This is a question that is asked many times, and the simple answer is YES, it is illegal to install your own gas boiler.
I understand that it is your property and you should be able to do whatever you want. I even understand that you want to keep costs down and cut out the professional Gas Safe installer and get the job done yourself.
The legal requirements for installing any type of gas appliance is that it can only be done by someone who is registered as safe for gas and is qualified for that particular appliance.
Each gas box engineer receives a gas box identification card that shows a photo of the person in question, they will also have a unique license number.
On the face of the card will be the number of the gas safe and the expiration date. Flip the card over and you will see what the engineer is qualified to work on, this also includes the type of gas, natural gas or LPG.
Installing your own gas boiler is not as simple as it sounds, there are many things that need to be checked first. The gas supply may need to be upgraded to a larger size.
If your old boiler is more than 10 years old, it is very likely that the gas supply was made in a 15m pipe, most new boilers now require a gas supply that runs down a 22m pipe up to 1 meter from the boiler.
Can the new boiler be installed in the same place as the old one?
Condensing gas boilers must be installed according to current regulations, and the location of the old boiler may not comply with current regulations, etc.
Don’t forget that gas is dangerous in the wrong hands.
All Gas Safe engineers have to redo all their gas tests every 5 years in order to continue working with gas.
A boiler that has been installed incorrectly can be life-threatening, the chimney if not connected correctly can leak carbon monoxide, which cannot be seen or smelled.
Carbon monoxide poisoning affects more than 240 people and causes around 60 deaths each year in the UK.
All new gas boilers must be installed in accordance with current gas and construction regulations and must be registered with local authorities. This is a legal requirement.
Your new boiler may have an extended warranty, but installing it yourself may void the warranty.
Each boiler is supplied with a reference book that must be filled out by the engineer, signed and dated. Without these details, most boiler manufacturers will void your warranty if you ever need them.
Don’t be fooled into thinking you can watch videos on YouTube, yes there are many to choose from, on how to install your boiler the right way, and once you have completed all the work, call a gas box engineer to have it done. firm. .
It is illegal to sign any form of DIY gas work.
Installing your own gas boiler is not as economical as you might think. Be safe and see a professional.