Can a new boiler be fitted entirely from the inside?

[Bath111]

I'm having scaffolding go up at the rear of the property where I live this Summer for redecorating works and a heating engineer from British Gas suggested that I have a new boiler fitted in my flat at the same time (even though the existing Vaillant one is fine) because he says that if the existing one breaks and they stop making parts, I'll have to go to the expense of having scaffolding put up in order to have the new boiler fitted. He said that while British Gas stipulate access to the outside of the building in order to check the integrity of the hole that that is drilled, most other plumbers will happily fit a new boiler entirely from the inside. I was just wondering if that's true and what people's view on that is? I'd rather not go to the expense of having anew boiler, but at the same time, if scaffolding really is necessary, maybe I should think about having it done at the same time as the decorating. I'm not sure how old the existing boiler is, but it's probably at least 15 years old.

 

[ShaunCorbs]

How high up is the flue / what floor are you on

But mostly yes the new boiler can be fitted from inside

 

[Scott_D]

How high up?

 

[king of pipes]

I agree get it changed at the same time 15 years is a good run , you will get a better job with your installer working on a safe scaffold. Cheers kop

 

[Bath111]

It's second floor but pretty high up from the rear elevation - at least 35ft. And the scaffold needs to go through the ground floor flat so will cost around £2,000

 

[Bath111]

Is access to the rear necessary so that the hole can be sealed with silicone/render to prevent water getting in?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Normally just a rubber seal that can be pushed from the inside (hole might need to be recut larger) but not really a problem

Upto you tbh bath

 

[townfanjon]

15 year old , change it.

 

[steadyon]

You need to be certain that it is agreed in advance, and in writing, that the scaffolding will be available for use by people not employed by the decorating firm. I had this recently where I'd hoped to use the decorators scaffolding but was told their insurance didn't cover it.