DIY Boiler fitting excluding all gas associated work Help and information on all topics relating to your central heating, air conditioning and ventilation issues.

[cwt2450]

Posted originally in Plumbing Section - Probably a better chance of getting response here

Similar posts always seem to focus on the issue of DIY gas work, whereas I have no intention of doing any. I believe there is still plenty of stuff a competent DIY'er could do without compromising safety.

Please advise if adopting the following approach would achieve compliance with current legislation whilst maximising the DIY content. Only steps 3, 10, 12 and maybe 11 done by professionals – I fitted the original vented system along these lines.
1. Size select and purchase combi boiler after research
2. Isolate boiler and drain system.
3. Engage Gas Safe Reg to disconnect gas and cap off away from work area
4. Remove old boiler, tanks and hot water cylinder along with interconnecting pipework (weigh-in at scrap metal dealer)
5. Replace all valves in central heating and hot water feed lines with valves more suitable for mains pressure – existing valves could be up to 30 years old
6. Replace any original radiators and suspect radiator valves - most have already been renewed over the last few years.
7. Mount new combi boiler on wall
8. Prepare flue route and fit loosely
9. Connect new flow & return, hot water supply pipework and cold feed to boiler via isolate valves
10. Power flush – don’t know how/who does this yet, so help appreciated.
11. Connect programmer etc and elec supply – yes I know I should use an electrician but I did rewire the house 15 years ago
12. Call in Gas Safe Reg to fix and seal flue, connect gas and commission boiler and system, and sign off work if satisfied.

Thanks

[DEEARR2]

Something tells me you know what response you will receive here. You obviously know what you are doing and sound competent enough to carry out the work you mention. By showing a respect and common sense with the gas work I would say yes you have got it right.

[cwt2450]

Thanks guys for your replies. I certainly reckon there is plenty that can be done without getting involved with RGI stuff. All I have to do now is find a RGI who will play ball and is happy to check my work do the gas associated stuff, power flush the system, commission and sign it off. Something to do in the spring when the scrappage scheme is in full swing. On the boiler selection front I'm currently thinking st/steel HE, so looking at the Which Mag recommendations it's either a Vaillant or a Baxi, as they seem to come tops for functionality, efficiency and reliability.
Cheers

[martinsfhb]

I totaly agree with you. ( I am an Electrician ) There is far too much emphasis on safety when fitting a boiler. The emphasis on safety should only apply to the GAS inc the VENT/FLUE . As for drilling a hole large enough for the flue or fitting the water pipes and fixing the boiler to the wall, I don't see why I or anyone else should pay over inflated prices to a GAS FITTER to do a very simple job.

I have asked a question on here about a boiler that I own . I will fix it myself , I know that there is not much wrong with it but need to know as I am fed up with so called GAS SAFETY fitters telling me ''it's had it mate, but we can do you a new one for £2,250 - £3,000 inc VAT ( three in totel have told me this GGGEEERRRR )

They may have the GAS SAFETY ticket to fit one, but they certainly had NO IDEA how to fix one... Watchdog should do a program on this to let the general public know that there are a lot of Cowboys out there WITH TICKETS etc.

Back in September my brother paid £250 to have his Gas Hob connected.
Connected !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! ... It was a straight swap with the old one, all the Gas fitter had to do was plug it in ... What a rip off that was.

Sorry rant over ...

To all GENUINE GAS FITTERS / PLUMBERS, I hope you have a GREAT CHRISTMAS and a VERY HAPPY NEW YEAR.