Plumbing Estimate

[Barquentine]

The pilot light on our boiler fails to ignite when the timer turns on the central heating or when we turn on a hot water tap. This started happeneing in the cold weather. I checked the error codes in the manual which explained it could be the pilot light. I can get it working again by blowing a hair-dryer under the boiler to warm it up. Take about 5 minutes and works every time. But does anyone know approx how much it should cost for a plumber to replace/mend the pilot light? Thanks. 

[davebro3]

I think pilot lights haven't been used on boilers for 20 years or more. If it's that old you may need a new boiler.

[davebro3]

ps. a pilot light is a small flame that's on all the time - you may be experiencing a faulty ignition system.

[Barquentine]

Thanks. Yes davebro3 that makes sense. Is that a simple thing to fix or replace or will all plumbers just discover dozens more things that need fixing because I won't know any better?! 

[davebro3]

I had a new boiler recently - the fitter couldn't get it to light so he called out the supplier. They fitted a new ignition component in a few minutes.

I don't know the cost but I would guess 20 or 30 quid for the part plus the call out fee.

[davebro3]

ps. What inspired you to try the hairdryer fix?🙄

[Hymie]

The pilot light is held on by the boiler, once the pilot light heats a thermocouple to a preset temperature.

 

It appears that by heating boiler using a hairdryer, you are heating the thermocouple (that should be kept warm by the pilot light).

 

If the pilot light is going out (after a heat demand from the boiler), then it suggests the pilot light and/or thermocouple may be out of position (heat from the pilot light not warming the thermocouple sufficiently).

 

If so, this is an easy fix as the thermocouple (a metal rod) mounting allows adjustment of its position by pushing by hand (held in position by spring clips).

[Barquentine]

Thanks davebro3. Just spoke with a plumber who is coming over Wednesday. It's a Glowworm Ultracom 30cxi- (the plumber commented "oh, not very nice" - I asked what he meant -he said it's a very old model! I don't think 16 years is old, is it? It was installed 2009). Plumber said the ignition is a spark system like on the oven hob. He said it could be the condensate trap needs cleaning/replacing. My hairdryer idea was because this started during very cold weather in December last year & I assumed something had frozen or condensation had formed inside boiler. Sometimes I leave an electric oil radiator on underneath the boiler which keeps overcomes the problem, but that's expensive and my wife has had enough of my procrastination!