A Recommendation
Updated 16 Feb... Thanks for your messages, David. I'm at something of a loss - three heating engineers have said 'it's fine' but I agree, what you say is supported by the various on-line resources. As you say, it's up to me, now. // OnTrack Heating seemed reputable. A chap came out, looked around and told me my heating pump, a three-port valve and a two-port valve all needed to be replaced - he would quote. The quote came (it was an Estimate, not a quote) totalling £ 886. It arrived together with a £ 99 bill just for coming to look. Today a different heating engineer came out and fixed the problem, just one stuck valve, for £ 186. After my original post, OnTrack Heating of Bordon (part of DTM HEATING AND PLUMBING SOLUTIONS LTD ) had described the original installation as "illegal" and claimed the installers had "cut corners". This is not completely accurate. The original installation was made by a reputable company who did not 'cut corners' and nothing about the installation was 'illegal'. There has been a change to the manufacturer's recommendations since the installation. Changes to building regulations have been made, too, but there is no requirement to alter the configuration - whilst this might be recommended, it does not mean the system should be condemned, nor does it it place an obligation on anyone working on the system to reconfigure it. As for the proposed pump replacement, neither the engineer who replaced the stuck valve nor the company who came to give a third opinion this morning found any need to make such a replacement. This company did not explain any of this, but presented a very large estimate for work they claimed was necessary.
Reply from DTM Heating and Plumbing solutions ltd
Richard, I have replied via email. You have an illegally unsafe installed unvented cylinder, we would not just replace the 3 port valve without upgrading the system to include a 2 port valve, this requires new pipework and wiring to be ran to convert the system. Our engineers are G3 qualified which is needed to identify your system is unsafe, yes we could just replace the valve to get it working but this is a safety defect and we would not do this. Our quote is not comparable to someone who has just replaced a 3 port valve. Please look up the dangers and requirements of unvented cylinders. You may not be happy with the advice but we put the safety of our customers first. Unvented cylinders can explode and there is no way I would expect our engineers to offer any advise or repair to a system that would be left dangerous.
EDIT
you are still getting incorrect advice Richard, the regs and manufacturers requirement has been there the whole time. It’s the requirement of G3 regulations. We have given you safety advice and will notify you in writing as we are required to do. Should you choose to ignore this advice it’s up to you. A post on any heating forum will confirm what we are telling you.
I have spoken to the manufacture of the tank who confimed all that we are telling you and that no alteration to regulations or their installation requirements have taken place and that your installation is lacking a safety critical valve that voids any warranty and they would not repair without it.
I have also spoke to the local building control who confirm this installation has not been registered as required legally to do so. The advice we have given you is correct. I strongly recommend you contact both Gledhill and building control.
EDIT 16th FEB
Not just online resources but the tank manufacturer and uk Building regulations. These both take authority over the 3 heating engineers you have had that have missed the safety defect. Only us have highlighted the issue.
