Boiler advice needed please

greyteam1959

It won't really be up to the heating engineer what size gas pipe you have to have.

It will be what is specified in the installation instructions.

NRGMAN

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82115790#Comment_82115790

No, I know, it is the modern boiler guidelines/requirements I am going by,

ComicGeek

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82115790#Comment_82115790

Not really. The maximum reduction in gas pressure allowable between meter and boiler is set by legislation, not the manufacturer. The manufacturer will set what the gas pipe connection size to the boiler, but not anything else.

The heating engineer should calculate the pressure drop by measuring the length of pipework and number of fittings (ie swept bends, 45 degree bends, t-branches, reducers etc) - there are calculation tables available for all of this, and then the heating engineer can work out whether 15/22/28mm pipework is needed, or just larger pipework for one section.

However, most installers just eye ball it and err on the side of caution, particularly if they are just passing on the cost to the client.

jimi_man

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82115790#Comment_82115790

In the last two sets of installation instructions I had, it didn't specify exactly the size of pipe to the boiler (other than the connection). It used slightly nebulous phrases like 'best engineering practice' and 'current rules… etc' or similar, so it passed the decision on to the installer.

NRGMAN

SGN fella came out today to conduct survey. He explained how the process works and took plenty of photos. I should get a quote within a few days. If I accept this, work on relocating my meter should begin within 4-6 weeks time. The work itself will only take a couple of days, that is their aim, anyway.

NRGMAN

Well, received my quote from SGN. It's not good and I almost had a stroke when I read it. With a grand total of almost £4,200, they know where they can stick it. And they only accept payment in full and up front! Honest to God, it would be cheaper for me to get cremated.

Anyway, back to the drawing board…..

WIAWSNB

Could you provide a sketch or deeds plan of your house, showing the rooms, current position of the boiler, gas meter, and pipe run, please?

How much pipe, and where, is currently exposed or accessible, if any?

Is your loft a location option?

(Just curious about what you said about the 'preset' of pressure for your current boiler. I wonder if the installer was allowed to increase the delivery pressure at the regulator to overcome the pipe resistance?)

knightstyle

I wonder if the 22mm pipe could be run internally? Hidden behind skirting or high level behind a coving?

jimi_man

Is the £4200 for everything, new boiler install and new 22mm pipework? Maybe try some other quotes from people and see what you get but it doesn't sound completely ridiculous.

Ultimately it may be a case of what other options do you have. From what you're saying (and from my 'limited' experience) it seems that you're unlikely to get someone to fit a new boiler on the existing 15mm gas pipework, though maybe some company will do it.

So you either stump up the £4200 (or similar via other quotes), go for a heat pump, go for A2A heating or stick with what you have forever more!

Albermarle

https://forums.moneysavingexpert.com/discussion/comment/82119012#Comment_82119012

I think the £4200 was just to move the meter.