.

I came back, the pressure is getting better: it losing only 0.1 every two/three days. Probably because some debris got expelled.
I called him many times but he is not answering.

I was about to write him a letter but maybe it is possible to report him to some authority like Gas Safe. What do you think?

Thanks a lot

 

[oldplumber]

how else can you test a prv without operating it? Some manufacturers do list it in their manuals to test as part of the service and as its a safety device it should be tested.

Not quite sure what you on about re a thermostat burning the boiler and i'm happy to say that ferrolli recomend hitting the boiler to release a jammed relay on their dodgy circuit boards, give it a wack 12 times was the technical support line actual advice recently, lol.

Having allowed anyone to instal a ferrolli my advice is to quit whining and take a chill pill, youre lucky not to have had several visits from ferrolli engineers already,give it a while and youll have some real problems with your boiler to worry about

 

[dylan86]

He did not do a really good work with the Ferroli: almost burnt the electronic device and hit the boiler to make it work.

The problem is not really about that, it's about the safety valve of the Heatline boiler.
The manual says that the safety valve should not be opened because it is for emergency only.
Is it true that in order to issue a service certificate it has to be checked?

 

[tackleburger]

Personally I leave well alone. But have been at some boilers where the prv has operated and after fixing the problem I have had to open and close it a few times to flsh the debri out. Try doing that on yours if it doesn't work you need to get a new one.

You really ought to learn though Ferrolli & Heatline not the best machines cheap rubbish actually so you will soon be one first name terms with the engineers from these companies I fear. What is the exact problem with the stat?

Come to think of it, you sound like a real moaner and you are calling this guy a cowboy without knowing the facts really. His only crime it seems is to fit a Ferrolli and then agree to service a rubbish Heatline, which most of us would well avoid. Calling the bloke a cowboy is a bit strong. You should ask him to change the PRV and pay the man for God's sake, it costs about £15.00 and say 1/2 hour's time so maximum £50. Problem with landlords I find is they are allowed to make money out of tennants but tradesman? How dare they make anything out of them. I only work for a selected amount of landlords and by the sounds of things you'd be on the other list.

 

[dylan86]

Thanks for your answers. That he is inaccurate is completely out of question, and the thermostat error was a risky one.
It is not possible that a plumber called to do a service to a boiler leaves with the boiler losing water.

 

[Scottley]

Buy cheap buy twice is my motto.

So If he hadnt tested the PRV and it and failed when it needed to operate you'd be complaing about that too im guessing?

 

[dylan86]

Since the manual clearly says not to check it, I would have sued Heatline had it not worked.

I cannot buy a new valve every single year. And then what? You install the new one, ok, and what about checking the new one? Water flowing out again?

It's a never ending situation.

 

[Scottley]

Did you pick the boiler or did the plumber recommend it?

 

[dylan86]

The Heatline was already in the property that I bought whereas the Ferroli was suggested by the plumber.

 

[Paulplumb]

I tried a Heatline to save money and it cost me more in the end. I wish I had of gone for Worcester or Vaillant. My dad has a Ferroli and it leaks like a collinder. I really must get round there lol

 

[Blackcatgas]

More than a year ago I hired a certified plumber to change my boiler.
He installed me a Ferroli which is working fine.
1.During the installation I noticed that he was a bit inaccurate: the thermostat that he installed not only it was not working, but also risked to burn the boiler because it was self powered. He gave me a discount because I noticed that.

2.However he guaranteed free services for one year so I called him back to double check an issue with the heating system. The way he solved it was a bit rough: he hit a part of the boiler to make move the piece that swings from hot water to heating mode.

Moreover I asked him to do the service to another boiler in my other flat. He did it and gave me a certificate. However after a few hours I noticed that the pressure went down to zero.

3.Basically he "tested" the safety valve and by doing some debris got stuck in it and the water kept flowing out. He said that it was a problem of the valve and he could have not avoided it in order to issue the certificate. Conversely on the manual I read that the valve should not be checked otherwise this problem occurs.

I tried to call him a few times, he answered only once saying that he could have replaced it with a new valve that I would have had to pay. I said that I was going away for a few days but once back he had to fix it for free.

I came back, the pressure is getting better: it losing only 0.1 every two/three days. Probably because some debris got expelled.
I called him many times but he is not answering.

4.I was about to write him a letter but maybe it is possible to report him to some authority like Gas Safe. What do you think?


Thanks a lot

1. I dont understand, try to explain this in better English.
2.As said, nothing wrong with doing this to unjam a solenoid, hes saved you money not having to replace the diverter valve/solenoid.
3. If you touch the Prv valve your asking for trouble, he shouldnt really of touched it and should in my opinion fix it.
4. Gas Safe are not botherd about this sort of thing, trading standards wont help you that much either.

 

[Dannypipe]

In short, you had a rubbish boiler installed in your property, and no one is suprised you are having problems with it.

The PRV is an easy fix. Personally I would call another heating engineer/plumber and get it changed. Learn from your mistake and do some research next time before you buy a boiler renound for break downs. The fact that you also have a Heatline leads me to believe you buy cheap and hope for the best. So good luck!

 

[diesel_ltd]

how's about getting your system powerflushed to remove the dirt before you end up with blocked plate heat exchanger etc
Maybe the plumber has done you a favor by letting you no your could be clogged. You cant expect the plumber to change parts in your boiler for FREE because YOUR system has dirt in it, be serious mate......

 

[Puddle]

As said mistakes have been main here by quality of boiler installed and inherited

If you were not happy with the plumber when he installed the boiler,why get him back to do other works,apart from the 'no cost bit',this you got but have ended up with problems which in all honesty you may have fore seen

The pressure release valve should not have been opened during service,by manufacturers instructions,however if it is opened/operated for safety purposes in boiler operation,it should be able to re seal
However all to often they do not on all boilers,I would say it is about time some form of central control should be used here to get the quality improved to allow testing ect
However what ever side of the fence you are on,the plumber should not have left the valve leaking,this was wrong
I would suggest you supply the valve and he supplies the labour,however there is now history between you now and as he did not charge in the first place,you probably will have been moved to his past experiences file

Think you are going to have to put this down to past experiences too and as said,get another plumber to replace valve and maybe start a fresh trade relationship
because as said with those two babies in your properties,you are going to need a plumber quite regularly I am afraid

 

[moony]

i would be interested to see in the manual where it sees dont test the prv as debris may be lodged...

its a safety device which needs checking - a lot of us dont check due to this but its the right thing to do.

end of day youve got issues with him from the original boiler with the thermostat i dont know what you mean by that though and how that was his fault either.

If i were you i would find some other plumber like puddle says.

if i were the plumber then i would call it a day with your custom - no offence intended but i dont hink he could do any right for you now unless he worked for free and supplied parts which imo he shouldnt be doing.