[JLR1969]

We are currently living in a rented cottage and this morning the carbon monoxide detector went off, the reading was 154. I turned off the boiler and opened the window.

A bit later I put the boiler on again and after 4 mins the detector went off again, the reading was 752! I rang the letting agents and explained what had happened.

They said they were aware that this could happen on windy days as it had happened before, it was due to the backdraft.

British Gas came and said not to use the boiler until it was checked. Now I know it's the severe wind causing the issue but surely the landlord and lettings agency are liable given they know this can and has happened.

To say I am cross is an under statement, we could have been poisoned had we not had a detector.

[335ier]

Originally Posted by JLR1969

We are currently living in a rented cottage and this morning the carbon monoxide detector went off, the reading was 154. I turned off the boiler and opened the window.

A bit later I put the boiler on again and after 4 mins the detector went off again, the reading was 752! I rang the letting agents and explained what had happened.

They said they were aware that this could happen on windy days as it had happened before, it was due to the backdraft.

British Gas came and said not to use the boiler until it was checked. Now I know it's the severe wind causing the issue but surely the landlord and lettings agency are liable given they know this can and has happened.

To say I am cross is an under statement, we could have been poisoned had we not had a detector.

That 2nd reading is very high indeed!

The thing is if the appliance passes on the day it is tested, then by the regs it has passed! (Much like an MOT).
If it were me testing it with the above information in mind, I wouldn't even consider to reconnect it unless it is agreed that an approved anti down draught terminal is fitted first.

Hope all gets sorted.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by 335ier

That 2nd reading is very high indeed!

The thing is if the appliance passes on the day it is tested, then by the regs it has passed! (Much like an MOT).
If it were me testing it with the above information in mind, I wouldn't even consider to reconnect it unless it is agreed that an approved anti down draught terminal is fitted first.

Hope all gets sorted.

I will look at the anti down draught terminal and discuss with the landlord. Thanks for you advice.

[willhollin]

What sort of flue is on the appliance?

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by willhollin

What sort of flue is on the appliance?

Not sure. The boiler is gas and floor mounted a large round pipe goes out of the top and into the wall, I think it then goes up the chimney.

The diameter is about 250mm.

[zltm089]

make sure you have everything in writing/ email etc....especially when you report issues with the gas/ boiler....

[kaishang]

I would not accept that at all. People end up dead from carbon monoxide poisoning.

[Boyd1963]

+1

My wife almost died through using a gas heater in her parents holiday cottage!

[JLR1969]

Thanks guys. The landlord called round today and I advised that he should fit an anti downdraft cap or a spinner. He agreed to do whatever was necessary to fix the problem.

He also mentioned that he lived in the house for 4 years and was not aware that you could get such things.

[FiremanLU706]

I'm a professional fireman in the US & not sure if your readings are ppm or not. When we arrive at a house that has a CO monitor going off then we check it with our portable monitor & it goes off at 50ppm! We evacuate the house at 500ppm & call the Gas Co. to lock the meter out & when fixed they fix it they call the Gas Co. to check it & if if everything is good then they will unlock it. We recommend replacing the detectors every 5yrs! Are your detectors electric, battery or both? I would also have 2 in my house because CO is a silent killer!

[dxb335d]

Scary stuff Jon mate!! Hope it gets sorted soon.

[RagingKileak]

Lets be honest - sounds like reason has prevailed.

'Hi, its Jon here, please fix my antibackdraftgaswangdoodle, I'm annoyed you never told me about this, naughty landlord.'

'Sorry Jon, I'll do that. My bad.'

End of thread. No? Well, maybe - but my guess is that it will take the landlord about 6 years to do it. This causes me to ask the question - WHY THE FUCK CAN'T PEOPLE JUST DO SHIT RIGHT FIRST TIME!!!!!!!?

Matt

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by FiremanLU706

I'm a professional fireman in the US & not sure if your readings are ppm or not. When we arrive at a house that has a CO monitor going off then we check it with our portable monitor & it goes off at 50ppm! We evacuate the house at 500ppm & call the Gas Co. to lock the meter out & when fixed they fix it they call the Gas Co. to check it & if if everything is good then they will unlock it. We recommend replacing the detectors every 5yrs! Are your detectors electric, battery or both? I would also have 2 in my house because CO is a silent killer!

Yes it was 750ppm which is very worrying as at that level you can die after 2 hours.

Originally Posted by dxb335d

Scary stuff Jon mate!! Hope it gets sorted soon.

Cheers Carl

Originally Posted by RagingKileak

Lets be honest - sounds like reason has prevailed.

'Hi, its Jon here, please fix my antibackdraftgaswangdoodle, I'm annoyed you never told me about this, naughty landlord.'

'Sorry Jon, I'll do that. My bad.'

End of thread. No? Well, maybe - but my guess is that it will take the landlord about 6 years to do it. This causes me to ask the question - WHY THE FUCK CAN'T PEOPLE JUST DO SHIT RIGHT FIRST TIME!!!!!!!?

Matt

I agree I could not live with myself if my rental property had this problem.

[JLR1969]

British Gas have just been and refused to take it on contract as the problem cannot be fixed. The only thing to do in his opinion is to fit a new boiler with a balanced flue.

He said if he had called yesterday when the readings were 750ppm he would have shut down the boiler and capped it off and it would not be used again.

As it is when he called today the readings were safe so in essence he advised that it was not used but insisted that it is a major health risk if weather conditions changed. He said do not leave your heating on when you go to bed just in case the weather changes.

[RagingKileak]

Good news then that it's not your problem mate.

Tell your landlord and have him deal ASAP - if he doesn't, I'm fairly sure you can ditch your contract and bounce double time.

Matt

[briers]

F*** Jon

Glad your both ok and you had that alarm

[335ier]

Originally Posted by JLR1969

British Gas have just been and refused to take it on contract as the problem cannot be fixed. The only thing to do in his opinion is to fit a new boiler with a balanced flue.

He said if he had called yesterday when the readings were 750ppm he would have shut down the boiler and capped it off and it would not be used again.

As it is when he called today the readings were safe so in essence he advised that it was not used but insisted that it is a major health risk if weather conditions changed. He said do not leave your heating on when you go to bed just in case the weather changes.

British gas has done everything by the book here but to get a reading of 750ppm on a windy day isn't just a bit of a bad flame picture its completely f@*ked combustion if there isn't anything realistic they can do with the flue or terminal then you must push for the new boiler. In the between time get yourself a back up co detector install it as stated on the packet.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by willhollin

What sort of flue is on the appliance?

I have found out its an open flue.

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by briers

F*** Jon

Glad your both ok and you had that alarm

Cheers!

I will always have one in every house from now on!

[JLR1969]

Originally Posted by 335ier

British gas has done everything by the book here but to get a reading of 750ppm on a windy day isn't just a bit of a bad flame picture its completely f@*ked combustion if there isn't anything realistic they can do with the flue or terminal then you must push for the new boiler. In the between time get yourself a back up co detector install it as stated on the packet.

Thanks for the reply, I will be on to the agency first thing Monday. I will make sure that a new boiler is fitted otherwise I will take legal advice, I am not expecting any issues as the rent is being paid by a relocation agency and they are representing the UKs biggest tobacco company I cannot see their being a problem as it would not look good if one of their managers was knowingly at risk.

[dxb335d]

Your landlord needs a kick in the bowlacks!!

What a needless risk.

[JLR1969]

Lettings agency and landlord have agreed to fit a new boiler, surveys being carried out this week.