My service history:
Year 1-2: no issues
Year 3: Pressure switch replaced (mater) ($300)
Year 4: service plus new boiler element (blown) $400
Year 5: service plus boiler descale ($250)
Year 6: service plus new vibe pump (ulka) ($380)
Year 7: solid state relay replaced ($340)
Year 8: new control unit ($TBC - probably $500ish???)
(service items include things like valves, gaskets, seals, probes, shower screen, etc. which are done as required)
Prices include labour which is often at least 50% of the repair/service cost.
Questions:
I notice many of my problems might be heat related; melted parts and wiring are common sights. Right now i have a melted control unit.
1) I've seen photos of the VBM Jr with a heat-wrapped boiler - Is this something I should do?
2) In later years VBM updated the mater pressure stat to a parker, then a sirai. Is the parker upgrade something I should do? Is it an easy swap?
3) I've seen differences in control boards. The factory Pro.el.ind control unit has a replacement made by Gicar (though im unsure if this is available in 240v). Is this an upgrade?
4) Are there any other improvements (including DIY hacks) that can be made to this machine? Better ventilation - better acousitc dampening or water res
Overall I think it's been a good machine but there are possibly a couple of design flaws that were rectified in later iterations of the design. Mine is the earliest model.
I am considering an upgrade to a bigger more robust machine (eg vbm super) though not sure if that would save money in the long run - any thoughts/advice??
Cheers
Sam
Year 1-2: no issues
Year 3: Pressure switch replaced (mater) ($300)
Year 4: service plus new boiler element (blown) $400
Year 5: service plus boiler descale ($250)
Year 6: service plus new vibe pump (ulka) ($380)
Year 7: solid state relay replaced ($340)
Year 8: new control unit ($TBC - probably $500ish???)
(service items include things like valves, gaskets, seals, probes, shower screen, etc. which are done as required)
Prices include labour which is often at least 50% of the repair/service cost.
Questions:
I notice many of my problems might be heat related; melted parts and wiring are common sights. Right now i have a melted control unit.
1) I've seen photos of the VBM Jr with a heat-wrapped boiler - Is this something I should do?
2) In later years VBM updated the mater pressure stat to a parker, then a sirai. Is the parker upgrade something I should do? Is it an easy swap?
3) I've seen differences in control boards. The factory Pro.el.ind control unit has a replacement made by Gicar (though im unsure if this is available in 240v). Is this an upgrade?
4) Are there any other improvements (including DIY hacks) that can be made to this machine? Better ventilation - better acousitc dampening or water res
Overall I think it's been a good machine but there are possibly a couple of design flaws that were rectified in later iterations of the design. Mine is the earliest model.
I am considering an upgrade to a bigger more robust machine (eg vbm super) though not sure if that would save money in the long run - any thoughts/advice??
Cheers
Sam




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