Are you wondering if you can install a boiler all on your own? In this guide we explain exactly what you are allowed to do and what needs to be left to a Gas Safe Engineer.
Thinking of having a new boiler fitted? Want to know if you could install it DIY?
In this guide, we’ll answer this question and layout specifically why you can or can’t fit it DIY.
PS We fit new combi boilers with gas safe installation nationwide. Simply answer these questions, get your fixed price and you could get it installed as quick as tomorrow.
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Fitting a Gas Boiler Key Points:
By law, not just anyone can install/fit gas boilers in the UK.
In fact, any 'work in relation' to gas fitting must legally be carried out by someone on the Gas Safe Register.
It is also illegal to do the work yourself and then have it checked by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
Who can install a Gas Boiler?
Unfortunately, the reality is that a boiler installation is not for everyone. We know that paying for a boiler instalment can be expensive work, but the truth is you have to be qualified by law in order to install a gas boiler.
Working with gas is far from straightforward and the safety risks involved are a key reason why the law requires certain people to fit gas boilers.
If you were to install a gas boiler yourself and a gas leak or even an explosion occurred, you could be criminally liable. Ultimately, there is no question here we’re afraid; a boiler needs to be installed by a competent and qualified professional.
But here’s the good news. Not only would having your boiler fitted by a professional bring peace of mind but there are ways to reduce your costs when hiring a contractor.
Here are our tips for hiring a boiler installer:
Look around for several quotes.
Ask friends and family members for recommendations.
Check out any online reviews different installers have.
And that’s not all…
Unlike boiler installers in general, we offer fixed quotes regardless of where you are based in the UK. Place an order with us today for a new boiler.
These are our baseline costs for a range of boiler installations:
Installation Type | Cost |
Combi Boiler Replacement | £1,665 |
System/Regular Boiler Conversion | £2,345 |
Back Boiler Conversion | £2,695 |
Gas work: What you can and can’t do DIY
We’ve already established that you cannot fit a boiler DIY. However, that doesn’t mean you can’t do any gas work by yourself.
What’s suitable for a DIY enthusiast?
Pretty much any tasks laid out in the manufacturer’s user guide are fine to undertake DIY.
That is so long as you’ve no doubts about your skills and understanding of the tasks at hand. Work like adjusting the system pressure or system temperature with the boiler’s controls would be suitable work for a DIY enthusiast.
You should not undertake any work that would disturb the gas supply or related components. Ever.
You should also avoid any work that would impact your heating system’s combustion process.
In some cases, certain gas heating system tasks could be undertaken by say a plumber or electrician but if the task(s) involves working with the gas supply, a Gas Safe registered engineer must be hired.
As for the work, you cannot undertake DIY…
This would cover any gas work. This is defined as work that only a Gas Safe registered engineer (i.e., a competent person in the field of gas work) may perform.
Examples of gas work that are not suitable for a DIY enthusiast:
Perform maintenance work.
Service a gas boiler.
Permanently adjust or disconnect a gas boiler.
Undertake repair work.
Alter or renew the boiler.
Remove your boiler.
If in doubt as to whether you can perform a job DIY either consult a competent heating engineer or simply hire them to do the work for you.
What about Oil and Electric Boilers?
Things are a little different when it comes to an oil boiler. It is best to have a qualified professional approved by the OFTEC install an oil boiler for you.
However, it is not legally required in the way that a gas safety registered engineer must be hired to fit a gas boiler.
With that being said, it is certainly advisable to have an OFTEC-approved installer fit an oil boiler regardless.
An installer who is not approved by the OFTEC would need to notify local building control before fitting the boiler.
In addition, an OFTEC technician would still be needed to come out and ensure the boiler (once installed) meets the relevant regulations. All in all, it would make the most sense to simply hire a qualified professional to fit an oil boiler.
As for electric boilers, most of this could be done DIY. That is unless you need to first remove a gas or oil boiler. If a gas or oil boiler is being replaced, then a qualified professional would still be needed to remove the existing before.
Either way, an electrician would be required to deal with wiring up your electric boiler. Even for the installation itself, working with or around electrics can be hazardous.
Always ensure you isolate the electrics at the mains when fitting an electric boiler in place. This is to make certain you do not accidentally electrocute yourself as this could prove lethal. If in doubt, it would be best to hire professionals for all aspects of the work.
So, again, rather than performing some tasks and hiring professionals for others, it would be best to hire the relevant professional(s) needed to install an electric boiler for you and remove an existing boiler, if applicable. Ultimately, boiler installations are not generally DIY-friendly jobs.
The potential hazards of fitting a Gas Boiler DIY
Aside from the legal issues and concerns relating to a poor installation, there are many real health and safety risks with an unqualified individual fitting a gas boiler DIY.
One major concern is carbon monoxide. 1000s are hospitalised from carbon monoxide poisoning annually and some 30-50 people die from such exposure each year.
The scary thing about carbon monoxide is that it is generally odourless, invisible and tasteless.
This is why it’s very important to have carbon monoxide alarm installed in any relevant rooms where the risk exists (or every room on your property for total peace of mind).
There are reasons why a gas boiler should be serviced and fixed by a qualified professional and the same applies to the installation of a gas boiler.
Other dangers of installing a gas boiler DIY include:
Gas leaks.
Gas-fuelled fires.
Gas explosions.
What other issues may arise from a DIY installation:
Your warranty could be invalidated.
You lose out on any additional benefits of having a professional fit your boiler.
A professional can ensure your boiler meets all regulations.
There are various building regulations that relate to having a boiler installed. A qualified professional will know what these are and make sure your boiler is in line with said regulations. As for planning permission, this usually will not apply.
However, if an external flue is needed, it can be no more than one metre higher than the tallest part of your roof if it is being installed on either the side or rear of your property.
If your plans would fall outside of this rule, then you should contact your local council and discuss planning permission approval.
It can take several weeks (as much as eight weeks, in fact) for planning permission approval to be granted if you’re submitting an application.
DIY Boiler Installation: Verdict
All in all, you cannot install a gas boiler DIY and in general, even for an oil or electric boiler, it’s advisable to hire a professional.
Indeed, for an oil or electric boiler, it can be a requirement for certain aspects of the job, such as wiring up a newly installed electric boiler.
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