My combi-boiler failed shortly after a service, what's your opinion?
Anonymous user 09/03/2024 - 3.25 PM
I had a combi-boiler that was serviced annually by British Gas, then SSE.
In 17th November 2020 the boiler had an annual service by an SSE sub contractor as they farm the work out now.
On 8th December a different engineer attended an emergency call-out and diagnosed that the Venturi was blocked.
On the same day the engineer re-returned as the expansion vessel was flat and leaking. He re-charged it.
For years this boiler has worked flawlessly. The engineer verbally stated that his call-outs were as a result of a lack of servicing by the engineer who conducted the annual service but SSE are disagreeing and as I've moved house they want the fee for the two call-outs.
What is your opinion? Were the problems a result of a poor service?
Are you a tradesperson and able to answer this question?
Unfortunately you'll have to pay the fee if you dont want debt letters.
You could take the issue up with ofgem if you really want but the problem you'll have is that you dont live in the house anymore if I read it correctly.
Further to your edit on original question.
It's a tough one because you have 2 conflicting reports by 2 gas engineers, who knows which one is correct without a written statement by both engineers.
Then you would have to get a 3rd or 4th opinion from independent engineers to try and determine who was correct which costs more money before issuing court proceedings which costs further.
The problem is you sold the property so access will be difficult to investigate.
You can't say when a boiler will break down the same as a car which has just had a £200 service. A service doesn't guarantee the boiler will work or not suddenly break down.
Maybe the service guy did something wrong but unfortunately its down to you to get the proof or maybe the second guy is not being honest.
I don't understand if your plan covered both engineers to visit why they are asking for money from you, surely your plan covered these call outs.
How long did the service guy spend in your house?
If less than 30 mins he probably didn't carry out a full manufacturers service and probably only done a homeowners safety report as a full strip down service and clean can take 60 to 120 mins depending on boiler sometimes longer.
The big companies rarely do a full service to save money and are in and out within 30 mis which is only a safety check as it takes 4 mins to do a proper gas tightness test which turns into 10 mins once you get tools out and empty the under stairs gas meter so the test can be carried out. Etc
What you could do is ring the manufacturer of that particular boiler and ask for a copy of their full service requirements and how long that would roughly take and especially if the combustion chamber seals have to be replaced after opening, my guess is the combustion chamber has never been opened unless you once had a great local independent gas guy to service the boiler
Answered25 October 2021
12
Anonymous user
You’re in a pretty hard situation there, as said by another tradesman you basically need some one who knows their stuff or your gunna end up spending a lot of money! don’t take the cheap way out, your way past that! Get yourself a thoroughly qualified professional or you’ll regret it.
