Boiler flue question

MouldyOldDough

We have a Worcester boiler with the flue/exhaust going through a chimney stack on the kitchen wall

We are getting the upper part of the chimney removed and I am concerned about the flue being damaged by bricks/mortar falling on it.

How fragile is the flue pipe ?

Is it "removeable" simply by unscrewing it - from the outside ?

if so what will stop dust from entering the boiler outlet through the empty port ?

WIAWSNB

Is it fairly fragile? Yes - the outer skin is usually thin metal, probably aluminium - I wouldn't want bricks and mortar falling on it.
Is it easy to remove? Yes, by a GasSafe. 20 minutes work for most.
Will dust and debris go in to the resulting boiler hole? Yes, unless it's capped off. 
So I'd call up your usual boiler service fellow, and explain the situation - they'll then be prepared when the come out, and should have some reliable means of covering the boiler flue'ole.

MouldyOldDough

WIAWSNB said:

Is it fairly fragile? Yes - the outer skin is usually thin metal, probably aluminium - I wouldn't want bricks and mortar falling on it.
Is it easy to remove? Yes, by a GasSafe. 20 minutes work for most.
Will dust and debris go in to the resulting boiler hole? Yes, unless it's capped off. 
So I'd call up your usual boiler service fellow, and explain the situation - they'll then be prepared when the come out, and should have some reliable means of covering the boiler flue'ole.

Is the flue removable from the outside or will the boiler have to be taken off the wall and removed from in the kitchen ?

molerat

It should most likely be doable without removing the boiler but some disassembly at the boiler end may be necessary.

WIAWSNB

As Mole says. Most boilers have a visible elbow at its top, and this is held on with a few screws. And the straight flue piece, often only held by a couple of screws into this. So it should be very doable, as long as access it ok.

I personally wouldn't entertain removing the whole boiler - I'd rather make up some form of shield to go over the flue to protect it. A short length of ~6" drain pipe, with a 4" slice taken out so it fits over? Or just wrap it in an old duvet! 

Tbh, this is for the builder to overcome. Have they said anything? If they damage it, they pay to have it fixed...

I'd discuss with them the option of covering the flue, or any other solution. 

MouldyOldDough

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81854399#Comment_81854399

I'm sitting in the living room, listening to my chimney slowly being taken down - occasionally hearing tinkling noises as tiny pieces of mortar/bricks rain down the void and strike the flu in the kitchen wall…

I did try to explain to the roofer that I was concerned about the flu - but the OH told me that he knows what he's doing !!!

Is there any fault indicator on the boiler that will show if the flu has been damaged - otherwise how will know ?

stuart45

It will only be really small bits that go down. He could have stuck some old fibre glass insulation or similar between the flue and brickwork to stop any going down, although it's a bit late now.

MouldyOldDough

They're Just about finished

I will check the boiler for any displayed codes

WIAWSNB

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/81887932#Comment_81887932

"Is there any fault indicator on the boiler that will show if the flu has been damaged - otherwise how will know?"

No. But, we will know if you suddenly stop posting.

(That didn't help, did it?)

Can you see the length of this flue? If it's intact, I really wouldn't worry. And come next boiler service, ask the GS to check it.

Or, do you have a CO meter? They are around a £enner, and you can position it nearish to the flue.