1 year old Worcester Combi 30cdi - NOT ENOUGH HOT WATER

[sspaul121]

Hi All

In the planning stage of a family house renovation.

We are upgrading the existing 1 family bathroom and 1 ensuite bathroom to 2 ensuites and 1 larger family bathroom.

To advise there is my wife and I, plus one 3 year old daughter and new baby due in March. The house has 4 bedrooms.

We have been advised by 1 plumber that the existing 1 year old Worcester Bosch Combi 30 cdi will be fine for heating the 14 radiators but will struggle with supplying the 3 bathrooms and kitchens with hot water in the long term.

1 plumbers advice was to keep the existing boiler then change it when children are slightly older and budget permits to a WB 440cdi or 550cdi Highlow models.

Another plumber suggested it would be better to keep existing boiler, and install a seperate megaflow tank. He also suggested to add an Accumaltor at a later stage, because the water flow rate of 18 ltrs pm was fine, but the pressure was not great when he had two taps running at the smae time.

To add to the mix we are think of having a 1 bed studio built in the next 3 years so would want to factor that into any suggestions given.

As this will be the family home, but budget is fairly tight any advice would really be appreciated.

Thanks,
Paul

 

[linkyplumb]

Paul

My advice fwiw:

Keep the combi and run just the kitchen hot water off of it.
Install an unvented cylinder to work in conjunction with the combi.
Bite the bullet and upgrade the incoming mains.

Out of interest what was the dynamic pressure of the incoming water?

Graham

 

[sspaul121]

Hi Graham

Appreciate the advice.

The plumber actualy did suggest upgrading the main supply which is currently located along the block paved driveway at the front of the house.

Unfortuntely the tool to measure the dynamic pressure would have meant cutting a pipe but he did not want to do that. Basically he turned on the kitchen tap and then turned on the basin tap in the bathroom opposite, and the pressure from the kitchen tap drop approx 50%. Hence he suggested updating the mains pressure and/or adding an accumulator.

One thing I forgot top mention is that the house is a bungalow. Not sure of that makes any difference.

What is the difference between a megaflow and unvented cylinder. Is one better than the other.

Thanks again,
Paul

 

[linkyplumb]

A megaflow is an unvented cylinder, it is just a well known name

The same as a vacuum cleaner is called a hoover.

Pressure and flow are CRITICAL for the cylinder to perform as intended.

My pressure tester fits onto any washing mc valve, outside tap, and also has a rubber top to put on to taps.

You need to get the pressure before making any decisions. Also this needs to be taken at various times of the day. No good taking it at midday when everyone is at work, you are likely to get a higher reading than if you take it at 7pm.

whereabouts in Surrey are you? There are some good guys on here in your area, that may be able to help you


Graham

 

[sspaul121]

Hi Graham

We are based in Epsom.

Nearly had a heart attack this morning. Heating who cam to the hse has quoted 8k for:

Supply + Install Ecotec 937 boiler into garage
Powerflush exitsing system
Moving all supply heating above ground from existing location in conrete. There is cureently a leak in these pipes.
Aupply and fit 14 rads to replace existing rads.
Plus adding new pipework for kitchen and family bathroom.

Any recommendations would be appreciated.

Thanks
Paul

 

[morlomanc]

its impossible to give advice on whether the quote of 8k is good or otherwise as each job is very different and has its own pitfalls. as always get 3 quotes from rgi,s and compare.

 

[sspaul121]

BG came in today. Flow rate 15 litres per min + 1 bar mains pressure.