Replacing a boiler

1. Finding a plumber to replace a boiler

It is easy to waste valuable time contacting and describing your job to plumbers who are not necessarily available for or interested in your particular job. We make this process quick and easy. Simply post a job ad for free and we will contact heating engineers in your area of the UK for you. You will receive tenders by email from plumbers interested in your job. You will be able to check the references provided and view feedback left by previous myworkman users.

2. Do I need a Gas Safe registered plumber to replace a boiler?

For any installations or repairs that involve gas the tradesman in question must be Gas Safe registered. Anyone carrying out work on gas appliances or fittings as part of their business must be competent and registered with Gas Safe. It is not only illegal for non-Gas Safe registered person to work on gas appliances or fittings, it is also very dangerous.

3. What is a condensing boiler?

The only difference between a condensing boiler and an ordinary boiler is that they have a small drain pipe as well as a flue. This is because the exhaust gases are cooled to extract more heat before being exhausted through the flue, and so they produce a vinegary-like fluid that needs to be drained away. You'll also see more steam from the flue than with an ordinary boiler.

4. What is a combi boiler?

The high efficiency condensing combi or combination boiler is an ingenious space-saving idea, and an increasingly popular choice in UK homes. In fact, combis now account for well over half of all the new domestic boilers installed in Britain every year. The major difference between a combi and any other type of boiler is that a combi eliminates the need to store hot water -- so no hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard. It is both a high-efficiency water heater and central heating boiler, combined (hence the name) within one compact unit which usually sits in the kitchen or utility room, or sometimes in the airing cupboard. The space savings result from the fact there is no hot water storage cylinder, cold water storage cistern or other familiar components of a regular (conventional) heating system. The further benefits of this are a significant saving on hot water costs, and the fact that hot water is delivered through your taps or shower at mains pressure. So you can enjoy powerful showering* without the need for a pump. Another combi benefit is that it can generally save you money on installation time and costs -- no tanks in the roof space means less pipe work and a shorter installation time.

5. High Efficiency Boilers

There is an A to G rating for boilers in the same way as there is for electrical appliances. When you're thinking of replacing your boiler or installing new central heating look out for an A-rated boiler.

6. Tips on employing plumbers

Before employing a plumber, we recommend reading our tips on employing tradesmen.