Auto air vent failure Worcester combi

[Gossamer]

Evening,
My Worcester combi had an auto air vent failure with water leaking out of it.
Worcester came and swapped it out under warranty but said I had to get the system flushed otherwise they wouldn’t honour further warranty repairs.
I’m not aware of any testing undertaken, just a visual inspection of the component.
It’s occurred to me that my warranty is now effectively on hold until I spend 800 quid getting a system power flushed.
Does this seem reasonable?
Cheers

 

[mcmoby69]

£800?
Size of house and amount of rads?
Get 3 quotes. Consider getting a filter fitted

 

[Gossamer]

Yes.
Seven rads.
Three bed semi.
System six years old and has a magna cleanse.
I think he based it purely on looking at the failed part not testing the system water.

 

[Madrab]

Chances are it was pretty apparent to the engineer from the colour of the system water (black), when they depressurised and drained the boiler to fit the new AAV.

 

[Gossamer]

Update:

Having been quoted 800 quid for a power flush I decided to do a manual flush with X800 myself.
When I drained the system water out I expected it to be like coffee however, it was pretty much clear.
Presumably if the system was dirty to the extent that Worcester thought it was an issue, the water would not of been clear - it is this a fair statement?

 

[Madrab]

It may have just been a bit of black around the AAV - nothing unusual about a darker areas on parts where the system water sits but doesn't have much in the way of flow - if the system water is clear then there shouldn't be an issue. I'd get back in touch with them and get them to justify why they said it needs a power flush when the system is obviously clean.

 

[dilalio]

There are tests for system water so that it can be shown to meet regs, rather than relying on one person's visual judgement.

It's also worth noting that some manufacturers do not include certain components within their warranty.
AAVs and PRVs are examples as they are prone to failure if activated.

 

[Gossamer]

Thanks both.
I’ll ring them and offer video / pictures or failiing that they send someone out to test.

 

[HERTS P&D]

I hope you have added inhibitor to your system.

Andy

 

[dilalio]

Thanks both.
I’ll ring them and offer video / pictures or failiing that they send someone out to test.

You can get a test kit and do it yourself.

 

[Gossamer]

I added x100 to the system before final fill.
I might suggest that to Worcester. I reckon they’re going to be difficult….

 

[dilalio]

I added x100 to the system before final fill.
I might suggest that to Worcester. I reckon they’re going to be difficult….

A powerflush is not mandatory to ensure a system is clean.
It does do a very good job (if done properly) because of the ability to reverse the flow, with a higher flow rate and more powerful pump.
But, with a flowing system, there are many other ways to get water condition to meet regs.