Whenever the children were sick and needed to see a doctor they always adhered to Murphy’s Law and fell ill over a weekend. Whenever something goes wrong in this house, Murphy’s Law also applies.
My heater broke this morning.
This means no hot water and no heating until I can get a chauffagiste in to look at my 16 year old boiler-thing. He will, naturally, tell me that I need a new boiler. I have been trying to put off buying a new one until I was earning enough money to pay for one but it appears that job or no job – I am going to have to fork out for a new boiler. The old one is in a state – the front looks as if it’s been burnt from the inside and there’s a round patch where the front has got so hot that the white covering has actually burnt off.
I have tried calling a couple of chauffagistes but ended up leaving messages on their answering machines. The first that can help is the one who gets the job.
That is, if he works with my make of boiler.
Belgium really doesn’t make life easy and only certain chauffagistes will work with certain boilers. Surely, if you learn to work in the heating trade, you are taught how to deal with different boilers. How different can they be?
In the meantime, it’s wrap up warm and a visit to Tony’s for a shower.
13 Comments
My condolences on the heater; I’ve had similar experiences. Remember to dress in layers, keep a heat lamp on for Herman, and find a way to tell Q that you had really wanted a new heater as a combination Shag Day/B-day gift!.
How’s Herman doing? If you recall, I also keep tortoises. Mine are all in deep hibernation, even my yearling which I had intended to keep up so as to put on weight, steadfastly refused to stay up and put himself under. Did Herman continue eating etc..? As far as your boiler goes, I have no idea how handy you or your other half may be, but you might be surprised what you will find if you simply google the brand and model number and/or make inquiries at a local plumbing/heating supply shop.There are innumerable forums chock full of people who due to determination or circumstance must attempt repairs themselves, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised. In the past , rather than pay the absurd usurious rates the local extortionists demanded, i’ve found it a simple matter to replace sensors..thermostats etc myself. Just some food for thought. It goes without saying that you have attempted a simple reset….
M, Herman is too small to hibernate this winter, apparently, and so he has stayed under his lamp and is eating quite a bit. He has even put on some weight which is good.
As for my boiler – it’s an old one and I really daren’t fiddle with it as the last thing I want is having it blow up on me. I’m going to see if a neighbour is home to see if he can fix it till Monday…
They differ a lot actually ……
Argh. I hate it when that kind of thing happens.
And yes, we have the dreaded “only service brand x” problem here too, to some extent… the most popular/famous brand of central heating is Lennox. To service a Lennox furnace, you need the Lennox service person. Anybody who might be cheaper, more pleasant to deal with, or actually available at a convenient time, can’t get the right parts to fix the thing.
Not saying how I know this, though.
our boiler hasn’t worked since Christmas, everyone we called in looked at it and say ‘Don’t know’ he last one said ‘big job I will ring with a price’ we are still waitting!
You’ve got my sympathies on the boiler. I envy that shower you’re getting.
It’s not as bad as no hot water in winter, but my plumbing’s so bad right now we’re looking at going gray water for the shower, in order to avoid excavating under the house during a rainy spell. Bah.
Here’s hoping that you get this fixed ASAP. We were lucky and got a new one within a day, but still, I had to take a shower at the neighbor. It also had the poor grace to break down the day before I had a job interview. Talk about Murphy’s Law.
I expect there’s a computer diagnostic system involved somewhere, too…
Still one of my favourite blogs, when I get around to it. Just thought I’d mention that.
Belated birthday greetings. Hope this year brings you a job – if only to pay for a new boiler.
Ours has gone wrong again – fifth time this winter – but, at least the hot water is on a different system. Hope you find a useful chappie soon.
I know EXACTLY how you feel – We’ve had intermittent hot water for the past week (luckily the heating was working) The plumber has just been this afternoon and fixed it so it’s time for a hot bath methinks
Y’know, both you and JonnyB have neighbours by the name of Tony…
Yikes. At least it didn’t happen while it was still snowing…. It’s not still snowing over there is it?