Google Groups no longer supports new Usenet posts or subscriptions. Historical content remains viewable.
Dismiss
“Back Boilers”?
80 views
Skip to first unread message
Brian
Apr 9, 2022, 2:34:01 PM4/9/22
to
Over the years, I’ve heard the term Back Boilers - especially in the 60s
and 70s but rarely since- but only had a vague idea that they are, in
simple terms, a heating system which is tucked away behind (typically) a
gas fire or, as I recall a relative having, a solid fuel fire.
Is my assumption correct, please?
Also, are such systems still available? If, for example, you bought a house
with such a system could it be replaced with another Back Boiler or would
it mean converting to a ‘conventional’ system.
newshound
Apr 9, 2022, 3:51:06 PM4/9/22
to
which have these as an option. And a similar (simple cast iron box)
could be fitted behind an open coal fire. Finally, radiant gas fires
using a normal chimney as a flue were available with two sets of
burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind and another in
the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant heat. Rather low
efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is probably why they went
out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW rather than central
heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no pump. Perhaps posh
people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in those days.
Tim+
Apr 9, 2022, 3:55:38 PM4/9/22
to
heat water in the HW tank, relying on a “thermo-syphon” to circulated the
water to the tank. Needed wide bore pipes running as directly as possible
to work adequately.
Basic produced a gas fired boiler designed to fit into and open fireplace.
It was “open flued” which is deeply frowned upon now for safety and
efficiency reasons. These boilers were hidden behind an open gas fire on
the hearth.
https://www.baxi.co.uk/faqs/what-is-a-back-boiler
You wouldn’t replace “like with like” as they’re obsolete and inefficient
compared to modern condensing boilers.
Tim
--
Please don't feed the trolls
Brian
Apr 9, 2022, 4:17:27 PM4/9/22
to
When I was a youngster, we lived in two houses which had some kind of
system which heated the water and two radiators ( in the whole house - one
in the kitchen and one in the master bedroom) using the coal fire. I think
there was some lever to divert the heat from the fire somehow.
I’m sure there was no pump.
I’m assuming the system which caused me to ask the question is more modern-
probably gas based- but I can’t be sure.
Brian
Apr 9, 2022, 4:19:16 PM4/9/22
to
At least my basic understanding was about right.
I can’t be sure they ran CH systems, at least not ‘proper’ ones.
We had a basic back boiler system in two houses I lived in as a youngster (
probably built in the mid 50s). They had two radiators - not exactly
central heating- plus the coal fire.
Theo
Apr 9, 2022, 4:28:12 PM4/9/22
to
newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote:
> Finally, radiant gas fires using a normal chimney as a flue were available
> with two sets of burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind
> and another in the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant
> heat. Rather low efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is
> probably why they went out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW
> rather than central heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no
> pump. Perhaps posh people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in
> those days.
Lived somewhere with a 1970s Baxi Bermuda until recently - plenty of others
> Finally, radiant gas fires using a normal chimney as a flue were available
> with two sets of burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind
> and another in the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant
> heat. Rather low efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is
> probably why they went out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW
> rather than central heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no
> pump. Perhaps posh people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in
> those days.
still around, especially in rental properties. They can be plumbed just
like a regular central heating boiler - airing cupboard with cylinder, pump,
valves, 1990s controls, S plan in my case. They're a very simple spark
ignition, burner, heat exchanger - not much different from an open fire with
some pipes in it really:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST7VonB691g
Most of them are open flue into the chimney with room air providing the
oxygen. This makes the room cold since you need a sizeable air brick.
It never went wrong, the annual service was mostly just vacuuming out the
dust.
Seems you can still get them, although the fire in front is now separate and
electric:
https://boilersprices.co.uk/baxi-boilers-prices/bermuda-bbu-he/
Theo
Tim+
Apr 9, 2022, 4:29:01 PM4/9/22
to
Sounds like you had an original “back boiler” when you were a youngster.
Baxi gas back boilers were very common for a period but they needed to be
pumped.
jkn
Apr 9, 2022, 4:48:02 PM4/9/22
to
On Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 9:28:12 PM UTC+1, Theo wrote:
> newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Finally, radiant gas fires using a normal chimney as a flue were available
> > with two sets of burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind
> > and another in the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant
> > heat. Rather low efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is
> > probably why they went out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW
> > rather than central heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no
> > pump. Perhaps posh people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in
> > those days.
> Lived somewhere with a 1970s Baxi Bermuda until recently - plenty of others
> still around, especially in rental properties. They can be plumbed just
> like a regular central heating boiler - airing cupboard with cylinder, pump,
> valves, 1990s controls, S plan in my case. They're a very simple spark
> ignition, burner, heat exchanger - not much different from an open fire with
> some pipes in it really:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST7VonB691g
>
> Most of them are open flue into the chimney with room air providing the
> oxygen. This makes the room cold since you need a sizeable air brick.
>
> It never went wrong, the annual service was mostly just vacuuming out the
> dust.
>
We still have one, although the 'open' front fire has been disconnected.
> newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote:
> > Finally, radiant gas fires using a normal chimney as a flue were available
> > with two sets of burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind
> > and another in the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant
> > heat. Rather low efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is
> > probably why they went out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW
> > rather than central heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no
> > pump. Perhaps posh people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in
> > those days.
> Lived somewhere with a 1970s Baxi Bermuda until recently - plenty of others
> still around, especially in rental properties. They can be plumbed just
> like a regular central heating boiler - airing cupboard with cylinder, pump,
> valves, 1990s controls, S plan in my case. They're a very simple spark
> ignition, burner, heat exchanger - not much different from an open fire with
> some pipes in it really:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST7VonB691g
>
> Most of them are open flue into the chimney with room air providing the
> oxygen. This makes the room cold since you need a sizeable air brick.
>
> It never went wrong, the annual service was mostly just vacuuming out the
> dust.
>
I had to replace the main valve unit a couple of years ago (got a Gas Safe
engineer in to do the final fitting & checking). Ours is C plan I think, just a
pump for the radiators.
I keep expecting it to fail but it seems to keep ticking over. Main reason
for not replacing it is the concommitant work involved, it sets in motion
a chain of works which we really don't want to do 'just yet'...
As Theo mentions, yearly servicing is straightforward. I do most of the
sweeping out myself and get someone to check pressures etc. I also have
CO alarms, and a CO meter which I use occasionally.
Roger Mills
Apr 9, 2022, 5:24:59 PM4/9/22
to
house in the late 1970's. This fitted into a standard fireplace, with a
gas-fired cast iron boiler at the back and a gas fire at the front. The
heat exchanger had two pairs of connections - one pair used for a
gravity (thermo-syphon) hot water circuit and the other pair for pumped
central heating, feeding about 8 radiators.
There was a similar boiler already installed in my current house when I
moved in, but that was a fully pumped W-Plan system. The boiler became
unreliable when it was upwards of 20 years old, and I replaced it with a
conventional boiler in a different location in 1990.
--
Cheers,
Roger
Steve Walker
Apr 9, 2022, 5:58:02 PM4/9/22
to
On 09/04/2022 20:51, newshound wrote:
both DHW and CH. They installed it themselves in 1972 and had it tested
and approved by the gas board. It ran until about 2005, when they put in
a wall mounted condensing boiler. For the next 5 years, both boilers
were plumbed in and the old one could have been brought back into
service simply by moving the pump from its current position to its old
position, opening two valves and putting the fuse back in the spur
powering the controls. Eventually it was removed as part of updating to
a newer gas fire.
Steve Walker
Apr 9, 2022, 6:02:38 PM4/9/22
to
On 09/04/2022 21:28, Theo wrote:
> newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Finally, radiant gas fires using a normal chimney as a flue were available
>> with two sets of burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind
>> and another in the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant
>> heat. Rather low efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is
>> probably why they went out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW
>> rather than central heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no
>> pump. Perhaps posh people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in
>> those days.
>
> Lived somewhere with a 1970s Baxi Bermuda until recently - plenty of others
> still around, especially in rental properties. They can be plumbed just
> like a regular central heating boiler - airing cupboard with cylinder, pump,
> valves, 1990s controls, S plan in my case. They're a very simple spark
> ignition, burner, heat exchanger - not much different from an open fire with
> some pipes in it really:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST7VonB691g
>
> Most of them are open flue into the chimney with room air providing the
> oxygen. This makes the room cold since you need a sizeable air brick.
The gas people tried to condemn my parents' one, as there was no air
> newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> Finally, radiant gas fires using a normal chimney as a flue were available
>> with two sets of burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind
>> and another in the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant
>> heat. Rather low efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is
>> probably why they went out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW
>> rather than central heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no
>> pump. Perhaps posh people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in
>> those days.
>
> Lived somewhere with a 1970s Baxi Bermuda until recently - plenty of others
> still around, especially in rental properties. They can be plumbed just
> like a regular central heating boiler - airing cupboard with cylinder, pump,
> valves, 1990s controls, S plan in my case. They're a very simple spark
> ignition, burner, heat exchanger - not much different from an open fire with
> some pipes in it really:
> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ST7VonB691g
>
> Most of them are open flue into the chimney with room air providing the
> oxygen. This makes the room cold since you need a sizeable air brick.
brick, no hearth under the fire and carpet running under and impeding
airflow - until it was pointed out that they had inspected, tested and
approved it when it was put in; the bottom of the fire had a solid metal
plate and did not need a separate hearth; and it was directly supplied
with air from a duct under the floor.
>
> It never went wrong, the annual service was mostly just vacuuming out the
> dust.
I think that my parents' one once needed a new "thermocouple".
> It never went wrong, the annual service was mostly just vacuuming out the
> dust.
The Natural Philosopher
Apr 9, 2022, 7:00:33 PM4/9/22
to
On 09/04/2022 19:33, Brian wrote:
>
>
> Over the years, I’ve heard the term Back Boilers - especially in the 60s
> and 70s but rarely since- but only had a vague idea that they are, in
> simple terms, a heating system which is tucked away behind (typically) a
> gas fire or, as I recall a relative having, a solid fuel fire.
>
>
> Is my assumption correct, please?
>
That's what we had, a boiler behind a coal fire, which if left roaring
> and 70s but rarely since- but only had a vague idea that they are, in
> simple terms, a heating system which is tucked away behind (typically) a
> gas fire or, as I recall a relative having, a solid fuel fire.
>
>
> Is my assumption correct, please?
>
for an hour would deliver a basin full of tepid water for the once a
week bath. In general we heated saucepans on the gas stove instead.
> Also, are such systems still available? If, for example, you bought a house
> with such a system could it be replaced with another Back Boiler or would
> it mean converting to a ‘conventional’ system.
>
But its a shit way of heating water.
>
>
--
"First, find out who are the people you can not criticise. They are your
oppressors."
- George Orwell
The Natural Philosopher
Apr 9, 2022, 7:01:55 PM4/9/22
to
On 09/04/2022 21:19, Brian wrote:
> newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On 09/04/2022 19:33, Brian wrote:
>>>
>>> Over the years, I’ve heard the term Back Boilers - especially in the 60s
>>> and 70s but rarely since- but only had a vague idea that they are, in
>>> simple terms, a heating system which is tucked away behind (typically) a
>>> gas fire or, as I recall a relative having, a solid fuel fire.
>>>
>>>
>>> Is my assumption correct, please?
>>>
>>> Also, are such systems still available? If, for example, you bought a house
>>> with such a system could it be replaced with another Back Boiler or would
>>> it mean converting to a ‘conventional’ system.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Correct. Two or three sorts. I expect you can still get woodburners
>> which have these as an option. And a similar (simple cast iron box)
>> could be fitted behind an open coal fire. Finally, radiant gas fires
>> using a normal chimney as a flue were available with two sets of
>> burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind and another in
>> the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant heat. Rather low
>> efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is probably why they went
>> out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW rather than central
>> heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no pump. Perhaps posh
>> people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in those days.
>>
>
> Thank you.
>
> At least my basic understanding was about right.
>
> I can’t be sure they ran CH systems, at least not ‘proper’ ones.
>
Depends what you call a proper one.
> newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On 09/04/2022 19:33, Brian wrote:
>>>
>>> Over the years, I’ve heard the term Back Boilers - especially in the 60s
>>> and 70s but rarely since- but only had a vague idea that they are, in
>>> simple terms, a heating system which is tucked away behind (typically) a
>>> gas fire or, as I recall a relative having, a solid fuel fire.
>>>
>>>
>>> Is my assumption correct, please?
>>>
>>> Also, are such systems still available? If, for example, you bought a house
>>> with such a system could it be replaced with another Back Boiler or would
>>> it mean converting to a ‘conventional’ system.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Correct. Two or three sorts. I expect you can still get woodburners
>> which have these as an option. And a similar (simple cast iron box)
>> could be fitted behind an open coal fire. Finally, radiant gas fires
>> using a normal chimney as a flue were available with two sets of
>> burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind and another in
>> the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant heat. Rather low
>> efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is probably why they went
>> out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW rather than central
>> heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no pump. Perhaps posh
>> people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in those days.
>>
>
> Thank you.
>
> At least my basic understanding was about right.
>
> I can’t be sure they ran CH systems, at least not ‘proper’ ones.
>
> We had a basic back boiler system in two houses I lived in as a youngster (
> probably built in the mid 50s). They had two radiators - not exactly
> central heating- plus the coal fire.
>
--
In todays liberal progressive conflict-free education system, everyone
gets full Marx.
Jon
Apr 10, 2022, 3:41:33 AM4/10/22
to
"Brian" <no...@lid.org> wrote in message news:t2sjim$k0f$1...@dont-email.me...
>
> Over the years, I’ve heard the term Back Boilers - especially in the 60s
>
>
>
Yes, we had a backboiler behind the coal fire in our living room and we
would burn drift wood from the beach....free piping hot water for the bath
and sinks.
Brian
Apr 10, 2022, 5:04:44 AM4/10/22
to
ones and probably pumped.
We had two radiators I don’t recall ever getting even warm. I seem to
recall plenty of hot water for baths etc but I think we had an immersion
heater as well. It was 50 years ago so ….
Brian
Apr 10, 2022, 5:11:43 AM4/10/22
to
aunt & uncle having one fitted with a smokeless (coke) fire in the late
60s. Plus we had some kind of system which has heated via the coal fire.
The houses where built in the mid 50s +/-.
Certainly I don’t remember any maintenance on ours in either house. That
said, I don’t recall the two radiators getting hot or even warm. There was
hot water. I vaguely remember some level in the chimney which needed to be
pushed / pulled to ensure the system worked. I will ask my older brother,
he may recall.
My interest has been fired (no pun intended) as one of my daughters is
looking at a house which has a back boiler. I’m assuming it is gas fired.
Alan
Apr 10, 2022, 7:29:56 AM4/10/22
to
On Sat, 09 Apr 2022 19:55:32 +0000, Tim+ wrote:
> Brian <no...@lid.org> wrote:
>> Also, are such systems still available? If, for example, you bought a
>> house with such a system could it be replaced with another Back Boiler
>> or would it mean converting to a ‘conventional’ system.
The link below is the first of a search, there are others.
<http://muswell-hill.com/business-websites/boilerswaps/heating/installing-
a-new-he-condens.html>
> Brian <no...@lid.org> wrote:
>> Also, are such systems still available? If, for example, you bought a
>> house with such a system could it be replaced with another Back Boiler
>> or would it mean converting to a ‘conventional’ system.
> You wouldn’t replace “like with like” as they’re obsolete and
> inefficient compared to modern condensing boilers.
No, still available.But now more efficient and condensing.
> inefficient compared to modern condensing boilers.
The link below is the first of a search, there are others.
<http://muswell-hill.com/business-websites/boilerswaps/heating/installing-
a-new-he-condens.html>
Martin Brown
Apr 10, 2022, 8:09:09 AM4/10/22
to
On 09/04/2022 19:33, Brian wrote:
>
>
> Over the years, I’ve heard the term Back Boilers - especially in the 60s
> and 70s but rarely since- but only had a vague idea that they are, in
> simple terms, a heating system which is tucked away behind (typically) a
> gas fire or, as I recall a relative having, a solid fuel fire.
>
> Is my assumption correct, please?
Pretty much. I have one on my log burning stove. Apart from making the
> and 70s but rarely since- but only had a vague idea that they are, in
> simple terms, a heating system which is tucked away behind (typically) a
> gas fire or, as I recall a relative having, a solid fuel fire.
>
> Is my assumption correct, please?
side walls cool enough for some tar to condense on them it does a nice
job of providing an alternative source of heating instead of oil.
Also exceptionally useful when there is no electricity since it can
still heat the hot water and master bedroom by convection even with no
pump running. They are somewhat out of fashion now since incompatible
AIUI with modern configurations of heating system and boiler.
Power output has to be restricted wihtout the pump or it would boil!
However, the astronomical price of oil may change that.
> Also, are such systems still available? If, for example, you bought a house
> with such a system could it be replaced with another Back Boiler or would
> it mean converting to a ‘conventional’ system.
to do the extra work needed to incorporate it into a modern CH system.
Most just want to disconnect and fill a back boiler with dry sand these
days. IME 4 out of 5 of them said it was "the only way to proceed".
--
Regards,
Martin Brown
Andrew
Apr 10, 2022, 8:31:13 AM4/10/22
to
On 09/04/2022 21:19, Brian wrote:
> newshound <sradcl...@gmail.com> wrote:
>> On 09/04/2022 19:33, Brian wrote:
>>>
>>> Over the years, I’ve heard the term Back Boilers - especially in the 60s
>>> and 70s but rarely since- but only had a vague idea that they are, in
>>> simple terms, a heating system which is tucked away behind (typically) a
>>> gas fire or, as I recall a relative having, a solid fuel fire.
>>>
>>>
>>> Is my assumption correct, please?
>>>
>>> Also, are such systems still available? If, for example, you bought a house
>>> with such a system could it be replaced with another Back Boiler or would
>>> it mean converting to a ‘conventional’ system.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Correct. Two or three sorts. I expect you can still get woodburners
>> which have these as an option. And a similar (simple cast iron box)
>> could be fitted behind an open coal fire. Finally, radiant gas fires
>> using a normal chimney as a flue were available with two sets of
>> burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind and another in
>> the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant heat. Rather low
>> efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is probably why they went
>> out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW rather than central
>> heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no pump. Perhaps posh
>> people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in those days.
>>
>
> Thank you.
>
> At least my basic understanding was about right.
>
> I can’t be sure they ran CH systems, at least not ‘proper’ ones.
>
Hundreds of thousands of new houses built in the 60's and 70's were
>> On 09/04/2022 19:33, Brian wrote:
>>>
>>> Over the years, I’ve heard the term Back Boilers - especially in the 60s
>>> and 70s but rarely since- but only had a vague idea that they are, in
>>> simple terms, a heating system which is tucked away behind (typically) a
>>> gas fire or, as I recall a relative having, a solid fuel fire.
>>>
>>>
>>> Is my assumption correct, please?
>>>
>>> Also, are such systems still available? If, for example, you bought a house
>>> with such a system could it be replaced with another Back Boiler or would
>>> it mean converting to a ‘conventional’ system.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>> Correct. Two or three sorts. I expect you can still get woodburners
>> which have these as an option. And a similar (simple cast iron box)
>> could be fitted behind an open coal fire. Finally, radiant gas fires
>> using a normal chimney as a flue were available with two sets of
>> burners, one to heat the water-filled box hidden behind and another in
>> the front, heating ceramic elements to provide radiant heat. Rather low
>> efficiency compared to a modern boiler, which is probably why they went
>> out of fashion. They all tended to be used for DHW rather than central
>> heating, with a gravity/convection system needing no pump. Perhaps posh
>> people had them running C/H but I didn't know any in those days.
>>
>
> Thank you.
>
> At least my basic understanding was about right.
>
> I can’t be sure they ran CH systems, at least not ‘proper’ ones.
>
fitted with Baxi Bermuda back boilers. These had a 12Kw? cast iron
heat exchanger with a gas burner and rudimentary controls fitted
inside a dummy chimney breast and typically with a flue rising up
about 4 feet then into a 45 degree angle block that was the base of
a column of class 2 flue blocks that were the same 100mm depth as a
standard block. Then another 45 degree exit block in the loft connected
to a special ridge tile. Hanging in front of the back boiler was a
6Kw radiant gas fire.
Both houses I have owned had one of these. They were C plan because
the hot water cyl was heated via a 28 mm gravity loop, and a normal
pump connected to another pair of heat echanger tappings and fed the
rads. This meant the hot tank could exceed 60C when the CH was in use
because the only control was the boiler internal stat when the
room stat was calling for heat.
The 'cheaper' 2 bed terraced houses near me (1977/78 built) only had
the back boiler, hot tanke and gravity feed and radiant fire. Full
C/H with rads and pump was an extra £500 from what I remember.
You can tell which (first) owners paid the extra £500 because the
downstairs pipes were buried in the screed, while those that were
retrofitted have pipework along the skirting.
Andrew
Apr 10, 2022, 8:42:57 AM4/10/22
to
On 09/04/2022 21:28, Theo wrote:
Mine never went wrong. If the boiler thermocouple failed it was an
easy replacement. BG scammed huge numbers of people into ripping theirs
out using the "We cannot get parts for it" lie.
The main problem was that after 2002 they did not comply with Part L
because they could be re-engineered as condensing boilers. Baxi did
have a replacement but I thought they dropped it because of poor sales.
The actual Baxi website no longer lists the one you have linked to.
Maybe there is a lot of unsold stock ?.
Andrew
Apr 10, 2022, 8:54:47 AM4/10/22
to
On 10/04/2022 10:11, Brian wrote:
>
> My interest has been fired (no pun intended) as one of my daughters is
> looking at a house which has a back boiler. I’m assuming it is gas fired.
>
It could be a solid fuel Parkray stove with a back boiler. There might
>
> My interest has been fired (no pun intended) as one of my daughters is
> looking at a house which has a back boiler. I’m assuming it is gas fired.
>
still be some about. If it is gas then it will well over 20 years old.
what size pipes are feeding the hot tank ?. If they are 28mm then it
will be an older installation. If they are 22mm then the hotwater
circuit must be pumped, only later installations had a pumped hot
water loop.
Someone near me had a replacement baxi bermuda boiler and gas fire front
fitted in 2005 to her 1975-built house (after they had become 'illegal')
because she didn't want her new kitchen messed about with, so the
installer agreed.
If it has been serviced (which means hoovering out the crud that ends
up in the heat exchanger fins) and has inhibitor in the system then
it may be ok but it could be well over 40 years old. Needs careful
inspecting.
Andrew
Apr 10, 2022, 9:01:45 AM4/10/22
to
David
Apr 10, 2022, 9:17:31 AM4/10/22
to
That is, a Baxi coal fire with a back boiler - you moved a flap in the
chimney to direct the flue either straight up or round the back of the
boiler.
Hot water on gravity.
Pump for the 2 or 3 (can't remember) radiators.
We then bought a used Rayburn solid fuel cooker (had been converted to
oil, and we converted it back, plus had to strip and rebuild to move it)
which we plumbed into the gravity system.
Boiler was at the back of the firebox.
By the mid '80s it was starting to leak a bit.
Noting that if you forgot to close the draught on the Rayburn at night you
could be woken by loud thumping noises as the whole thing boiled up, and
you had brown hot water for a bit.
That was more or less the start of my DIY journey.
Cheers
Dave R
--
AMD FX-6300 in GA-990X-Gaming SLI-CF running Windows 7 Pro x64
--
This email has been checked for viruses by Avast antivirus software.
https://www.avast.com/antivirus
Brian
Apr 10, 2022, 4:36:21 PM4/10/22
to
I’ve not seen the house and may never do so if she doesn’t buy it ;-) If
she does, the above will be useful, thank you.
I’m familiar with ‘normal’ vented CH systems. Our eldest bought a house
with an unvented system and I’m still trying to understand their quirks.
Now there may be a back boiler to deal with when the phone rings ;-)
John p
Apr 10, 2022, 11:02:12 PM4/10/22
to
I have a bacon Bermuda 50 back boiler
Behind the electric fire in the chimney breast
7 radiators running on it 23 years only replaced the thermocouple once 7 pounds from b and q
Have a Emerson heater for the hot water
Clean it out once a year ready for winter otherwise no issues spares are readily available on eBay
I won’t be changing it anytime soon
Lot of work to put in a combi boiler and not reliable at all
--
For full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/uk-diy/back-boilers-3196443-.htm
Behind the electric fire in the chimney breast
7 radiators running on it 23 years only replaced the thermocouple once 7 pounds from b and q
Have a Emerson heater for the hot water
Clean it out once a year ready for winter otherwise no issues spares are readily available on eBay
I won’t be changing it anytime soon
Lot of work to put in a combi boiler and not reliable at all
--
For full context, visit https://www.homeownershub.com/uk-diy/back-boilers-3196443-.htm
Andrew
Apr 11, 2022, 2:04:09 PM4/11/22
to
On 10/04/2022 21:36, Brian wrote:
>
> Interesting!
>
> I’ve not seen the house and may never do so if she doesn’t buy it ;-) If
> she does, the above will be useful, thank you.
>
> I’m familiar with ‘normal’ vented CH systems. Our eldest bought a house
> with an unvented system and I’m still trying to understand their quirks.
> Now there may be a back boiler to deal with when the phone rings ;-)
>
>
>
One serious problem that 1970's houses with a class 2 flue
>
> Interesting!
>
> I’ve not seen the house and may never do so if she doesn’t buy it ;-) If
> she does, the above will be useful, thank you.
>
> I’m familiar with ‘normal’ vented CH systems. Our eldest bought a house
> with an unvented system and I’m still trying to understand their quirks.
> Now there may be a back boiler to deal with when the phone rings ;-)
>
>
>
block arrangement terminating in a ridge tile was the use
of plastic bolts to secure the asbestos-cement final
flue section to the ridge tile. These typically went brittle
and snapped allowing the section of flue in the loft running
from the 45 degree exit-flue-block up to the ridge to fall
to one side. BG knew about this problem in the 1990's and
it will have been fixed, but worth checking.
If the back boiler has replaced an existing coal fire
then there should be a liner in the class 1 chimney,
something else to be checked.
Petek Temizliği
Jul 14, 2022, 7:29:41 PM7/14/22
to
These systems are old. Combi is now used. You can get detailed information about combi boilers from this address: https://kombimuhendisi.com/kombi-fiyatlari
The Natural Philosopher
Jul 15, 2022, 5:13:53 AM7/15/22
to
On 15/07/2022 00:29, Petek Temizliği wrote:
> These systems are old. Combi is now used. You can get detailed information about combi boilers from this address: https://kombimuhendisi.com/kombi-fiyatlari
Combi is old
> These systems are old. Combi is now used. You can get detailed information about combi boilers from this address: https://kombimuhendisi.com/kombi-fiyatlari
System boiler is now used. Even if its a heat pump
Brian
Jul 15, 2022, 5:16:52 AM7/15/22
to
If so, Thank you.
However, the information is no longer needed - at least by myself. My
youngest was considering buying a house with one and, as is usual, I
expected to be asked questions.
As it happens, that purchase didn’t proceed ( I’m not sure why) although
they have since found a property which seems to be much better.
Vir Campestris
Jul 15, 2022, 4:51:58 PM7/15/22
to
On 15/07/2022 10:13, The Natural Philosopher wrote:
> Combi is old
> System boiler is now used. Even if its a heat pump
I thought combis were really popular with builders as it allows them to
> Combi is old
> System boiler is now used. Even if its a heat pump
leave out the airing cupboard and make the rooms bigger.
The fact they don't work very well is irrelevant!
But I could be out of date.
Andy
0 new messages