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Replacing your boiler and why you shouldn’t do it yourself

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Are You a DIY Guy?

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Photo Credit: lilcrazyfuzzy

Do you enjoy doing minor fix-ups around the house? Do you use your free time to even the walls, tighten loose screws, and paint over some old rusty doors? I bet you did more than that, like changed the chandelier or replaced electricity ports.

Even if you have done all these, you should never mess around with gas supplies. Most common place is setting up a new stove (which uses gas) or a new boiler. Today I will explain why you shouldn’t be that DIY guy when replacing your boiler.

Before the Actual Purchase

It is advised to check all the pipes, and went them a bit thus clearing any possible debris that could damage your new boiler, give it a “fresh” start.

Getting Down to Business

Whether your old boiler is rusty or malfunctioning, or you simply wanted a larger or newer one, you have decided to buy a new boiler. Before buying the one you like, you should consider how it will fit in your bathroom, will it suffice your needs or how practical it is. You can think about it yourself, decide and then realize not everything is quite working out as you had imagined. Not to mention all the permits you have to acquire and many other complications that may appear.

Working with Gas

Technically, it is not illegal to do gas work at home, but the consequences of doing incompetent work can be catastrophic. Working with gas is a highly complex and dangerous task, which requires lots of knowledge and experience to fully master. Worst part is, if done poorly, not only will you cause an explosion or worse, you could be faced with criminal charges.

Your new boiler installation has to meet building regulations; meaning that your own work has to be verified by someone with authority. Failing to comply can get you fined and the cost for fixing can become significant as well.

Warranty

Irregular installment will immediately cause you to lose your warranty. Most, if not all, boiler manufacturers have a clause that requires installment to be performed by a certified individual. Some even require a special permit for their own kind. By installing yourself, your warranty or guarantee may become invalid.

You can easily avoid any complications by hiring professionals. They offer premium packages that will not only help you pick the right type and size for your home, but also install it with haste. In addition they can check your entire heating system for faults. Lastly, they offer annual or biannual checkups to make sure your new boiler is working at maximum capacity as long as possible.

Danger of Gas

No matter how competent you think you are, or how experienced you actually are, you should NEVER mess with the gas supply.  Incorrectly installed gas appliances are potentially deadly in more ways than one.

Explosions by Gas Leaks

Most common one is explosion caused by a gas leak. Why risk the life and health of your family for an insignificant amount of money, when you can be safe and secure with proper installation.

Carbon Monoxide Poisoning

This one is tricky because it can happen even with proper setup. You should always be aware of the possibility. If your boiler is not performing up to standards, chances are its leaking carbon monoxide, an odorless and colorless, but deadly gas.

Every year over 200 homes in the UK are affected by Carbon Monoxide poisoning, leading to over 50 deaths.

Professionals

Who is qualified to work with gas? Whom should you trust to properly install your new boiler?

Approved Code of Practice HSE Safety Regulations in the installation and use of gas systems and appliances (1998) says it should be “a person who has successfully completed an industry recognized training course followed by assessment of competence. Training that leads to assessment of competence in safe gas work should be recognized by the industry’s standards setting body”.

Summary

I strongly suggest and recommend buying a new boiler through a professional installation package.

Benefits include money saving, professional installation, safety, maximum performance and efficiency and in the long run, checkups and maintenance.

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Contributors

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