Should we fix our boiler or replace it?

15 comments

1. If you can afford a new one without getting into difficulty then go for it. £400 is a reasonable chunk towards it, and you’ll get a warranty (10 years with many brands) instead of uncertainty as to how long it will last. Plus, it will likely be more efficient and you’ll also get a fancy smart controller.

2. British gas are absolutely cowboys, everyone I’ve ever known to get a boiler off them either got ripped off or had loads of problems.

   If you’re getting a new boiler I’d use Boxt, I know 5 people that have used them this year and everyone was really happy.

3. British Gas over price but 12 years is getting old for boilers now-a-days.

   Get some quotes from local tradesmen and you wont need to worry about it for another 10 years.

4. I’d replace it for a more efficient model but at the end of the day it depends on what you can afford

5. Try fitting one of the water saving devices that you can get for free from your water company to the shower. We had the same problem, tried a new thermostat and a new shower and nothing worked. Fitted this gadget to the shower head and it cured the problem instantly.

6. We’ve just had the same problem, also with a Worcester boiler. The new heat exchanger plate didn’t work. Something else, an electrode I think, didn’t fix it. The next suggestion was a new gas valve. Each costing a few hundred, none guaranteed to actually do the job. We got a new boiler.

7. If it’s a Junior or Si model it’s possible it’s just the main main exchanger being a bit bunged up. It’s a fairly easy fix for those who know what they’re doing. Contact Worcester for a fixed price repair though, they last for ages if they’re looked after.

8. 12 years is about right to replace if it’s breaking down, it’s had a good life.

   My Worcester is 13 and I’m waiting for it to die

   Depends where you are, a good upper middle range boiler + fitting will be 2.5 – 3k (higher end if your in London/ SE)

   Please swerve anyone offering to supply and fit you a new boiler for 1.5k. Their horse tied up outside should also be a giveaway.

9. We have the exact same thing with ours. Not had anyone to look at it but it’s probably a £500ish fix. A local company we’ve used before are doing a deal for a Worcester boiler, 12 year guarantee for 1.5k so we might go for that or something a bit more expensive. It really doesn’t seem cost effective to throw money at an old boiler.

   Edit: I also wouldn’t use British Gas just for their scummy employment practices. I also got a quote last year for a top of the range boiler for 3.5k.

10. Are you having the issue with all the hot taps in your place or just the shower?

    I would check that the thermostat in the shower has not failed if so.

11. Nobody else has mentioned it, but the rate things are going, you probably want to replace the boiler while you still can. Electric water heating isn’t capable of constant, unlimited hot water like gas is.

12. Having issues with all of the hot taps, but none of them are as bad as the shower

13. British Gas are shite, I would avoid their engineers. If a boiler is 12 years old and giving problems already, especially nagging ones, I would be wary about dropping £400 on it. A whole new one could be 2k and save money overall due to increased efficiency and give no issues for years.

14. >We are having an issue now, when we shower the water goes cold and then stays hot for a few seconds and then goes cold again, on and off.

    I had that in mine, plumber just said replace.

15. I would go new personally, especially if you are going to live there long term. A good quote depends on size of house, number of radiators etc. A lot of companies will do interest free credit over a few years as well which can be helpful.