Any Plumbers Out There?

[Misstee]

I have a problem with my oil fired central heating boiler. I will call a plumber out tomorrow but wondered if anyone could give me a rough idea of what might be wrong as I am a woman on my own and I watch too many rogue trader telly programmes...!

The boiler is oil fed. It is sited at the back of my garage (inside). Everything seems to be fine in the house - radiators working and water hot - but when I went outside earlier there was black smoke pouring out of the flue and a very strong smell like melting plastic bags. The flue pipe and the cage over it are covered in thick soot. I turned everything off straight away and then checked the boiler which seems normal - not hot to touch or anything - and there is no smell at all around the boiler itself, just outside by the flue.

Any ideas? As I say, I am calling the professionals tomorrow but just wanted an idea of what to expect.

Many thanks.

[gasman]

Hi Misstee,
Sounds like the air vents are blocked and the burner is starved of oxygen (Hence not burning clean and producing soot). You did right in turning it off. It probably just needs a good service. Opening up and cleaning out this should be done at least once a year. When was the last time it was serviced ?

[Misstee]

Hi Gasman

I have it serviced every year and it's not due till end of November. That's why I was figuring it might be something serious - either that or it just wasn't serviced correctly last time round.

I am about to start ringing round the plumbers now so wish me luck...!

Thanks for your help.