When Do You Replace A Boiler?? THIS Boiler Was in A Bad Way!

Day in the life of a plumber and today we are asking when is it time to replace your boiler? Couple of plumbing jobs i have posted on social media recently where people have disagreed with me when I've repaired a boiler and when I've replaced a boiler so where do you draw the line and say its time for a new boiler?
In this weeks episode we will take a look on how to replace a stop tap the easy way, customers stop tap had completely seized, most of the time there is little access and no movement in the pipework so see an easy way to sort this plumbing repair.
Next up we had a new toilet to install but it was a little different than normal and last job is the boiler repair where we are asking what you would do in this situation? would you repair or replace the boiler we was called out top fix.
Thank you all again for your support its much appreciated we will keep marching on to 10K!!!
#plumbing #howto #plumber
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[@bluebulldog_uk]

Let me know what you would do with the boiler…I’ve left it in the customers hands will let you know what they decide…thanks again for your support 🙌👍

[@philiprawson5598]

bin it

[@Purebeltersteve]

Mate, at the end of the day, its the customers decision. Personally that boiler would be fixed for 300 quid, cheaper than a worcester call out fee. New fan pcb, 50 quid and full service on boiler. New boiler 3 grand. combi boilers last longer if they are maintained properly, with full strip services every 5 years and system is clean. The only thing, you cant control is an electricial fault at the end of the day. Personally, i fix boilers unless water is leaking from main hex. Manufactures have drilled into peoples head 10 years for a combi, because they are a business and want you to sell a new boiler. Thats another reason why spare parts are getting beyond a joke as they dont want you fixing them.

[@TARSoda]

Depends on the main hex though. A duo-tec is £200 profit for 2 hours work! 😂

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Your right but That’s unfortunately the world we live in, throw away society, it’s not just boilers there’s so many everyday items that go faulty and there easy enough to repair but people will just throw away and get new as they will have a warranty and a new appliance etc I’m with you mate I love fixing boilers and always give customer options, spare parts need to be cheaper so the repair is more competitive compared to a new boiler

[@efrygasservices6169]

I never turn off the power to those old ones as I have been caught out with the fan going far too many times. To be fair, not a major repair without the fan. Top work pal.

[@snigie]

On the Worcester. If you take condensate trap out you can just get your finger up the back of the stat to help guide the new one in without is pushing all the way through, alittle tip if it helps anyone

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Great tip mate…With the slide in one yeah but the one I had with condensate trap on side it’s more hassle removing the rubber tube from heat exchanger to trap sometimes

[@markswanson692]

Hi blue bulldog iv just recently found your chanel . The boiler question I would have dune the same gave the the customer the choice. Keep up the good work.

[@paulstanyer8604]

The customer's choice in the end. You can only give your honest proffesional advice.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

That’s very true can only give out professional opinion

[@mcfcmanc]

Love all the content you do as it’s for real

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks for the support mate 🙌👍👍

[@3nty1985]

Hi mate. Diagnosing boiler faults and servicing is what I like seeing most

[@ginola602]

I like the boiler repair jobs you do , I'm trying to pick up your knowledge on them .

[@bluebulldog_uk]

I do try for boiler repairs but sometimes it’s hard to get in there and film, I really do enjoy filming them thou it’s what I’m best at

[@paulmarshall8012]

keep going as you are all good

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks mate 👍👍

[@tirvplumbing]

Happy to watch any content 😊 Dont see many pans through the floor like that anymore. Good save on the boiler. More modern condensing boiler with weather comp and some of the modern tricks will prob save them money in the long run though.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks mate, yeah first time for me that one more than likely won’t see another for 10-15 years 😂

[@mmm091000]

Love the vids 👏

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks mate

[@robertpeters8531]

I like to see you jobbing about ie the bread and butter jobs. It’s all interesting anyway and you always keep the chat going and you’re pleasant. I didn’t even know you could still buy them types of all one toilet. Good job keep up the good work.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks mate, I will try and keep it varied just some weeks like the last 2 all I’ve had is radiators and boilers and seems like I’m repeating myself sometimes 😅👍

[@b1h2u3p4]

Good tip about the wire on keyring

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks mate 👍

[@robertcummins8140]

Love your videos! Good honest work. I recently started gas works and oil boilers and your hints and tips on the boilers have been super. The boiler work is really interesting but I also enjoy the plumbing, radiators and install work so keep it varied. Keep up the good work. La fheile Phadraig sona duit 🇮🇪 Happy St Patrick’s Day from Ireland 👍🏻

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Legend mate glad there helping out, happy St Patrick’s day mate 🍻🍻

[@efrygasservices6169]

I quite like jobbing videos 👍👍

[@user-li8gr8ur8l]

That Worcester was shocking. Luke you made it work even if it is for the time being❤. Thank you

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks mate, still working ok but customers has chosen what they will do, will let you all know 👍

[@tebbo8324]

So glad I had Duotec fitted in 2007! It's as clean as a whistle inside and so easy to maintain (However, I wish it would modulate rather than cycle!). I don't envy you looking after those beasts though!! Keep the vids coming, they're priceless.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Duo-text one of the best boilers made, love them! Thanks mate 👊👍

[@markchambers]

Luke i admire your attitude and your a top tradesman but you need to consider your own long term reputation as your customer won't be pleased if you repair that Worcester and then another and another fault appears which is my experience over a 40 years period of being a Heating Engineer/Plumber. I take that others may agree customers choice but believe me they will not thank you if the repair only lasts another 12 months. Get a 8000 Style/Life in with 10 years parts and labour with filter fitted. Worcester currently giving 2 years additional guarantee for £40. I really enjoy watching your work and your enthusiasm is great. You do amuse me as your far to hard on yourself, being a plumber is never plain sailing.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

To be honest mate that’s a very valid point to be honest, it’s a roll of the dice when you start repairing a boiler over 15 years, I’ve given customer both options and my advice so will see what they say 👍👍

[@markchambers]

Good luck with the outcome of the job, I really do hope your client takes your professional opinion. This isn't a criticism but you'll learn to be firmer as to be honest I take great offence at layman not listening to a tradesman and a bloody good one too. It is more than apparent you're not trying to rip them off as you've given them both options. Keep the channel going it's brilliant.

[@ChristianGrey-hj9yu]

Always fixing toilets back down at work. It's risky drilling without the toilet in place to start with, you may drill at the wrong angle. If you start with the toilet in place, you can be sure you are drilling at the right angle for your screws later on. Love the vids, you can learn a lot from them

[@martinthornley237]

Plug flue stat sensor wires on before you put it in the flue manifold, if you push it through u can pull it back out

[@bluebulldog_uk]

So simple why didn’t I do that before 😂👍👍 thanks mate

[@jameswilson2899]

The repair content and jobing is the best content for me mate, but I'll always have a look what ever. Regarding that Worcester, if that needs a fan and new heat x the cost of the parts plus labour would make that expensive. But upto the customer, give her the option. Great content as always mate.😊

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks mate, yeah I’ve given both options so will see what they say 👍👍

[@cputilitysolutions]

I've got one of those stop taps to do mate, couldn't get any movement on the pipework so gonna look to swap the guts out too. Nice work on the toilet, I'm the same I don't really get involved with it. I'm with you on that Worcester, I'd happily strip it out and repair it but the cost might not be economical for the customer

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Yeah mate I do enjoy stripping boilers apart and the satisfaction in getting them going again, customer did choose to replace this one in the end due to cost which I can understand when they are looking to stay in the house a long time, decent boiler with a 10 year warranty right choice for them in the end 👍

[@user-ih9fr7yy2i]

More boiler repairs please

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Il do my best mate 👍

[@stevewrightvr]

More breakdowns are good mate

[@bluebulldog_uk]

👍👍

[@Heatking]

Yeh my opinion is that Worcester is at end of life given the age and cost involved to repair. Good video mate 🎉

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks mate, customer had made there choice so you’ll find out soon 🙌👍

[@Heatking]

@@bluebulldog_uk 😂😂 I already know ;)

[@bluebulldog_uk]

@@Heatking 😂😂😂😂

[@stevejones1972]

The Shrewsbury based company that services my elderly mother's 2011 installed Worcester RI heat only boiler were trying to sell her a new boiler last year on its last service - to be honest, not being a combi, hers should have less to go wrong, so I advised her to hold onto it for a while longer till it becomes uneconomical to repair. The company who service it wouldnt sell her a service package going forwards as its out of warranty and they said the 3 position valve and pump in the airing cupboard were too old so they would have to be changed as well. They really laid on the scare tactics to try to get her to sign on the dotted line for a new boiler, and the associated parts in the airing cupboard. I dont think that a Worcester Greenstar RI put in in 2011 should be ready for replacement yet, she's had the same company service it every year since it was new, so it shouldnt be neglected. The boiler I'm still running is a 1988 Glow Worm 45 BBU which is so old it still runs a pilot light, but at 36 years old it still works and still does the job. I know its long obsolete and once the gas valve fails or the heat exchanger leaks its game over, but to still be running at 3 times the age most modern boilers get ripped out is a testament to how boilers used to be made - simplicity is the key, none of your PCB's that fail, and plastic components that get brittle and snap off.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

That’s so bad with your mothers boiler, that RI should be spotless and running perfect with a yearly maintenance to be honest, if it’s going to be replaced you would just put another RI in so I done see why they are telling her to replace as you can get every part! The pump and diverter will last as long as they last so again I don’t see why they have to try and sell these in her, need to move away from that company sounds like they are just going to hard sell every year I’ve still got a customer with a 35 year old Baxi back boiler, they know it’s inefficient and parts am unavailable but if there happy with it Il just look after it long as they want, outlived most boiler 3 times over! 😂👍

[@stevejones1972]

I've just told her to ring them up once a year and have them come out and do a service on an on demand routine rather than having a service plan like she used to have. If it needs any new seals or other bits they can replace them on an as needs basis. As you say, parts should still be available for them and its cheaper than replacing the whole boiler. Same goes for the diverter and pump - which are substantially older than the boiler is, but I keep an eye on the system for her anyway so I'd know if the components in the airing cupboard were failing. I just hope that company have actually been servicing the boiler properly over the years and that the heat exchanger isn't full of soot - not all service engineers are as honest as you are. As for my own boiler, I've lived in my house for 22 years and the system was there when I moved in, over the years I have had to replace the diverter, pump, timer, add an air separator, do some re-piping in the airing cupboard, I've had the fire front off, cleaned the boiler pilot jet, thermocouple, brushed the burners off, and hoovered the air filter and heat exhanger out, checked the wall fresh air vent is clear, and there is good draught up the chimney to keep my old boiler running - to be honest, their aint really much to the old back boilers as most of the components are located remotely to the boiler unit. I'd be worried if I called in a company to service mine they would come in and condemn it due to its age. I dont think there are many boiler engineers that would even entertain coming to service a boiler of 36 years old.

[@mrt864]

My favourites are boiler diagnostics, repairs, installs. I do like the power flush, magnaclean results, as I like seeing the magnetite and crap stuck to the magnets for some reason.... If it was my personal choice, I'd fit a new boiler if the parts availability were getting bad. After seeing videos like this, I wouldn't fit a Worcester after seeing that red seal joke. How about boiler reviews? Keep up the good work.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Good suggestion with the boiler reviews, was looking at doing some more tool reviews or business advice etc videos as well

[@mrharry8466]

It depends on multiple points. Is the boiler over 10 years old ? Is the boiler an expensive one ? Has it been maintained ? What new parts are on the boiler ? How much does it cost to fix the boiler ? Generally if it costs £1,000 or less to get the boiler tip top and sure to last another 5 - 10 years then keep....over 1000 replace. I don't do namy boiler swaps anymore, I stick to plumbing now. Most appreciated for all your efforts and thanks. All the best to you and your family.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Thanks mate, your right a lot of factors have to come into it, I always say a lot of boiler get swapped when they can be repaired but where to draw that line and what’s best for customer it’s a hard one, especially on a decent boiler like a Worcester

[@paulsmith2931]

Good content buddy, yeah I use something like sticks like s##t and screws for pans, I also glue the cone in with it or silicon, they have a habit of working loose on those low level toilets otherwise, boilers wise, think you have to have a chat to the customer on a boiler that’s 17 years old, and say I can repair but your going to be paying out regularly due to the age, then it’s up to them, money is tight for some folks so they may have no choice but to repair than spend 3k on a new boiler

[@bluebulldog_uk]

It’s a hard decision for customer as if they spend the money and something else brakes they will regret it but at same time lot of money for new boiler

[@paulrossiter9567]

I call it quits when the boiler is beyond economical repair, I.e. new heat ex or multiple failures on heavily priced parts.

[@MagicDoughnut]

In college I was told that out of all the trades plumbers are the worst at criticising other plumber's work. Very rarely you would find a plumper praise anothers plumbers work.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

That’s very true mate

[@sercanserj7804]

Decorators/fitters swear at electricians too when they need to drill to mount stuff. Problem is with stuff like mechanics the bolt goes in you tighten it there's no figuring out a way to install it they just go back the same way with new parts. Plumbers need to figure out how to do it some do it the way it's cheaper some do it the easy way everyone's got their own way and technique but your comment is valid 😂😊

[@user-rf4on9jt2o]

What happened to using brass screws for screwing pan down

[@stephenharris5519]

Luke how did you know straight away it was the flue stat ? As far as repair/replace I don’t think you need to push for either in those circumstances. I think customers quickly clam up when they suspect you’re pushing for a new boiler cos they assume it’s more profit for you.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

The boiler sequence on a junior does a self check through the safety stats soon as you turn it on, if one’s not got continuity it will go to lockout, 9/10 in my experience it’s the the flue stat on these Yes mate think you have reassure customer your not after there savings sometimes, they do clam up when you start quoting 4 figures which is understandable 👍

[@stephenharris5519]

@@bluebulldog_uk I’ll bare that in mind. Love the videos. Thank you for everything you do.

[@1mannik]

Repair & full service . Surely u can replace the fan pcb if need be rather than the whole fan to help keep cost down .

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Do Worcester actually allow the fan PCB to be changed thou on its own as they don’t sell it as a stand alone part, we used to change them at BG for a while then they pulled it

[@liveloud9894]

Not bedded a pan with sand cement for 30 years , doesn’t need it usually The Worcester ain’t been cleaned since it was fitted by the look of it If it just needs a fan and strip down then I’d go for that I usually recommend replacing when they’re beyond economical repair and/or when they’re severely corroded due to water / condense leakage and the chassis integrity is in doubt

[@mmm091000]

Customer asked me to repair a 1987 Dolphin electric shower today ‘leaking badly’ 😂 to tight to buy a new one it seems 😂 oh well 🤷‍♂️ goes with his Potterton Profile 50e boiler 🤣

[@bluebulldog_uk]

I was born in 1987 ain’t that old then is it? 😳😂😂 time for a new shower on that one!!

[@mmm091000]

@@bluebulldog_uk 60 now ex BG never stop learning been round the block a while on the final leg 😀 great vids

[@NibblestheHamster]

Would put a new one in mate, wouldn’t chuck any money repairing that

[@alimack5489]

I’ll always try and repair cause it’s what I enjoy doing, but it gets to a point where it’s just not worth it. That WB has clearly never been serviced or it’s been a drive by poke and print jobbie. I’d talk through the issues and say replace is best

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Was shocked when I looked in bottom to say the least! Shame really as regular services that boiler will last

[@Zaine22]

Would be nice to see some fire services /repairs

[@mpennington513]

The age new boiler , before the heat pump is forced on them.

[@mrharry8466]

I had to replace a toilet because it needed a new flush valve. The installer had CT1'd the entire thing, no bolts no screws just CT1. Unbelievable. 4 hours and a full can of multisolve.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Wow, it’s great CT1…until your the poor sod trying to unstick what it’s stuck, nightmare mate feel for you

[@user-zd3zw4fi4l]

Did you work for BG,Eon and Homeserve by any chance?

[@bluebulldog_uk]

British Gas mate 👍

[@gamereva6413]

Where do you get the link from?

[@ian1104]

Grass the Wooster put a Baxi in,

[@brianmayne6513]

New boiler

[@SuperWayneyb]

🤘😎🤘

[@bluebulldog_uk]

🙌👍

[@johnlesoudeur3653]

RIP Worcester.

[@richard_in_rayleigh]

It's an interesting question. One I've been having with myself as a home owner. I moved to my current home 2 years ago. I have a WB 28i Junior, the same boiler I had in my last house for 10+ years - never had one issue there. After living here a month it sprung a leak, had that fixed for £150. Forward to literally just before Xmas last year and another leak, this time the RH manifold, had that replaced at £300 (what else do you do before Xmas?). Then in January a major flood with no H or HW. Had the boiler fixed again. All in I've spent a pretty penny but now I think I've gone too far to call it quits. It would be chucking money down the drain. But the boiler makes me nervous so do I just replace it? 🤷

[@bluebulldog_uk]

It’s a hard decision as you’ve spent quite a bit on it replacing on the most common issues as well I’ve had similar with my van, 3 breakdowns costing me £2000 in a year, is it time to replace it stick with what I’ve got as I’ve spent the money now? Never an easy choice until it breaks again and you wish you has replaced but unfortunately we can’t predict the future

[@richard_in_rayleigh]

@@bluebulldog_uk Same here with my wife's 20 yo car with super low mileage. Just spent a grand fixing it but we had to as the garage said it would be criminal to scrap it and we couldn't buy a car as good for a grand. With our boiler right now I think I'll just stick with it. I've had 4 or 5 parts replaced (I have a list somewhere) and I can't bring myself to bin new parts. If the LH manifold goes then the boiler is defo going. It was installed in 2012. Hopefully if it does go next time round it'll pick some warmer weather when heating isn't required! With regards to the boiler in your video from 2007, I'd replace it personally.

[@damon9153]

I wouldn’t of fixed it mate the customer is a villa fan 😂

[@bluebulldog_uk]

😂😂😂

[@heatpump8566]

Fix the wb

[@johnperl6909]

What happened with that cracked shower base

[@bluebulldog_uk]

On going 😅 finally got a date to sort which will be next week so video should follow 👍

[@magnet-_-steel5398]

Failed gasket classed as I.D would not have left it turned on. Imagine if the tenant dies guess who's going to court 🤪

[@johnabiodun5540]

Repair that Worcester all day! Strip down service, new fan PCB, electrodes, burner seal, gas tube and membrane £100 + labour. Bread and butter, love working on them boilers.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

I’ve sent customer both quotes so let’s see what they do 👍👍

[@Paul-gj9tx]

I don’t understand how that justifies a new boiler. Simple strip and clean, give customer the option to replace the fan.

[@russellbaldry5095]

Im surprised you were still able to get an s trap pan👍🏼that worcester looked like its never been serviced 🤷🏼‍♂️ i would replace as cost of new parts and labour would be too much.

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Yeah asked city plumbing and literally had it next day for me, was well surprised 😂

[@philiprawson5598]

bin it

[@davehunter6920]

never mind the goggles mate ...get the gloves on

[@bluebulldog_uk]

I will the day I cut my hand and regret not taking 2 mins to go get them

[@jwracingteam]

wtf all that mud come from?

[@bluebulldog_uk]

No idea mate haven’t seen one that bad for a while

[@andrewoleary9704]

Smashing a pan out…. No gloves…. Hope you don’t learn the hard way mate

[@jakedaley967]

The boiler could be saved I've seen worse 😂

[@mmm091000]

I hate them boilers crap design new boiler every time providing ? The customer has money ?

[@bluebulldog_uk]

I don’t mind them to be honest, the manifolds am getting a reputation for failing now but the red seal is just a problem because they are suppose to be changed every 5 years minimum…I’ve sent quotes for both to customer so see what they say 👍👍

[@aftermath3127]

its a worcester so replace all day long 🤣 worcester yuk

[@tomstrutton4351]

With that red gasket that’s failed…. That boiler is at risk yes? But you left it on? …not being a dick… I’ve done it before where the boiler isn’t working…you invest time and parts to then discover the boiler is actually at risk

[@bluebulldog_uk]

Yes mate AR but can only turn off with customer’s permission so explained the situation and they advised to leave boiler on and signed paperwork 👍

[@philiprawson5598]

bin it

[@philiprawson5598]

bin it