Old boiler and spare parts

[ZXR]

Hi,
I have an old boiler (Glowworm) which is very reliable but will need a new thermocouple somtime soon as they tend to last about 3-4 years.
I don't know the model number or when it was installed ( it was here when I moved in 19 years ago ).
How would I go about sourcing a replacement thermocouple when it the current one eventually fails and where would I be able to find out some info on the boiler ( is there a plate with the model model number inside somewhere as there is nothing on the outside except Glowworm )

[The Builder]

...over 19 years is long enough for a boiler ZXR.............you need to be confident that it's worth spending money on it.
Take advice from a decent heating engineer.
Try Googling for Glowworm spares...............it may no longer be available.

[chas2008]

i have an old Potterton which is still going strong, thermo couple lasts 4-5 years i have always managed to get one from Wickes, they do a universal one which i fit myself. The last one was only about �4.95.

[gucciman]

you need a heating engineer to fit a new thermocouple and do yourself a favour get the boiler serviced and safety checked at the same time, the thermocouple will only add a fiver to the service price.

[ACB312]

I agree with chas2008. Universal thermocouples are readily available and usually come with enough different couplings to fit most boilers. My old boiler lasted from 1982 till a few weeks ago (replaced only for efficiency reasons)using universal thermocouples. Cheers, Andy

[ZXR]

Many thanks for your replies.
I have no idea how long a gas boiler should last. If it keeps working then that's all I can ask of it.

I used to have a 3 star contract with British Gas for �87 per year for which the engineer spent 5 mins outside with his tester in the flue(!) and 10 mins filling in a form. Once the annual subs for this service went from �110 to �160 in one year without any callouts I cancelled it. In the ten years or so I had a service contract the only replacement required was the thermocouple. I've now found a local gas engineer who comes around every 18 months to check it all works for a more reasonable fee.

In these times of economic hardship I'm finding it difficult to pay the everyday bills, let alone fork out �1000 for a new boiler to be installed.

I will try the local diy stores for the universal thermocouples. Thanks once again.

[chas2008]

new boiler installed for �1,000 ! bargain unless you have had a quote you might find its far more than that,new condensing boilers dont just replace the original they usually end up being repositioned . The worrying part is these new boilers dont appear to be that reliable, my son in law worked for a major plumbing supplier and they admit that if you get 4 years out of one you are doing well.I know of a least 4 that broke down over xmas, one only 2months old
im the same my boiler will eventually need replacing ive had a quote of �5,500 !! (4 bed house) total system needed so they tell me.Im on micro bore 8mm pipes so that will all need renewing
like you not got that sort of money to spend at the moment so will keep fitting thermo couplings (not rocket science)until it becomes terminal, if it aint broke dont fix it..

[chas2008]

had varying stories on the 8mm, but to be fair 15mm would warm up quicker i have quite a large house.
My main issue is the boiler is central in the house, it will always be a nightmare to move.
Only had the one quote so far i just know its not going to last much longer, might get some more quotes in the summer..

[chas2008]

actually its 6mm microbore..my mistake

[gucciman]

you dont have to replace the microbore pipe but you will find that it is prone to sludging up quicker than a professional 15mm installation and the efficiency of the system will drop.

and to all you people who think your clever replacing your own thermocouples, it may not be difficult but it is illegal, and if you kill your families by not replacing and testing the combustion chamber cover and end up in prison then on your own heads be it !