Anyone know about boilers?

HellieCopter

Hello,

Just been for another look round the house we're buying to review the survey results (just to look and see what the surveyor spotted).

It was mentioned about a plumbing inspection (standard I guess!) but in the boiler info that was on the side, next to the boiler, it stated that it didn't conform to regulations. Reading through the stuff, it seems it did conform when it was installed (it's a combi-boiler) in 2003 but in 2006 there's documentation saying it doesn't. Something about the flue position.

Any ideas? Did the regulations change? Should I go find myself a plumbing forum?!



Thanks

Hel

Captain_Mainwaring_2

Well, need a bit more info, but I would doubt that most surveyors would have enough knowledge re- flue position etc .

It doesn't have a condemnation sticker on it does it?

HellieCopter

Um, it's in the kitchen on the exterior wall and next to the window!

It doesn't have a condemned sticker, no. It just said in the latest report that it didn't conform to current regulations due to flue position.

The boiler info I got from the service maintenance record in the boiler info pack rather than in the survery report....

margaretclare

AFAIK there is a set distance the outlet can be in relation to any window. It has to be a certain height and distance away, just so that the emissions (similar to a car exhaust) don't come in through the window, either yours or next door's.

Not much help, sorry!

martinman3

I am not a plumber but there is a minimum distance that the flue needs to be from a window opening or door to prevent fumes entering the building.

If the flue exits through the wall directly from the back of the boiler it could be awkward to move it.

churchrat

we've got a really old boiler that works perfectly well and always passes a yrly inspection and clean-up, althought the chap that looks at it has told us that he would no longer be able to fit one like it because it does not conform to todays' standards. However, it is not illegal to use it and we would be able to sell the house with it in place as a useable appliance. Best to get a corgi inspection if you are really worried.

clobber_2

This is not unusual - the regulations have changed recently (not sure exactly when) so it may well have gone from being OK to not OK.

I had some work done on a boiler recently and got the same comments from the plumber who did it, he had to make a note of it in my service record but I don't think this has much significance. If you change the boiler for whatever reason the flue will need to be moved, which could be a bit of a pain in the bum.

If it's a rock solid Vaillant or similar I wouldn't worry but if it's a brand new cheapo one it might be a problem.

Gorgeous_George

Anyone know about boilers?

I married an old one.



GG

900se

Hi,

Had the same thing happen as churchrat. A few years ago I bought a leasehold flat and the freeholder's management company insisted on an annual corgi inspection. Each time the boiler passed but with a note that it's installation would not pass existing building regs (though it would have at the time it was fitted).

There were no issues when I bought the place and there were no issues when I sold it a couple of years ago.

With any old building, there would be an enormous amount of past work that would fail building regs - it doesn't mean you have to to keep it up to current standards - only when you make changes or a surveyor suggests it's dangerous. Otherwise you would be forced to double-glaze every window, rewire, replum etc at every move.

Canucklehead

HellieCopter wrote: »

Hello,

Just been for another look round the house we're buying to review the survey results (just to look and see what the surveyor spotted).

It was mentioned about a plumbing inspection (standard I guess!) but in the boiler info that was on the side, next to the boiler, it stated that it didn't conform to regulations. Reading through the stuff, it seems it did conform when it was installed (it's a combi-boiler) in 2003 but in 2006 there's documentation saying it doesn't. Something about the flue position.

Any ideas? Did the regulations change? Should I go find myself a plumbing forum?!



Thanks

Hel

Good evening: You could post your questions on DIYnot ..make sure you include the make and model of boiler. Several CORGIs answer queries there...also try this MSE forum

HTH

Canucklehead

Lotus-eater

I had this when I had a new boiler installed, it literally could only go where it was, the plumber said it wasn't up to building stds because it was too close to a window, i said i would seal the window closest to the flue and he said that would be fine. Not sure if thats true, but maybe.