Summer is when most homeowners think about their boilers the least, which makes it the perfect time to get your boiler serviced, repaired or replaced by a Gas Safe certified boiler engineer.
In particular, if your boiler is reaching the end of its operating lifespan, regardless of whether it is a small combi boiler or part of a more elaborate boiler system, it is best to get your boiler installed when you need it least, and the installation process will cause the least disruption.
This is because the installation process can vary in complexity, depending on your current boiler, the state of your pipework, whether you are installing a like-for-like replacement or significantly changing your system, and all of this can affect how long it takes and how much it costs.
To understand why, it is important to know what happens when a new boiler is installed, what affects it, and why a boiler engineer is vital for both legal and safety reasons.
What Happens During Boiler Installation?
The exact process of installing a boiler can vary depending on what works need to be completed, whether any changes need to be made to the underlying pipework and if there are any complications with where your boiler is installed that an engineer needs to account for.
However, here is a relatively general step-by-step process for installing a new boiler.
Step 1: Removal And Disposal Of Your Existing Boiler
The first step a boiler engineer will need to make is to shut off your gas and water supply before carefully removing your existing boiler.
In many cases, such as a standard combination boiler, this is relatively simple and familiar to an expert boiler engineer, with a standardised process for disconnecting all of the components and removing the unit from your wall.
This can take a matter of minutes in some cases, but it can be complicated if the pipework attached to your boiler is more complex, the boiler is large, multiple components need to be replaced at once, or if it is located in an area where it is difficult for an engineer to work.
Step 2: Checking The System
The existing flue system will then need to be checked before installing the new boiler. Installing a new boiler into a system with leaky, damaged or blocked pipework will not only fail to fix the problem but could damage your boiler as well.
Step 3: Preparing The Area
Your engineer will explain the process and answer any questions before preparing the area around your boiler.
Because part of the process involves cleaning the pipework, your floor and nearby surfaces will be covered with protective sheets, and everything else will be moved out of the way to avoid any staining or splashes.
Step 4: Flushing The Pipework
A new boiler should not be installed into a dirty system, so an engineer will use a dedicated closed-loop flushing system to clean out your pipes, removing sludge, sediment and blockages that could damage your new boiler.
There are various systems available, but your engineer will talk you through whichever process they use.
Step 5: Upgrading The Pipework (If Necessary)
The part of the installation process which affects installation the most, your engineer will examine your existing pipework and determine if any of it needs upgrading or fixing.
If you want to move your boiler or you are making a substantial upgrade to your boiler (such as installing a bigger one or fitting a hot water cylinder), all of your pipework could potentially need upgrading, which is a time-consuming process.
However, in many like-for-like boiler replacement jobs, this part is not necessary.
Step 6: Installing The New Boiler
Once everything is prepared and upgraded, the next step is to fit your new boiler to your pipework in the location you have agreed to.
This process typically does not take too long, as long as other upgrades are not necessary.
Step 7: Fitting Any Additional Components
If there are any extra accessories or components that need fitting, they will typically be installed after the main boiler unit is installed in place.
Step 8: Commissioning And Registering
Once everything is in place, your engineer will test the new boiler according to a strict regulatory process.
This step must be documented and can only be undertaken by a Gas Safe engineer; if someone attempts to install it themselves, the boiler will be illegally installed and unsafe to use.
Finally, the boiler will be registered with the manufacturer, and you can either do this yourself or your engineer can help with this process.