Project Overview
The Mabel Churn Centre, run by Age UK Enfield, is a community day-care facility for elderly and vulnerable adults in Enfield, EN3. The building depends entirely on its central plant for heat and hot water, so for a service of this kind, continuity of supply is a matter of welfare, not convenience. When the centre approached Plumb London, one of its two ageing commercial boilers had already been decommissioned, and the building had been running on a single unit for twelve to eighteen months. Following a full site survey and technical consultation, we presented four costed options, from a straightforward single-boiler replacement through to a full twin-boiler plant room upgrade. The centre chose our recommended solution: a fully redundant twin Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 48kW commercial heating system with an external 120kW plate heat exchanger, new system protection and full ancillaries. It’s a modernised plant room that removes the single point of failure for good.
The Client’s Brief
Age UK Enfield came to us with a clear set of priorities:
- Restore reliable heating and hot water to the full building as quickly as possible
- Understand exactly what was needed: one boiler, both, or a different configuration altogether
- A solution appropriate for a charity-operated, occupied building with vulnerable users on site
- A minimum of three separate, itemised quotation options, to satisfy internal governance and procurement rules
- Removal of the risk of a future single point of failure that could leave service users without heating or hot water
The team had taken over management of the building within the previous year and had limited historical knowledge of the plant room, so straightforward, honest guidance mattered more than a sales pitch.
Our Survey & Recommendations
A Plumb London engineer carried out a full assessment of the existing plant room. Our findings:
- The existing installation comprised two ecoTEC Plus 46kW light-commercial boilers, one of which had been decommissioned before the client took over the building and had been out of service for over a year
- The remaining operational boiler was ageing and, given the sustained period of running alone, was at elevated risk of failure. A building of this kind running on a single boiler with no backup is a genuine welfare risk
- A like-for-like swap was viable, but the opportunity existed to futureproof the plant room and build in genuine redundancy by replacing both units together
- We engaged the Vaillant Commercial representative to confirm equipment specification, so every option presented was correctly sized, warranted and backed by manufacturer guidance
Our recommendation was unambiguous: the twin-boiler configuration with plate heat exchanger gave the best balance of resilience, longevity and value for a building in continuous charitable use.
Planning & Preparation
As a registered charity, Age UK Enfield was required to obtain a minimum of three separate quotations before committing to capital expenditure. Rather than have the client run a multi-contractor tender, which would have been slow, inconsistent and a poor fit for an urgent welfare issue, we structured four genuinely distinct, costed options within a single proposal, so their board or committee could make a clear like-for-like comparison from one trusted source:
| Option | Description | Investment (ex. VAT) |
| Option 1 | Single Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 48kW replacement (like-for-like swap) | £5,498.51 |
| Option 2 | Single 48kW boiler + external 120kW plate heat exchanger & ancillaries | £6,553.49 |
| Option 3 (Recommended) | Twin 48kW boilers + 120kW plate heat exchanger, dual expansion vessels & full ancillaries | £11,642.58 |
| Option 4 | Single Vaillant 100kW commercial boiler + 120kW plate heat exchanger & full ancillaries | £10,874.01 |
Following internal review, the client approved Option 3, and works were scheduled to begin as promptly as possible given the urgency of the situation.
The Work We Carried Out
- Isolated supplies and drained down the system as required
- Decommissioned the existing boilers, flues and associated redundant components
- Carried out a full chemical flush of the central heating system to BS 7593
- Supplied and installed two Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 48kW light-commercial boilers, each with a 5-year manufacturer’s warranty
- Supplied and fitted two new 125mm horizontal flue systems with extensions, elbows and all accessories to current standards
- Supplied and installed a new 120kW external plate heat exchanger, complete with safety devices and insulation
- Supplied and installed two new 18-litre external expansion vessels with wall-mounting brackets
- Supplied and fitted a new independent filling loop with pressure gauge
- Altered pipework to accommodate and correctly connect the new equipment
- Cut in a new Adey MagnaClean 28mm magnetic boiler protection filter on the system return
- Refilled the system and dosed with scale inhibitor as required
- Wired both boilers to Part P and Part L requirements and connected to the existing controls
- Tested the existing gas supply for tightness and balanced radiators throughout the building
- Commissioned the full installation, completed Benchmark documentation, notified Building Control and registered the works with Gas Safe
- Removed all waste and left the plant room clean and tidy
A formal written testimonial was not obtained following this project. Age UK Enfield proceeded with our recommended option and all works were completed to their satisfaction. This case study will be updated if a testimonial is provided in due course.
Timeline & Completion
Given the operational nature of the building and the welfare needs of its users, the works were programmed for minimum disruption within the tightest practicable timeframe. Our commercial engineers completed decommissioning, installation, commissioning and Gas Safe registration in a single planned visit, with Benchmark documentation left with the client on the day and all statutory notifications processed promptly on sign-off.
Challenges & How We Solved Them
Procurement governance for a charitable organisation
Age UK Enfield’s internal rules required a minimum of three separate quotations, normally a slow, inconsistent process across multiple contractors and a poor fit for urgent works. We resolved this by structuring four genuinely distinct options within one proposal, meeting their governance requirement without the client having to manage a multi-contractor tender.
An inherited plant room with limited history
The client had taken over the building less than a year earlier and inherited ageing plant with no detailed service history. Our engineer carried out a thorough on-site assessment and brought in the Vaillant Commercial representative to validate equipment sizing, so every option was technically sound rather than assumed.
Welfare risk from a single point of failure
The building had run on one ageing boiler for twelve to eighteen months. For a day-care facility serving elderly service users, a failure during the colder months would have had immediate welfare implications. The twin-boiler configuration removes that risk: if one unit ever needs maintenance or repair, the second maintains full heating and hot water without interruption.
Pipework reconfiguration for new equipment
Introducing twin boilers, a plate heat exchanger, dual expansion vessels and their ancillaries required a considered reconfiguration of the existing plant room pipework. Our engineers adapted the layout so both hydraulic and thermal performance met manufacturer specification and current regulations.
The Finished Result
The Mabel Churn Centre now runs on a fully modernised, redundant commercial heating plant. The two Vaillant ecoTEC Plus 48kW boilers work with the new plate heat exchanger to deliver efficient, reliable heat and hot water across the building, each backed by a five-year manufacturer’s warranty. The Adey MagnaClean filter protects the new equipment from magnetite and system debris, and the chemical flush carried out beforehand means the new boilers are operating into a clean system from day one. Benchmark documentation, Gas Safe registration and Building Control notification are all in order. Most importantly, the centre’s management team can now operate with confidence: their service users will not be left without heating or hot water because of a single boiler failure, whatever the season.
Project Investment
Total investment: £11,642.58 plus VAT. For a charitable facility serving vulnerable adults, this represents a considered, responsible investment in long-term resilience. The twin-boiler configuration costs more upfront than the single-boiler alternatives, but it removes a single point of failure that had already put the building at risk for over a year. That’s a stronger position than reacting to an emergency replacement mid-winter. Both boilers carry a five-year manufacturer’s warranty, and the system is now registered, compliant and fully supported.
Why Choose Plumb London
- Over 35 years’ trading history as a family-run London plumbing and heating business
- Gas Safe registered engineers with commercial and light-commercial accreditation, working to current British Standards and building regulations
- Authorised Vaillant installers with direct access to manufacturer technical support and commercial representatives
- Transparent, structured quotations with multiple clearly costed options, no pressure selling and no hidden extras
- Experienced in sensitive occupied premises, including commercial, educational and community settings
- Full compliance documentation as standard: Benchmark commissioning records, Gas Safe registration and Building Control notification
- Honest advice first: we tell you what you need, not what generates the largest invoice
Frequently Asked Questions
How do we know whether to replace one boiler or both?
This is exactly what our survey is designed to answer. We assess the age, condition and operating history of your existing plant and give a clear, unbiased recommendation. Here, the combination of age, extended single-unit operation and the building’s welfare requirements made a twin-replacement the clear, responsible choice.
What is a plate heat exchanger and why might we need one?
A plate heat exchanger acts as a thermal barrier between the primary boiler circuit and the secondary building heating circuit. It protects the boiler from system contamination, allows independent pressurisation of each circuit, and is particularly useful in older or larger systems where a direct connection could compromise boiler performance or longevity.
Can you provide multiple quotes to satisfy our procurement requirements?
Yes. For clients with governance or procurement obligations, including charities, housing associations and public-sector organisations, we routinely structure several distinct options within a single proposal, so you get a like-for-like comparison from one trusted engineer rather than managing multiple site visits and contractor relationships.
How quickly can commercial boiler replacement works be carried out?
Commercial heating failures carry an urgency domestic jobs don’t. Subject to equipment lead times and site access, our commercial team works to the fastest practicable programme, and we always prioritise scheduling where vulnerable occupants or welfare risk are involved.
Customer Testimonials
Don’t just take our word for it, here’s a selection of the latest reviews. You can view more here.
Excellent service by Plumb London, fixed two bathroom related issues in a couple of days - clear communication and good management of expectations in terms of works and timeline, which I always apprec..Read More
Sandra Obradovic
Really happy with the service from Plumb London for my toilet repair. We're quick to attend and Charlie was very knowledgeable, getting the specific part needed and even providing advice on some other..Read More
Darren Phillips
Plumb London were brilliant from quote to completion. Firstly, they are very competitively priced and I had very little hesitation going with their quote for a new boiler. I was also really impressed ..Read More
Ashley Watkinson
Our boiler was leaking and Nicola fixed it the day it happened. Highly recommended!
Kathy Weston
Brilliant service, friendly engineer and a job completed quickly and tidily. I would use the company again if I ever need to. Swanscombe, Kent
Collin Best
Plumb London were able to come quickly and fix my problem without fuss, quoting a sensible price.
Robert Slater
My toilet seat was broken and previous plumbers I contacted told me it was a non-standard toilet and I had to get a new toilet. I invited over Plumb London and they told me that the toilet seat can be..Read More
Geoffrey Payne
Plumb London provided excellent service from start to finish! The boiler installation was quick, tidy, and professionally done. A year later, the same engineer carried out an efficient and thorough ma..Read More
George Ezeanaka
Fantastic experience all around. The customer service team at PlumbLondon is not only responsive and super-friendly, but actually take initiative - we had our job done a day early because a team membe..Read More
Eleanor Franzén
Plumb London carried out a boiler and gas safety check for me. They were quick to get booked in, the team were polite and professional, and their pricing was more competitive than others I contacted. ..Read More
Louise Kaufhold
A Five Star service. The range of skills and craftsmanship displayed by Mounir were incredible. Would recommend to anyone with dreams of creating a Dream Kitchen. With this Team, it’s not just possi..Read More
Trevor Beattie
Easy to communicate with and quick work to solve the problem we had
Josh Evans
Excellent service from start to finish, everything was handled professionally and efficiently. Communication was clear throughout, and Louise did a great job coordinating everything and keeping me in..Read More
Claire Willis
Plumb London were brilliant. Stephan turned up on time, was very personable and was very efficient. Would definitely recommend and will be using again in future.
Eleanor Rider
For the second year in a row, the lovely Mo serviced our boiler. He was on time and provided a super thorough service. I would really recommend Plumb London as your plumbing company. 5 stars all round..Read More
Dianah Jane Coleman
Very fast service. We got our boiler changed as an emergency a year ago, and got service this year. Both times Plumb London were booked within 24h of being called, with the team taking good care of en..Read More
Alexandra Fleming
Great professional service from start to finish. The team did an excellent job installing a Powertank and paid close attention to detail throughout. I’ve used them a couple of times now and have alw..Read More
Kevin Senior
Absolutely exceptional service. Cannot recommend enough. Polite, attentive and understanding of the situation. Par and Stephan who attended my property were courteous and professional, making the horr..Read More
Max Hurd
I can’t fault the service I received. Prompt, courteous and so accommodating. It’s so easy to be ripped off, PlumbLondon are overwhelmingly decent, thorough and reliable. A million percent recomme..Read More
Kate Comer
Amazing job the works is done very professionally I will not hesitate to use your company again and recommend to friends.
Renato Balane
Fantastic service, efficient and easy to organise. Reliable and fair pricing
Jane Renton-Rose
Very professional and comprehensive service.
Stuart Highley
Fast service (next day) for the initial assessment of the issue. Then, even though it was not an emergency per se (needed broken shower pump replaced and associated inter-connecting pipe work), the te..Read More
Jeff Smith
a five-star service
David Akers
I had a great experience with Plumb London. They came out quickly to inspect an issue with my water tank, identified the problem right away, and got everything sorted efficiently. The engineer was pro..Read More
Patrick Fuller
Delighted with the service from Plumb London on a number of occasions. Very reliable and professional.
Thomas Jacques
good job well done boiler replacement
Deirdre Bell
Excellent service from engineer who attended to change kitchen tap. Punctual, courteous and knowledgeable. Got the job done despite an unexpected issue with some complex piping (resolved on the spot)...Read More
Constantia Smith
Contacted Plumb London hi Charlie, come round and give me a quote within days. Carried out. I ordered all the parts and even matched The new tiles with the existing. Hardly recommend them very profess..Read More
Vimal Sharma
Very professional. The work was carried out efficiently and quickly.
matt o'neill
Amazing job the works is done very professionally I will not hesitate to use your company again and recommend to friends.
Renato Balane
Fantastic service, efficient and easy to organise. Reliable and fair pricing
Jane Renton-Rose
We recently worked with Plumb London at AKA Marylebone and were extremely impressed with their professionalism and technical expertise. The project involved complex plantroom systems and ongoing comm..Read More
shellie-ann delaney
Excellent service. I've used Plumb London multiple times and they're always professional (they pick up the phone and arrive when they say they will). For example, my boiler had been leaking but only o..Read More
Sebastian Robinson
The initial consultation from Plumb London was excellent, and then a call received quickly do explain a detailed quote. The appointment for the work was quick and the work to the bathroom carried out ..Read More
Nick M
Had a new boiler installed 4 years ago, best decision. They have looked after it well and every service is efficient, quick and easy. They are fantastic to book with, always answer the phone and any i..Read More
Milly Smith
Big thumbs up for Plumb London, in particular the engineer (Andrew) who visited the property where my elderly mother lives. A gentle manner and patient approach was exactly the level of kindness that ..Read More
Patrick Totty
Prompt and efficient service from Plumb London. A clear and comprehensive quote was provided and the job was completed well. Our ancient boiler completely stopped working and they were able to visit t..Read More
Simone Thomas
Plumb London were absolutely incredible. We were in an emergency situation, and Jack did everything he possibly could to get a new boiler out to us as quickly as possible. He also liaised directly wit..Read More
Lily Macpherson
Fabulous and prompt service. Kept up to date; great communication.
Paula Kennedy
Great job, quick efficient and fair price
Daniel Dean
Delighted with the service from Plumb London on a number of occasions. Very reliable and professional.
Thomas Jacques
The service from Plumb London was prompt and they have solved the problem as I have still not had a complaint from my tenants It was very easy to deal.with the staff at Plumb London.
Shubha Kasbekar
Excellent service from engineer who attended to change kitchen tap. Punctual, courteous and knowledgeable. Got the job done despite an unexpected issue with some complex piping (resolved on the spot)...Read More
Constantia Smith
Excellent service by Plumb London, fixed two bathroom related issues in a couple of days - clear communication and good management of expectations in terms of works and timeline, which I always apprec..Read More
Sandra Obradovic
Really happy with the service from Plumb London for my toilet repair. We're quick to attend and Charlie was very knowledgeable, getting the specific part needed and even providing advice on some other..Read More
Darren Phillips
Contact Plumb London
If you are facing a plumbing, heating, boiler or drainage issue in London, do not hesitate to get in touch with Plumb London. Our friendly and knowledgeable team is ready to assist you with all your plumbing needs. Reach out to us today to schedule a consultation and experience the difference with Plumb London.
