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Central Heating

Installing new boiler in top floor flat but flue seems inaccessible

Anonymous user 23/02/2024 - 3.53 PM

Hello My daughter has just moved into a top floor flat of a 4 storey building, her first property. Amongst other problems, sods law the boiler has gone pop. Subsequent investigation with manufacturer says its 15 years old and parts maybe hard to come by. I have never seen a boiler like this before, its a big old beast with the water cylinder internal to the whole boiler so I'm guessing a brand new type of boiler will probably be required. Someone has got it working for now and she has hot water and advised on getting a new boiler but they have highlighted a problem with getting to the flue which is about 70 foot plus up from the ground and on the down pitch of the roof of the building. Now I understand new boiler means new flue so how the hell do you get to it to change the flue? Any advice would be most welcome as changing a flue if needed wasnt the first thing that came to mind when purchasing the flat. Thanks

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4 Answers

On-Demand Building Services

Rating: 5 out of 5

Canterbury

Hello! I'm sorry to hear about the issues with your daughter's boiler. Replacing the flue of a boiler can indeed be a challenging task, especially if it is located high up on the roof of a building. Here are a few possible approaches to consider: Hire a professional: It's highly recommended to hire a professional heating engineer or plumber experienced in boiler installations. They will have the expertise and equipment to safely access and replace the flue. Make sure to choose a reputable and qualified tradesperson who can handle the job effectively. Scaffolding or access platforms: In cases where the flue is difficult to reach, scaffolding or access platforms may be required to provide a safe working environment for the engineers. This can be a more expensive option, but it ensures proper access to the flue and allows for safe installation of the new boiler. Use a flue extension kit: If the existing flue cannot be accessed easily, a flue extension kit can be considered. This involves extending the flue pipe to a more accessible location, such as the side of the building or a different part of the roof. However, this solution depends on the specific circumstances and may not always be feasible. It's important to consult with a qualified professional who can assess the situation on-site and provide tailored advice based on the specific requirements of the building and the new boiler being installed. They will be able to recommend the best course of action and ensure compliance with safety regulations. Best of luck with the boiler replacement and the overall maintenance of your daughter's flat!

Answered19 July 2023

Anonymous user

Hi Being so high up maybe think about relocating the boiler to a different location in your property so that flue can be core drilled out a Exterior wall, to save on Access scaffolding , other that pay for scaffolding for safety

Answered19 July 2023

Anonymous user

If the client has the funds I would fit an electric boiler.

Answered13 August 2023

Pineapple Plumbing

Rating: 5 out of 5

Wellingborough

All the Answers so far are credible. I would first look to see if any boilers had been changed on the same floor and as the tenants how and who did it for them . Also you will need to contact the body corporate who look after the maintenance of the building for permission and the may also be able to help with a installer and solution.

Answered16 August 2023