My boiler cut out and I got a Corgi registered plumber to have a look at it. He advised a power flush for £500 but said that that might not work and it might need a new thermostat or thermocoupler. He said that even that might nor work and I would end up needing a new boiler for £1200. He advises going for a new boiler now rather than run up all the other costs. My question is: why couldn't he diagnose the problem, and can I get a proper diagnosis now rather than go through the costly process of elimination?

Carol Morgan, March 2009

What a load of crap.Sounds as though your fitter is talking through his arse.Get a 2nd and even a 3rd opinion,don't forget to ask to see his CORGI card(very important)and make sure it is in date.

Joshmcfee//corgi 217410, March 2009

They always come up with the power flush theory.Nice earner for them.As Peccavi says tell us a bit about the problem and hopefully someone should be able to help.

Tony S, March 2009

Your Crogi man sounds like he's trying to rip you off - if he's any good he would say "probably" more often and "might" a little less. A good engineer should be confident in his diagnosis so much so that if he's wrong you don't pay for the parts he changes in error. Find another engineer.

If you state on here the make and model of your boiler and a little more about how it's failing - what happens when it tries to start - people may be able to advise you.

Of course it's always possible that your man is trustworthy but for £1200 a second opinion is good protection for your cash.

Good luck...

Peccavi, March 2009