system lifespan

[hammers4spanner]

whats peoples opinions on boiler life spans and when they think old systems should be ripped out and upgraded? Had a general converstaion last night about this with differing opinion from another gas safe installer .
I have always said
Combis 10- 15 years life span then possible newbie ( depending if its a lemon)
System and regular boilers 15 plus years as long as its been looked after serviced etc .

Radiator and pipework renewed i always think 20 years or so e.g sytem install in the 80's then cant see know harm in full upgrade

i know you can make do mend with power flushes etc but at some point systems do need upgrading

The other gs installer rreckons combis 10 years and always convert old systems to sealed for ease ,,,

any have different opinions??

 

[ecowarm]

You can't say, it depends on how it was installed, serviced and looked after

 

[scotty plumber]

You can't say, it depends on how it was installed, serviced and looked after

A bit like a motor then eco??

 

[WeeStu]

You can't say, it depends on how it was installed, serviced and looked after

Totally agree. last year I replaced a programmer on a system circa 1960. The boiler, rads and pipework are all running like they had been installed last week.

 

[pobsdad]

On the other hand,the system I fitted last week...........

 

[stevetheplumber]

plenty of 30 years plus systems out there my brothers house is 30 year since i piped it and his rads were second hand then i think they are at least 45 years old from the style and always on open vented systems with no inhibitor his had 2 boilers in that time o/f pottertons niether of which was new, the one thats in now laid in his cellar for 18 years awaiting its call to active service

 

[Best]

Some systems are like new inside ( pipes & rads ) yet 30 year old or more. Depends on the way it was installed, & if inhibitor added. Obviously if the system is a shoddy job in the first place, or has been designed wrong, then better to repipe. Only thing with old but good systems in new condition is the need to upgrade to full controls.
IMO, heating systems, especially sealed systems, should last a lifetime.

 

[jtsplumbing]

I service an old vulcan OF boiler every year ! still runs very well , same as system, will need a new pump this year, but everything working fine, Boiler over 40 years old.