Oil to gas conversion - Removing back boiler?

[Big_Bill_Adama]

Hi all,

I am looking some advice regarding our renovations. We have just bought an old house circa late 1930's. We are looking to switch from oil to gas for various reasons one being the showers are electric.

My question specifically regards a back boiler in one of the fireplaces. We have had 3 plumbers out, 2 have offered to just 'disconnect' the back boiler. The third has just come out and said that due to switching to gas it is not safe to just disconnect the back boiler and it must be removed for safety. Obviously this means a lot more work to take the fireplace out and put it back in. He has said that building control will require it to be removed.

I just don't understand why the other two plumbers were happy to disconnect it. I do trust the third plumber as he is a friend of my fathers and definitely knows his stuff.

Any advice is appreciated,

Mike

 

[SimonG]

Most wouldnt take it out but it is a requirement to remove it.

 

[Big_Bill_Adama]

Most wouldnt take it out but it is a requirement to remove it.

Thank you Simon. Can I ask if it were you, would you go with the disconnect route or removing it?

Thanks,

Mike

 

[SimonG]

I used to disconnect and drill them. The last couple have been removed.
The problem lies with the fact that the back boiler is supposed to operate with water in it as normal operation. If its left in then it will deteriorate quicker and could possibly direct products of combustion into the house.