11/03/2026
The latest despatch from SBW, a heavy general repair of a home made 1982 7.1/4” Wren.
Sent in for evaluation the owner was pleasantly surprised when informed the boiler could be rebuilt instead of replaced.
This is around 25-30% cheaper than replacement, in the current climate that adds up to a huge saving, for a boiler that is as good as new, with the least issues in refitting.
As seen often, a short term rivet repair on the foundation ring had been attempted, and had been succesful for many seasons.
Upon removal of the backhead the main cause was found, bad scale build up under the firehole ring and down each water leg.
The innards of the boiler where stripped back to the shell, good solder pe*******on was found everywhere. The main barrel
joint was tickled up inside, and two stiffeners placed outside of the throat. Any bushes requiring replacement where replaced with new ones in pb102, the original pcd tappings being copied as was the original orientation.
A new inner firebox, tubes, rod type crown stays to replace the original girders. New front tube plate, foundation ring and backhead to complete.
The boiler was then tested hydraulically to 2x Maximum Allowable Pressure and re-certified.
If you have a boiler coming to the end of its life, before going new, contact us about a heavy general repair. Not all can be saved, but if it was well made in the first place, most can be rebuilt. Some manufacturers a rebuild can be costed without inspection, other makes and home made boilers a ball park idea can be given from photographs before being assessed.
