Servicing an awkwardly-positioned boiler

[AndrewB]

Hello. I have a question. When I had my flat refurbished, I had my kitchen ceiling lowered to add insulation. the boiler was not lowered, so now the main box of the boiler reaches a couple of cm above the plasterboard (see photo). We can get the door off ok for inspections, but a plumber has told us that because he does not have easy access to the pipes/valves etc on top of the boiler, he cannot carry out a full service (in particular the flue gas analyser checks, I think). He says the only option is to lower the boiler at a cost of around £800. Can anyone confirm this? I can expand the cavity around the top of the boiler to make it extend around 12cm or so from the from of the boiler. Does that help? All advice appreciated. Thanks

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Please don't run the boiler with the case off

And yes by the looks of it need either lowering or an access panel fitting,

Boiler on an external wall ?

Have a word with your service engy which one is he happy with but both are acceptable

 

[Scott_D]

The flue needs to be accessed for inspection

 

[Last Plumber]

First of all, You should to be Gas safe registered to remove that case.

The Boiler manufacturer has distances for servicing which are in the instruction manual. These give the required distance all round the Boiler, which will more than likely be needed at some point during it's lifetime.

You do need access to the flue test points (x 2) on top of the boiler. You can test the flue gases from outside if there is easy access but you would still need access to the air intake test point too.

You could open up the ceiling for access but it would need to be sealed properly again to cover other regulations (building regs, Fire regs etc),

The best way is to lower the Boiler if you cannot re-alter the ceiling to suit.

 

[AndrewB]

Don't worry, I don't run it with the panel off! how would the access panel work? Would that mean creating a much bigger hole in front of the boiler, then covering part of that with a panel which I'd remove at servicing time? thanks

 

[oz-plumber]

It sounds like you have found a reputable Plumber that has a conscience and your best interests at heart.

You could either do what he stipulates, or fob him off and get someone else.

Chances are, the next Plumber may not have a conscience nor you best interests at heart and tell you the boilers been serviced - and everything is OK.

Downside to this - Plumbers with a conscience - charge more.
( it helps with sleeping comfortably )

 

[AndrewB]

It would appear that we have a consensus, and that I need to get the boiler lowered! Finally, would you say £800 is reasonable?

 

[ShaunCorbs]

How old is the boiler ?

 

[AndrewB]

5 years

 

[ShaunCorbs]

Depends what's he's doing but sounds about right about a day and half work plus materials

 

[AndrewB]

ok. thank you, all