This boiler was still in use when we arrived. The customer asked for a service because they had had one or two error messages. It was clear that the boiler hadn’t been serviced for a number of years. On close inspection it was found that the condensate sump had developed a hole. If the boiler case seals had broken down there is a real likelihood that the occupiers would have been killed or seriously injured by carbon monoxide. Just goes to show that even if you think the appliance is working fine unless it’s inspected regularly hidden problems can develop with potentially fatal results!

Still not convinced you need to have your appliances serviced. Look at problems that can and do occur through neglect or bad workmanship.

Over the years we’ve found some real corkers. Here is a small selection. As we find more we’ll add them to the gallery.

Unfortunately I think there’ll be more pictures to come.....

We were called out to look at a boiler that had a water leak. On arrival we could see that a small amount of water had been leaking from the boiler. On investigation it was found that the internal plastic condensate trap had split and was allowing a small amount of condensate water to leak out of the trap and drip out of the boiler casing at the bottom. After removing the plastic condensate pipework below the boiler we found that the water had corroded through the copper gas supply pipe. The owner was preparing to leaving the property unoccupied for a few weeks with the boiler being left on to keep the property from freezing. The Arga in the kitchen was also still alight. I’m sure that if we hadn’t spotted this problem when we did the property wouldn’t still be standing!

We were called out to repair a boiler whose pilot light kept going out. A new thermocouple was all that was needed but unfortunately the boiler couldn’t be put back into service until the air brick directly above the natural draught balanced flue had been sealed. (for the non technical its a flue that doesn’t use a fan to blow the burned products out). Under the right conditions the products of combustion could have been drawn back into the house. This installation could have been lethal.

We were asked to service this boiler. When the case was removed we noticed that one half of a pipe spring clip was sitting in the bottom of the boiler casing. The remaining half of the clip can be seen in the photo on the left. If this had come off completely then a large quantity of water would have been released within the boiler. The electrics including the expensive PCB wouldn’t have stood a chance. The clip was replaced as can be seen in the right photo.  Just £4 for the clip and not hundreds for a PCB & pump.