A sticky yellow substance was dripping from a boiler – engineer felt ‘panic’ when he looked inside

A heating company in Bridgend, Wales, recently encountered a unique situation involving a customer’s newly installed boiler. What began as a report of a “buzzing” noise coming from the boiler escalated when the customer noticed a mysterious “yellow substance” dripping out of it. Swansea-based Hale Heating and Renewables, the company responsible for the installation, sent an engineer to investigate the issue.

Upon inspection, the engineer made a surprising discovery – a large honey bee nest inside the boiler. The director of the company, Ashley Hale, described the engineer’s initial reaction as one of panic. The engineer promptly secured the boiler and ensured the safety of the property. It was an extraordinary occurrence, described by Mr. Hale as “one in a million.”

The unexpected infestation occurred when a Queen bee entered the boiler through the flue, leading to the formation of a nest within the internal parts. Despite notifying the manufacturer, they declined to cover the cost of replacing the boiler. Moved by the customer’s situation, Mr. Hale decided to take matters into his own hands.

Understanding the customer had already incurred expenses from a beekeeper hired to address the issue, Mr. Hale felt compelled to assist further. He made the generous decision to provide and install a new boiler for the customer, free of charge. This act of goodwill was motivated by a belief that no one should go without heating in 2024.

Mr. Hale, who has a background as a former Royal Engineer, expressed astonishment at the unprecedented event. Reflecting on years in the industry, he noted that such a scenario was unprecedented. Amidst the ordeal, Mr. Hale emphasised the importance of thorough aftercare services and encouraged individuals to choose boiler companies wisely, considering their aftercare policies.

The heartwarming story serves as a testament to Hale Heating and Renewables’ commitment to customer service. Mr. Hale’s dedication to assisting those in need underscores the company’s ethos of going above and beyond for their clients. His actions exemplify a sense of compassion and responsibility towards ensuring the well-being of customers.