Central Heating: Fault Finding and Repair Spiral-bound – 8 Sept. 2003

I bought this book when my central heating at home refused to get hot this autumn. After using this book I was able to get the central heating all fixed myself for a fraction of the cost of the expensive professional options.I had already had BG out. They changed a pump but said it really needed a powerflush. This was an expensive proposition so I thought I would have a go myself. I had heard a rumour that powerflushes can often lead to getting leaky radiators a few months later, due to the harsh chemicals that might be employed and then not fully washed out by the powerflush.Using the above book, I was able to drain and refill my system several times, I also changed my pump gate valves and three port motorized valve, and cleaned out a lot of sludge. I didn't know how to do any of this before I started, but now I feel quite knowledgable. The book helped explain what to do because it has clear diagrams and step by step instructions. It doesn't get too heavy on theory, and so is perfect for maintenance tasks. Where the book was light on detailed instructions in some specific tasks, I supplemented with those handy little youtube video clips of plumbing tips.This book is for maintaining and fault finding existing systems. It would be of less use for someone planning to install a brand new central heating system. If I factor in the cost of the book plus tools and parts I bought whilst fixing my system, I would say it was a fraction of the cost of a powerflush, although it did take a few weekends.Overall I would say the book is excellent for it's intended use. I would recommend it to anyone looking to tackle their own central heating maintenance.

This taught me loads of things I had expected to learn on my NVQ course but didn't - and some of it was new to the tutors as well!! (Backfilling a sluggish system saved me hours of frustration with radiators that wouldn't fill).This book pulls together a lot of very useful information from various sources, combines it with a practical approach to diagnosis gained from years of experience, and puts it all together in one place in a logical, structured way.It really "does what it says on the tin", basically covering in some detail:1) What Central Heating is2) What can go wrong with it3) How to diagnose the fault4) How to repair itFault finding diagrams are v. useful.This book will be invaluable for DIYer and professional. Okay, if you've been in the business for 40 years you probably know all that's in here (and more), but then you wouldn't be looking for a book like this, would you?To the rest of us, buy it now and keep it in the van!!

I have to say that I am an ex British Gas Service engineer. I bought this book and the book on Combi's because I am looking to take my 22 year old son on in my business this year. I thought these would be good introductory readings for him. I must say the author is a credit to the industry and the way the books have been written is very informative and full of really good professional advice. I am glad I bought these and would recommend them.

Despite being in the trade and we're supposed to know what we're doing, we all have the odd "bad day at the office" and this book has been invaluable to me. I have nipped out to the van "to get something i forgot" more than once and had a quick read and digest session as a reminder. Well worth the price if it gets you out of a hole just the once when it's getting late in the day and the customer wants the heating back on 'cos its cold out.

As a Gas engineer found it very basic! having said that is good for someone that is willing to know the basics!

Real informative step by step knowledge for trades and diy alike in this field of work highly recommended. Like it

Bought this for a plumber/gas fitter friend who loves it. Had a look at it myself before giving it to him and it certainly looked a very practical book with brief clear information and instructions.

This is quite an expensive buy, but it is excellent and very comprehensive. I bought it to help fix my friend's central heating and it did the job perfectly.Much cheaper than a heating engineer!