Combi or megaflo system?
Discussion
Doing up a 2 bed 2 bath flat and had intended to get a megaflo and regular boiler because I don't like the idea of not really using both bathrooms etc at the same time.
Spoke to another heating guy and was told that it's not a problem at all as long as you get a decent power boiler and thermostatic mixing valves. I asked specifically if that would let 2 people have a shower at once and he said no problem.
Never heard of them for combis before, is he right? And is there anything else I need to know about them?
The flat is 3rd floor, pressure is so so
Spoke to another heating guy and was told that it's not a problem at all as long as you get a decent power boiler and thermostatic mixing valves. I asked specifically if that would let 2 people have a shower at once and he said no problem.
Never heard of them for combis before, is he right? And is there anything else I need to know about them?
The flat is 3rd floor, pressure is so so
Also interested in this, my parents have a new 34kw Ideal Logic Combi boiler, with a very strong water flow rate to the property, yet it still can't manage a shower & the kitchen sink being ran at the same time. They didn't have the space for a tank, so make do.
I imagine if you have your own well/bore hole & a very high flow rate combined with a massive boiler you could make it work, but for your average domestic property I'd be surprised?
I imagine if you have your own well/bore hole & a very high flow rate combined with a massive boiler you could make it work, but for your average domestic property I'd be surprised?
Alucidnation said:
Why don't you trust your plumber's opinion?
Sorry I wasn't clear. 2 Different plumbers, 2 different opinions.Actually plumber, sounds like we're more in the megaflo camp. I think that will work better since I believe they're installing decent pumps for the whole block, so incoming pressure should be pretty decent.
HotJambalaya said:
Spoke to another heating guy and was told that it's not a problem at all as long as you get a decent power boiler and thermostatic mixing valves. I asked specifically if that would let 2 people have a shower at once and he said no problem.
Never heard of them for combis before, is he right? And is there anything else I need to know about them?
Do you mean the thermostatic mixing valves? I think he just means the shower valves. They mix hot and cold water and maintain the temperature you set on the dial.Never heard of them for combis before, is he right? And is there anything else I need to know about them?
They won't really make any difference to the pressure when 2 showers are running.
I don't think you'll get a combi that can run 2 showers well at the same time. Even a combi running a mixer and then having an electric one for the 2nd will still be poor. If you open a tap while the shower is running, there is a noticable drop, so if the mains isn't great to start with, It's probably not a good idea.
I've had a Megaflo for 11.5 years and regret having it installed. I do live in a hard water area and have a 'scale inhibitor' installed. The latter doesn't seem to be effective. The benefit is that it delivers hot water at mains pressure.
Last month it cost me £230 to have the immersion heater element replaced on it...and also took 3 weeks to get the plumber to do the job. Previously, the thermostat needed to be replaced on a regular basis (a known problem). The air bubble needs to be energised on a regular basis, otherwise water drips out of the overflow pipe.
Do a search on Megaflo here and see some of the issues people have posted. Also do a google search on Megaflo problems to read others views on it.
Last month it cost me £230 to have the immersion heater element replaced on it...and also took 3 weeks to get the plumber to do the job. Previously, the thermostat needed to be replaced on a regular basis (a known problem). The air bubble needs to be energised on a regular basis, otherwise water drips out of the overflow pipe.
Do a search on Megaflo here and see some of the issues people have posted. Also do a google search on Megaflo problems to read others views on it.
Having pretty much exactly the same issues with mine in London, a hard water area. Mind you we have nurtured it with the house, so due an overhaul.
In my flat round the corner (3 beds, 2. baths/showers), I have a 12 year old combi running my most of the house, and a dedicated gas water heater running one bathroom. Works perfectly, even with two showers running, although you would not want to try to fill a bath with another bath or shower running. System takes up tiny space and with annual service has been perfectly reliable.
I'd reconsider the Megaflo for your needs, OP.
In my flat round the corner (3 beds, 2. baths/showers), I have a 12 year old combi running my most of the house, and a dedicated gas water heater running one bathroom. Works perfectly, even with two showers running, although you would not want to try to fill a bath with another bath or shower running. System takes up tiny space and with annual service has been perfectly reliable.
I'd reconsider the Megaflo for your needs, OP.
condor said:
I've had a Megaflo for 11.5 years and regret having it installed. I do live in a hard water area and have a 'scale inhibitor' installed. The latter doesn't seem to be effective. The benefit is that it delivers hot water at mains pressure.
Last month it cost me £230 to have the immersion heater element replaced on it...and also took 3 weeks to get the plumber to do the job. Previously, the thermostat needed to be replaced on a regular basis (a known problem). The air bubble needs to be energised on a regular basis, otherwise water drips out of the overflow pipe.
Do a search on Megaflo here and see some of the issues people have posted. Also do a google search on Megaflo problems to read others views on it.
Add an external expansion vessel if the air bubble regeneration gets too often. Last month it cost me £230 to have the immersion heater element replaced on it...and also took 3 weeks to get the plumber to do the job. Previously, the thermostat needed to be replaced on a regular basis (a known problem). The air bubble needs to be energised on a regular basis, otherwise water drips out of the overflow pipe.
Do a search on Megaflo here and see some of the issues people have posted. Also do a google search on Megaflo problems to read others views on it.
Gingerbread Man said:
condor said:
I've had a Megaflo for 11.5 years and regret having it installed. I do live in a hard water area and have a 'scale inhibitor' installed. The latter doesn't seem to be effective. The benefit is that it delivers hot water at mains pressure.
Last month it cost me £230 to have the immersion heater element replaced on it...and also took 3 weeks to get the plumber to do the job. Previously, the thermostat needed to be replaced on a regular basis (a known problem). The air bubble needs to be energised on a regular basis, otherwise water drips out of the overflow pipe.
Do a search on Megaflo here and see some of the issues people have posted. Also do a google search on Megaflo problems to read others views on it.
Add an external expansion vessel if the air bubble regeneration gets too often. Last month it cost me £230 to have the immersion heater element replaced on it...and also took 3 weeks to get the plumber to do the job. Previously, the thermostat needed to be replaced on a regular basis (a known problem). The air bubble needs to be energised on a regular basis, otherwise water drips out of the overflow pipe.
Do a search on Megaflo here and see some of the issues people have posted. Also do a google search on Megaflo problems to read others views on it.
On this note, our Megaflo expired yesterday. Well, it still sort of works but it is pretty clear it is on its last legs. We attempted to replace a few components, then the immersion thermostat blew up, and we looked inside to find an absolute tonne of scale. Not really the cylinder's fault - it has been in the house for untold years before we bought it, with no scale inhibitor fitted, and no real maintenance ever.
So I am replacing it. Probably with either a Worcester or a Gledhill, which I think need external expansion vessels (which I would prefer, for easier maintenance/replacement). And fitting a damned scale inhibitor, which may or may not work.
To the earlier post about thermostat's blowing up - this is often bad wiring, rather than a design fault. If the wiring to the element is loose, not properly contacted, it can arc and blow the thermostat.
And £230 to replace a £30 immersion element is ridiculous! Draining the cylinder down and doing it yourself is pretty easy. Draining the tank takes ages - were they charging you whilst they waited for this to happen?
So I am replacing it. Probably with either a Worcester or a Gledhill, which I think need external expansion vessels (which I would prefer, for easier maintenance/replacement). And fitting a damned scale inhibitor, which may or may not work.
To the earlier post about thermostat's blowing up - this is often bad wiring, rather than a design fault. If the wiring to the element is loose, not properly contacted, it can arc and blow the thermostat.
And £230 to replace a £30 immersion element is ridiculous! Draining the cylinder down and doing it yourself is pretty easy. Draining the tank takes ages - were they charging you whilst they waited for this to happen?
Edited by Harry Flashman on Thursday 2nd February 12:46
I posted this thread early December http://www.pistonheads.com/gassing/topic.asp?t=163...
I was convinced that I needed a proper G3 certified plumber to check out the issues, which is why I didn't really question the quote. The plumber is local and has done work elsewhere in the village - I hadn't heard or read anything bad about him. Website looked good.
The plumber took 3 weeks to actually turn up to do the work rather than the couple of days I thought he would. Would have been even longer if I hadn't agreed to him turning up at short notice as the date that had been arranged he had to go somewhere else.
Certainly wasn't happy being without hot water for that length of time - got used to boiling kettles and strip washes though !
When it works the Megaflo is fine.
I was convinced that I needed a proper G3 certified plumber to check out the issues, which is why I didn't really question the quote. The plumber is local and has done work elsewhere in the village - I hadn't heard or read anything bad about him. Website looked good.
The plumber took 3 weeks to actually turn up to do the work rather than the couple of days I thought he would. Would have been even longer if I hadn't agreed to him turning up at short notice as the date that had been arranged he had to go somewhere else.
Certainly wasn't happy being without hot water for that length of time - got used to boiling kettles and strip washes though !
When it works the Megaflo is fine.
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