Thousands of boiler breakdowns could be prevented each year if more water treatment measures were specified at the point of installation, says Martyn Bridges of Worcester Bosch.

Martyn Bridges, Director of Technical Communication and Product Management at Worcester Bosch, stated that problems with system water quality over time causes failures, which can then significantly reduce overall heating efficiency, increase running costs and reduce customer comfort.

He said: “Prevention is always better than cure and this is exactly what water treatment measures at the point of installation achieve. Many installers and homeowners fall into the trap of believing, especially when a system is new, that water treatment is an added extra.”

This ‘take it or leave it’ approach to water treatment at the point of installation harms the performance and longevity of the boiler, claims Martyn.

He continued: “Just because a system is new, doesn’t make it exempt from water quality issues. For instance, research conducted by an approved BuildCert CIAS testing laboratory has shown that even a new system will show visible magnetite within one to two days of installation. Over time this can then block radiators, reducing the heat transfer from the system into the property, forcing the boiler to work harder.”