So, you might have watched a couple of videos about gas boiler replacement or installation, believing it's something that you can do on your own. Perhaps you can save some money, too. But the question is, can you do it? Or, more precisely, are you allowed to do the installation yourself?
Let's learn more about this:
Who Can Install a Gas Boiler in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, it is legally required that any gas boiler installation must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
There are several reasons for this. Firstly, gas boilers can be extremely dangerous if not installed correctly. This is because they use natural gas, which is highly flammable. If a boiler is not installed correctly, it could easily cause a gas leak, leading to an explosion.
Secondly, gas boilers are complex machinery that needs to be installed by someone who knows what they are doing. A Gas Safe registered engineer will have the necessary training and experience to perform the installation safely and correctly.
Finally, Gas Safe registered engineers are the only people who are legally allowed to carry out gas boiler installations in the UK. This is because they are the only ones registered with the Gas Safe Register, the official list of gas-safe engineers in the UK.
If you are thinking of having a gas boiler installed, you should only use a Gas Safe registered engineer. This will ensure that the installation is carried out safely and correctly and that you are not breaking the law.
What Type of Gas Work Can You DIY?
There are a few simple gas work tasks that you can safely do yourself, but it's crucial to know your limitations. If you're unsure about anything, always err on the side of caution and contact a qualified gas-safe engineer.
One gas safety task you can do yourself is bleeding radiators. This is simply a case of releasing any trapped air from the system and is a relatively straightforward job. Just remember to turn off the heating at the boiler before you start, and be careful not to over-tighten the bleed valve.
Another simple task is relighting a pilot light. If your boiler uses a pilot light rather than an electronic ignition, the light may go out occasionally. In most cases, relighting it is a simple matter of following the instructions in your boiler's manual.
If you have a gas fire, you may also be able to service it yourself. This involves cleaning the fire and checking that all the components are in good working order. Again, it's best to contact a qualified engineer if you need clarification on anything.
Of course, there are also many gas safety tasks that you should never attempt to do yourself. These include working on gas pipes, fittings, or appliances. If in doubt, always contact a qualified engineer.
Conclusion
It is required by law in the United Kingdom for all boiler installation and repair work to be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.
This protects the consumer and the engineer, as working with gas can be extremely dangerous if not done correctly.
If you are planning on having any work done on your gas boiler, make sure your gas engineer in Belfast is Gas Safe registered and do not attempt to handle the boiler fitting yourself.
Action Plumbing and Heating offers services such as gas boiler replacement in Belfast and nearby areas. Schedule your boiler services today!