Exploding boiler?

As some of you know, waveney and I own a second house which we rent to micavity (the rent just about covers the mortgage and I try not to think too hard about the tax breaks I'm losing out on by not putting my savings into a pension scheme instead).

The hot water has been playing up recently - getting down to a trickle, so we've had a couple of plumbers in to look at it. The second was just about to give us his report (he wanted to talk to some people at the supply place) when the boiler exploded.

Well, there was steam everywhere, blistered paint, warped woodwork, peeling wallpaper, a possible crack in the bath, etc. (This is Kelvin's report over the phone) It wasn't possible for him to make a close inspection - too much dangerous steam.

I had a mad panic trying to find my insurance policy (got mixed up with the one for our house initially). So far, they've been very helpful - the guy on the phone was both informative and supportive. (definite short-term Brownie points for the Woolwich) They're sending a plumber around to check that everything is safe and to make an initial assessment of what needs to be done.

Here's where I hope that is is indeed a boiler explosion... If it is, then my policy covers it compeltely and we get a new boiler as well as fixing the damage from the water and steam. If it isn't, then we're only covered for the damage caused by the escaped steam/water.

The plumber should be there within half an hour (which is within the time originally quoted to me and I've also had calls from both plumbing company and plumber to let me know the state of the art and when they're likely to be there).

If the follow-up is as helpful as the initial actions have been (I'm impressed by the fact that not only are people appearing as promised, but within the time promised and I've been given numbers to ring if people don't appear as promised) then the Woolwich may have my custom for a long time to come.

In the meantime, we'll all a bit shaky and jittery...