DIY Central Heating

Fisher_2007

Just found this site and think its great, hoping someone could offer some advise

In the process of moving from a 2 bed flat to a 3 bed house (which is in need of much TLC)

At the moment the central heating system is a gas fired back boiler to rads and was wanting to remove it and install a combi. Obviously I know the gas bit needs to be done by a corgi reg plumber but I'm a pretty competent DIYer and have experience of plumbing, moving/replacing radiators etc and was thinking to cut costs of doing most of the labour myself.

Just wondered whether this was a good idea? I'm thinking about stripping all the rads out, replacing all the pipework (as is all surface run everywhere) and getting all this back to the garage (where I want the boiler mounted). Any input much appreciated.

ormus

shouldnt be a real problem if you let the corgi man do the boiler.
just be aware that some plumbers wont play ball with you. they want to do it all or nothing.
maybe best to get the plumber in first to tell you where he wants your pipes to be sited/terminated?
remember you will require a mains cold feed too. and frost protection for any pipes in the garage?

Fleeting_Glimpse

Get quotes for fitting boiler first.

It is a 'fairly' straight forward job...just make sure you get your pipe sizes correct etc.

Don't be afraid to use the plastic speedfit pipe either....but use copper for up to each radiator valve...it'll look better.

But if your really confident...I'd use all copper with soldered joints

Fisher_2007

Thanks for the replies

Can anyone suggest a good book/website where I can read up on combi central heating systems?

ormus

what do you need to know?

Canucklehead

Hi

A few of your questions might be answered if you go here.http://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/showthread.html?t=401723&highlight=diy+central+heating
After post 12 it gets hijacked.

Good luck.
Corgi Guy.

Fisher_2007

ormus wrote: »

what do you need to know?

Rad sizes, copper pipe sizes and any other bits that I don't know and wouldn't want to get wrong.

dogtooth_2

The B&Q web site has a really easy to use BTU calculator so you know which size of rads to buy.
Link: http://http://www.diy.com/diy/jsp/bq/templates/content_lookup.jsp?content=/bq_advice/planning_tools/btu_calculator.jsp&linktype=HtoH_TA_BTUCalc&ts=1175093746986
I've fitted a combi system without any major problems, just paid an engineer to test it(commission) when finished. Cost me £900 for combi, 7 rads, towel rad, pipe and joints, (was 10 years ago) but prices are cheaper now believe it or not! Don't fix back down the floor boards till its up and running incase of any leaks. Take your time planning where the pipes will run etc, ask lots of questions you will be surprised how helpful tradesmen are if you show due defference to the skills and knowledge they have gained.
Total job took me 5 days and I'm just a DIYer.
Hope that helps.