new boiler / asbestos flu

richierobot

Hi all

We are in the process of purchasing a new home but understand the at some time the boiler will need to be replaced. The current boiler has an asbestos flu. I assume that the engineer will dispose of this for us and replace with an up to date condensing boiler. My query is has anyone has a similar job done and was it expensive?

RedOnRed

I'm pretty certain that your asbestos flue will need dismantling and disposing of by a professional specially licensed to do such work. It's a job that a plumber may be able to manage and organise for you but most likely won't be able to carry out themselves.

Alternatively, if you have no conscience, you could go down to your local travellers site and bung one of them 50 quid to do it and watch it float down your local river afterwards.

It's a professional's job.

navig8r

If your flue is like a hard tube...Check with your local envirmental office to see if there is an approved tip near you ..I contacted them because I had some asbestos sheets off my garage roof to dispose of ..they told me there were two tips near that were licenced for Asbestos and would take them for free if they were double wrapped in polythene so I bought a roll of builders damp course sheet ,wrapped them and took them down no problem..

Dave

ariba10

There are several types of asbestos as I understand it. Blue asbestos being the worst.

The asbestos in most flue linings and shed roofs is more an asbestos cement and relatively harmless.

andrewmoorcroft

my local council (birmingham) has a web site. u can follow the path for refuge, asbestos and it gives instructions for the diyer. it basically says keep things wet, wear a mask etc. wrap in thick plastic sheet/bag and give us a call and we'll collect it but i think its a little more detailed!

richierobot

thanks for your help - theres no way im going to attempt doing it myself - wont the person fitting the boiler be able to deal with the flue. I heard that the a new boiler may be able to attach itself to the current flue as well!

alanobrien

richierobot wrote:

Hi all

We are in the process of purchasing a new home but understand the at some time the boiler will need to be replaced. The current boiler has an asbestos flu. I assume that the engineer will dispose of this for us and replace with an up to date condensing boiler. My query is has anyone has a similar job done and was it expensive?

I had exactly that done, removal of an ancient flooor standing thorn boiler with asbestos flue and replaced with a nice wall mounted Vaillant model. It was about £1500 i recall (last year) and worth every penny.

RedOnRed

richierobot wrote:

thanks for your help - theres no way im going to attempt doing it myself - wont the person fitting the boiler be able to deal with the flue. I heard that the a new boiler may be able to attach itself to the current flue as well!

It's illegal for them to use the same flue.

ysabell

Recently had a new oil boiler fitted and the flue was changed. Old asbestos chimney was no longer needed. After talking to local council wastes management I found that they would dispose of it FOC if I could take it to the specified tip. That's what I did - no problem.
Some councils will also collect it from your house on pre-arranged days.