replacing c/heating boiler

[Jentrev96]

i would like to replace my conventional boiler with a combination boiler has anyone got inst instructions ?please

[Christian McArdle]

In order to fit gas appliances, you need to be what is described in the legislation as a "competent person". For professional installation, this is defined as being a member of CORGI, with, possibly an exception for BG. However, for installations within your own home, it is permitted to DIY, provided you can hold your head up high in a court of law and justify your competence.

Unfortunately, the level of expertise that appears to be present from the nature of your query would indicate that the court would be unlikely to accept that you did comply with the competence requirement, and such an installation would be illegal, and probably highly dangerous.

The court would be looking to ensure that you were able to perform and understand all the calculations required to design the system. They would also need to be convinced that your understood all the safety precautions and systems required to do a professional installation.

Finally, the replacement of the boiler would come under building regulations and require you to make a building application to your local authority to ensure that the system as installed would comply with Part L1, for energy efficiency and heating controls.

I would suggest ringing around in the Yellow Pages and asking for recommendations for a CORGI installer in your local area. There is no need to pay the high prices that BG and the other national companies charge.

Christian.

[chris French]

In message , Christian McArdle writes

Just got into an argument with the chap in my local plumbers merchants about this - I wanted a 1/4 inch iron plug to plug the end of the supply pipe to gas fire I've removed.

'Is this for gas?'

'Yes'

'You have to be a member of CORGI etc.'

'Well actually you don't to DIY....'

'Oh yes you do....' and went a bit of spiel about it.

I waited to I got all my bits, before I tried to correct him, don't think he believed me though.

Quite.

There is a bit in the uk.d-i-y FAQ about this.

[Set Square]

Others have already commented on competence issues related to gas fitting - so I won't repeat all that.

However, I'm faced with the question "Why would anyone conceivably *want* to replace a conventional boiler with a combi?"

Are you *sure* you want to do this, and have considered all the implications?

[chris French]

In message , Set Square writes

Space was the short answer for us.

We replaced our boiler/HW tank system (the boiler was old and getting knackered) with a combi.

We had a small bathroom , by getting rid of the tank and airing cupboard we were able to put in decent separate shower, and rearrange things to make a much better room. One advantage of the combi of course is we get a good shower as well with no pumps etc.

Yes, I miss the airing cupboard at times, but I don't really miss the HW tank that much. We are mostly shower people, and don't run baths very often so the slow flow rate of the combi isn't to much of an issue - the mains pressure HW is benefit. Multiple draw offs aren't a problem for us.

It's not perfect, it's a compromise, but one that works ok for us.

[IMM]

What a stupid question!! The advantages of combi boilers are well known.

[Andy Hall]

As are the disadvantages, such as the poor results when the available water flow is poor.

.andy

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[IMM]

As with any mains fed system.

And when the available water flow is good, the advantages fly.

[Andy Hall]

Provided that the boiler is large enough for the application.

.andy

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[Dave Plowman (News)]

Yup, they're cheap and easy to fit, so recommended by every plumber with his eye on his profits.

[:::Jerry::::]

Well if taking three times as long to run a hot bath as would take using a HW tank system (opposed to a mildly warm one given the same flow rate) is an advantage.....

Just a real world example of a combi system that I came across the other day whilst talking to some friends.

[IMM]

Of course, that is stating the obvious. Why would you have one too small? Do you buy a motor bike to transport a family around? No. You buy a 4/5 seater car.

[Dave Plowman (News)]

And all 4/5 seater cars are the same, and cost the same?

Most people buy the car they need for a specific purpose - and consider the cost.

Just expecting a combi to do everything it should without considering the possible upgrading cost of the incoming main(s) is rather like buying a car without an engine...

[Andy Hall]

It is, but it is surprising how many people have 9lpm combis and 9lpm water supplies and are disappointed.

.andy

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[IMM]

conceivably

Because they shouldn't go to plumbers. They are useless. They should go to heating engineers, who will know the market and what is available.

It is amazing how any people are delighted with correctly sized combi's.

[Andy Hall]

So are you a plumber or a heating engineer?

.andy

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[Dave Plowman (News)]

Given that he conveniently always omits the true cost of a replacing a storage system with a combi that performs as well, he can't be an engineer. A proper engineer is aware of costs, and knows how to compare like for like before making recommendations.

[IMM]

Is that Sarf Lahndan wit? Please advanced warning so people can laugh.

[Owain]

"IMM" wrote | > Provided that the boiler is large enough for the application. | Of course, that is stating the obvious. Why would you have one | too small? Do you buy a motor bike to transport a family around? | No. You buy a 4/5 seater car.

Unless you're living in a Giles cartoon, who always manages to get a family of six into a motorcycle er, er, er, *combination*. Back on topic after all.

Owain

[Andy Hall]

I wouldn't know - I very seldom go there.

No need really.

.andy

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