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View the thread, titled "How long does it take to service a boiler?" which is posted in Boiler Advice Forum on UK Plumbers Forums.
This will depend on model, how old , access to boiler
depends on the boiler also the experience of the engineer, whats your problem cost or time taken, cost is a given time taken is dependent on the engineers knowledge and know how. i can service some boilers 1/2 hour but some take longer also whether any service parts are required.
J am assuming you have some issue with how the engineer carried out the service.There are a lot of variables age/make of boiler,how well it has been previously serviced.Some boilers require consumable parts ,some MI's require more to be done,some are more difficult than others.Worcester are not a favourite of mine.
It is difficult for a customer to know what has been done although a good engineer having viewed it,might explain if it is a straightforward job or if it has been neglected and requires to quote Masood 'a heart transplant and several hail Marys.'This would cost much more than a basic price.Prices vary,start at £50.Do you feel he did very little in a short time?
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.
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.
Do you know is its a combi boiler ?
M
Masood
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..
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.
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.
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?
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?
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.
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.
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.
( 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.
You're quite correct. Just because he/she is registered doesn't mean they are thorough.
What can you do?
Use a recommended engineer, If you want a full strip down service on your boiler, ( even though you may not need it), you can always ask but it will cost more in time and materials.
R
Rickster123
How much was the service? If that's not too nosey!!
20 mins will be a check
We allow 45-60 mins
Tightness test gas system
Visual check of gas line and meter
Boiler flue check
Check system pressure and top up
Cover off and clean inside (Hoover etc)
Check expansion pressure
Clean trap
Check probes
Fga boiler max and min rate
Gas rate appliance
Cover back on
Fill out paper work and email to client
I've cropped out the address but you get the idea
Good luck doing that any faster
We allow 45-60 mins
Tightness test gas system
Visual check of gas line and meter
Boiler flue check
Check system pressure and top up
Cover off and clean inside (Hoover etc)
Check expansion pressure
Clean trap
Check probes
Fga boiler max and min rate
Gas rate appliance
Cover back on
Fill out paper work and email to client
I've cropped out the address but you get the idea
Good luck doing that any faster
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Could be another group-on service deal
£50. is about average depending where you are, Time wise I average around about 1hr, depending what is required, always run system as well to make sure everything is working, vent rads top up if required, Did you use a national Co or independent engineer ?
The main problem with type of job (Service) is the cost ! customer always puts the cost first, that is the reason a full service as outlined in the manufactures instructions rarely gets done as it would more than double the cost if carried out to the letter, and I think that most people would not be happy paying over £100 every year for a service, landlords being the least likely to have it done, doing a basic check to see if everything is working and safe is better than nothing at all.
Tell bg and the likes of them to change, they won't so price stays low
Do you do it as per manufactures instructions ? to be honest I don't know meny people that do BG included , If fact the time they allow their engineers to do a "Service" is Proberly less than the average independent guy takes, all boils down to time & cost
Better yet, don't bother with the servicing.
Well, it may not be better.
Maybe there are some people who wouldn't mind paying more if it's clear what they get in return? Seeing the engineer working for a full hour, boiler stripped down to parts, full report with readings in the end, certificates...
How come electricians manage to do it?
Well, it may not be better.
Maybe there are some people who wouldn't mind paying more if it's clear what they get in return? Seeing the engineer working for a full hour, boiler stripped down to parts, full report with readings in the end, certificates...
How come electricians manage to do it?
What do sparks do ??
It would take a lot longer than 1hr to fully strip check all parts and reassemble a boiler + the added cost of replacing all the seals & gaskets.
Electricians only plug in a test machine and take readings they do-not strip down every plug/socket
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