New rules on boiler flue inspection panels

MOTO

Hi, we're aware that as of Jan 2013 any home that does not have inspection panels for the boiler flues cannot pass any service and the gas supply can be cut off by the engineer. Our home is only 7 years old and does not have these panels. We read somewhere that we may be able to get this done under the 10 year builers warranty- is this the case? Wimpey did contact us to tell us about the change but obviously didn't mention the warranty so we want to be well advised before contacting them. Thanks in advance!

southcoastrgi

you need to be able to inspect the flue at every joint it's not good enough to be able to stick your head in a void & look at 4m of flue as you can't inspect it properly, it has always been the case that as part of the service/repair/safety cert that the flue must be able to be inspected & if not this was NCS however this has been renforced to every joint from Jan 2013 & from that date will be AR plus you will need a co alarm installed if there isn't already one, how does the flue in your house run then ?

http://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/advice/flues_in_voids.aspx

If the property is between 2 and 10 years old contact the home warranty provider as you may be covered by them if there are defects in the flue. The main warranty providers (NHBC, Premier Guarantee and Zurich Building Guarantee) have however advised that cover is not provided for installing inspection hatches in homes over two years old.

http://www.hse.gov.uk/safetybulletins/fluesinvoids.htm

MOTO

Thanks, I've actually no idea how the flue runs. The boiler is upstairs so I'm assuming ceiling? Am planning on having good look tomorrow. We've got a carbon monoxide alarm in the hallway outside of boiler cupboard. If it is in ceiling, do you think it's possible the inspection hatches could be installed in attic?

southcoastrgi

if the flue runs in the attic then there is no need for inspection hatches, they are only needed if they run in a false ceiling or a duct, if the boiler is upstairs does the flue not go straight up into the loft & then through the roof or is it on an outside wall where the flue just comes off the top & goes straight through the wall, this may have been a standard letter that the house builder sends to all home owners & may not effect you at all, please let us know what you find when you look.

MOTO

Ah, I'm a fool... Turns out the 'boiler' in the upstairs cupboard is a thermal heater and the boiler is on the outside wall in garage so there's no need for hatches.:o Thanks so much for all your help southcoastrgi

southcoastrgi

no probs glad you got it sorted.