Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service"

[Paul-Worc Bosch]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

My comments, based on the many helpful posts I've received:

It seems that for my £200 I've had the most basic of services, which should at the least be adequate. All of the other years when WB took 45 minutes or so, the Technician either took his time or went beyond the basic servicing content. For the amount I am paying I think that I'm entitled to more than 20 minutes worth. I can't help but feel more checks equals more faults found or prevented from developing into break downs. And if nothings found, then alls well and good, but at least I know that I've had value for money and have peace of mind. Some of the independents have posted lists of checks they carry out, far more extensive than what WB are doing to my boiler, and for a lot less money.

Remember their own service manager agrees 20 minutes is insufficient. So although its possible to carry out essential checks in this time that is not what the service manager is expecting the Technicians to do.

The point posted that the contract probably doesn't specify what constitutes a service is correct. My contact provides an annual service, free parts and labour for repairs for a year.

In the past I've always been given a report, without the need to request it. To start with it was given at the time of the service, but its been posted in recent years. This time nothing. I did point out (and requested a copy) that the report was not issued in my first contact when I complained about the 20 minute visit. That was about 5 weeks ago, still no report. I will re-request that I'm sent a copy.

You're rght. I've calmed down a lot since I posted this morning. I live alone and work lots of hours. Time away from my job is precious time. For me to give up my Saturday morning to wait in for the follow up service and have them not turn up was maddening. Remember, it was me who phoned them to find out what was going on. A quick phone call to tell me the day before that they're rescheduling would have cost next to nothing and kept me on side, and I think is a reasonable way to go about their business.

As it stands I feel this contract is poor value for money, the way they've messed me around with slow responses to complaints (weeks pass by) and then dropping me in this morning I can't accept. The lack of a report, even though requested, is suspect to my mind.

I am guessing that you guys are all in the service sector, rather than customers like myself. Its useful to hear your take on the events. So given that my £200 contact provides an annual service, free parts and labour for repairs for a year on my 15yr old Greenstar. Do you think in the long term I'd be better off with a good independent, or stick WB?

 

[Paul-Worc Bosch]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

My comments, based on the many helpful posts I've received:

It seems that for my �200 I've had the most basic of services, which should at the least be adequate. All of the other years when WB took 45 minutes or so, the Technician either took his time or went beyond the basic servicing content. For the amount I am paying I think that I'm entitled to more than 20 minutes worth. I can't help but feel more checks equals more faults found or prevented from developing into break downs. And if nothings found, then alls well and good, but at least I know that I've had value for money and have peace of mind. Some of the independents have posted lists of checks they carry out, far more extensive than what WB are doing to my boiler, and for a lot less money.

Remember their own service manager agrees 20 minutes is insufficient. So although its possible to carry out essential checks in this time that is not what the service manager is expecting the Technicians to do.

The point posted that the contract probably doesn't specify what constitutes a service is correct. My contact provides an annual service, free parts and labour for repairs for a year.

In the past I've always been given a report, without the need to request it. To start with it was given at the time of the service, but its been posted in recent years. This time nothing. I did point out (and requested a copy) that the report was not issued in my first contact when I complained about the 20 minute visit. That was about 5 weeks ago, still no report. I will re-request that I'm sent a copy.

You're rght. I've calmed down a lot since I posted this morning. I live alone and work lots of hours. Time away from my job is precious time. For me to give up my Saturday morning to wait in for the follow up service and have them not turn up was maddening. Remember, it was me who phoned them to find out what was going on. A quick phone call to tell me the day before that they're rescheduling would have cost next to nothing and kept me on side, and I think is a reasonable way to go about their business.

As it stands I feel this contract is poor value for money, the way they've messed me around with slow responses to complaints (weeks pass by) and then dropping me in this morning I can't accept. The lack of a report, even though requested, is suspect to my mind.

I am guessing that you guys are all in the service sector, rather than customers like myself. Its useful to hear your take on the events. So given that my �200 contact provides an annual service, free parts and labour for repairs for a year on my 15yr old Greenstar. Do you think in the long term I'd be better off with a good independent, or stick WB?

 

[SimonG]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

Find yourself a good independent engineer, speak to family, friends, colleagues or neighbours for a recommendation.

 

[GasmanxxxR1]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

What area you in paul, im sure someone from here can help

 

[Paul-Worc Bosch]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

My comments, based on the many helpful posts I've received:

It seems that for my �200 I've had the most basic of services, which should at the least be adequate. All of the other years when WB took 45 minutes or so, the Technician either took his time or went beyond the basic servicing content. For the amount I am paying I think that I'm entitled to more than 20 minutes worth. I can't help but feel more checks equals more faults found or prevented from developing into break downs. And if nothings found, then alls well and good, but at least I know that I've had value for money and have peace of mind. Some of the independents have posted lists of checks they carry out, far more extensive than what WB are doing to my boiler, and for a lot less money.

Remember their own service manager agrees 20 minutes is insufficient. So although its possible to carry out essential checks in this time that is not what the service manager is expecting the Technicians to do.

The point posted that the contract probably doesn't specify what constitutes a service is correct. My contact provides an annual service, free parts and labour for repairs for a year.

In the past I've always been given a report, without the need to request it. To start with it was given at the time of the service, but its been posted in recent years. This time nothing. I did point out (and requested a copy) that the report was not issued in my first contact when I complained about the 20 minute visit. That was about 5 weeks ago, still no report. I will re-request that I'm sent a copy.

You're rght. I've calmed down a lot since I posted this morning. I live alone and work lots of hours. Time away from my job is precious time. For me to give up my Saturday morning to wait in for the follow up service and have them not turn up was maddening. Remember, it was me who phoned them to find out what was going on. A quick phone call to tell me the day before that they're rescheduling would have cost next to nothing and kept me on side, and I think is a reasonable way to go about their business.

As it stands I feel this contract is poor value for money, the way they've messed me around with slow responses to complaints (weeks pass by) and then dropping me in this morning I can't accept. The lack of a report, even though requested, is suspect to my mind.

I am guessing that you guys are all in the service sector, rather than customers like myself. Its useful to hear your take on the events. So given that my �200 contact provides an annual service, free parts and labour for repairs for a year on my 15yr old Greenstar. Do you think in the long term I'd be better off with a good independent, or stick WB?

 

[Paul-Worc Bosch]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

SimonG,


My initial post does come across as heavy handed, so I can understand your view. But that’s not how I’ve dealt with WB so far. They’ve received nothing but polite, though I admit firm phone calls and two factual emails. I’ve had a service that their own manager agrees was not sufficient, waited weeks for replies to my complaint, and then this morning got dropped in , plus WB had no intention of ever calling me to reschedule today’s missed visit.


I really don’t think I’ve brought this upon myself.


Gasmannxxx,


I live in Sunderland. I would appreciate a contact for a good independent. I’m sure WB will come good in the end, but I no longer think they are the best solution for me.

 

[hammers4spanner]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

If i'm right this thread is all about someone takin 20 mins to do in your opinion 45 mins of work for £200 ,

maybe the previous service engineers were stringing out 20 mins worth of work over 45 ??

 

[Nostrum]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

Maybe he was in a rush to catch a plane to go on holiday?

 

[Rickster123]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

Maybe just maybe he's that damn good at his job!

 

[bewsh]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

To be fair, I can easily complete a service on a Greenstar in 20 minutes -. Analyse is whilst checking working pressure, fan pressure and gas rate - adjust the readings in max/min if required and once they are correct, test the FSD and you're away!

That's why I always love reading Greenstar in the job history on the laptop, you know you're in for an easy job!

 

[pierrot]

Re: Worc Bosch took 20 minutes for boiler "service". BEWARE - DID THEY SKIP SAFETY CH

I assume for your 200 quid it includes call outs and parts replacement, so the service and safety check is only a part of what your paying for.

 

[Koogatubac]

Worcesters are all i fit now, theres nothing to em really. 20mins sounds like a fast time but it an't if your boiler is under 6yrs. After that i believe they advise you to inspect certain parts and replace the seals if i remember from a factory tour.

If your not having any problems dont worry. Or if you are, ask for a service report and a copy of FGA. I always staple a copy of FGA to the benchmark and service book.

 

[DirksPlumbing]

Worcesters are all i fit now, theres nothing to em really. 20mins sounds like a fast time but it an't if your boiler is under 6yrs. After that i believe they advise you to inspect certain parts and replace the seals if i remember from a factory tour.

If your not having any problems dont worry. Or if you are, ask for a service report and a copy of FGA. I always staple a copy of FGA to the benchmark and service book.

I am aware of the figures WB gives you. And in an ideal world this would work out. For example they tell you that the heat exchanger on the Ri can get changed in 20 minutes. Just it does not allow the 30 minutes to carefully trying to lift it of the baked on connection. Which finally only succeeded under slight malformation of the casing due to the required brute force.

WB as well tells you that the boilers come preset from factory. Especially when you do commission them properly you would have found in the past at least every fifth of the LPG boilers completely off and requiring a complete setup.

How quick can you check the expansion vessel? And how often they need recharging? 20 minutes for a complete service?
I asked my exboss to show me how that is done as he came with this funny idea too. Surprisingly he skipped this option to improve the efficiency of his plumbers by miles.

 

[lame plumber]

20 mins on a wb is easily achievable, the hard thing is to find something to do so the custard isnt ****ed off with you doing it in 20 mins. All it is as has been said is fga, fan vacuum pressure, if condensate trap is clean no taking it off and input pressure to cover your bum and done! Ifa visual proves no leaks then off and away. If your coughing £200 a year for servicing alone them wb are on to a good deal, if its for repairs then whats your issue?

 

[DirksPlumbing]

I

20 mins on a wb is easily achievable, the hard thing is to find something to do so the custard isnt ****ed off with you doing it in 20 mins. All it is as has been said is fga, fan vacuum pressure, if condensate trap is clean no taking it off and input pressure to cover your bum and done! Ifa visual proves no leaks then off and away. If your coughing £200 a year for servicing alone them wb are on to a good deal, if its for repairs then whats your issue?

This is how I get and keep a lot of customers. Checking the expansion vessel is essential. The usual thing then is the customer complaining about constant pressure loss. The frequent refills will have caused by that time plenty of corrosion. And the system is sludged up causing expensive repairs. And all that for laziness or inability to read the MIs.

 

[lame plumber]

so if a boiler is operating ok and system pressure isnt rising rapidly and prv isnt leaking etc isnt that a good indication the expansion vessel is ok? your also supposed to check prvs on a service according to most mis but I never touch them as that normally starts a problem. the most important part of any service is asking the custard if everything is ok, regular fills required? etc. Last thing I want to be doing is draining out water to then be filling it with fresh water to encourage corrosion, which is what you do by checking a functioning expn vessel iaw mis. each to his own but best not to be calling people lazy and illiterate

 

[plumber0808]

This is why I take my time doing a service if I know its complete in about 20 mins which certainly can be done.

i had this in the week on the way home 2year old WBosch. All working fine but I didn't want to complete it to quickly for the reasons that you are so angry about.was done in 45 mins.

the service has probably been done correctly but they have so many to do on their list for the day they don't want to hang about and why should they. The reason I did is because it was a new customer for me so 25 mins faffing might get me more work.

 

[DirksPlumbing]

so if a boiler is operating ok and system pressure isnt rising rapidly and prv isnt leaking etc isnt that a good indication the expansion vessel is ok? your also supposed to check prvs on a service according to most mis but I never touch them as that normally starts a problem. the most important part of any service is asking the custard if everything is ok, regular fills required? etc. Last thing I want to be doing is draining out water to then be filling it with fresh water to encourage corrosion, which is what you do by checking a functioning expn vessel iaw mis. each to his own but best not to be calling people lazy and illiterate

Sounds you are basing your boiler service on the assumption it might be right, possibly. But you have not checked it? Where does that take us? Assuming that the gas pipe has no leaks? Assuming that the combustion might be okay? Assuming the condensate trap will last another year?

Suppose the customer was assuming too. In specific that you did the job you expect to be paid for.

By starting to look at the expansion vessel you will be amazed how much these can tell you about the system.
And you can actually combine the test for the PRV with the expansion vessel test.

If it gets done regularly you would not face the problems with not sealing PRVs.

With the laziness I have not finger pointed. Here I was assuming that only the ones take it on board that should do. If you do a good service for your customers nobody will complain.

 

[hammers4spanner]

there is no specific requiremnt to do a TT on a boiler service

 

[lame plumber]

hang on dirk, whos assuming combustion is ok if you do an fga, who has to do a tightness test on a service according to the rules, it would seem you assume to much. Most people will not use a prv to drain down as it can destroy the seating and if the vessel is operating ok why is there a need to test it? If it fails it doesnt work if its working its ok. if your servicing the same boiler regularly then you know its history and any issues, if you see it for the first time then its best to spend a little more time on it in my opinion. All thats been said here is that if you follow the wb servicing mis then its perfectly feasable to do the lot in 20 mins. After all even the wb training dept have stated its simple and quick to service a jnr or cdi as theres so little to do if its working ok. they dont mention being lazy or not being able to read. I prefer to leave a service knowing i wont get a call back when the prv fails a few days down the line having fiddled with it.