Your boiler has suddenly stopped working in the middle of the night. You’re wrapped in a blanket, shivering in the cold, and contemplating the installation of a new one. But how long does it actually take to install a boiler?
You might wonder this because you want that warmth back—fast. So, if you’re looking to know the real installation timeline, this article is for you.
Here, you will get detailed insights into the factors that affect installation time, how long each part of the installation process takes, and more. Without any further delay, let’s jump into it!
Factors You Must Consider Before Boiler Installation
Planning before execution! Often goes right. An organised plan can lessen boiler installation time. There are some crucial factors that you must consider and plan accordingly. Unlike a messy scenario, follow the strategic track. Let’s jump into the considerations!
Type of boiler
Before installation or replacement, you must know which boiler is required for you! Type selection is important, as you are eager to dive into the details about how long to install a boiler!
Some popular boiler types in the United Kingdom are:
Combination boiler
A Combination boiler is a compact-sized hanging boiler. It doesn’t come with any extra water tank or hot water cylinder. This is perfect for small, cosy homes with only one bathroom. It provides both heating and hot water in a single boiler.
Heating/conventional boiler
This is also called the regular boiler. It provides heating and comes with a water tank that helps to get hot water. Big houses with multiple bathrooms can use this boiler. This contains a cold water tank as well.
System boiler
System Boiler comes with a hot water cylinder. This is suitable for houses which are large or have multiple bathrooms. It regulates the central heating system of the house.
Location
The boiler’s location affects the installation time. There can be some situations like-
- Replacing or straight swapping the boiler.
- Relocating the boiler.
- Moving a boiler from one house to another.
- Moving the location of the boiler inside the house.
- Choosing a location to install the boiler first time.
Each of these takes a specific time for installation. Some other factors, such as pipework, drilling, flue positioning, etc, can increase the duration.
Add on services
You may change the boiler type or fuel type. Converting, replacing, or moving can affect the time duration. For a single use, convert the system boiler into a combi boiler. On the other hand, the extended family needs a system boiler.
Sometimes you might need to upgrade the pipework or the central heating system. This also influences the installation time. There can be other add-on complexities like positioning flues, running pipes through the wall, etc.
Processes to Fit a New Boiler
You must be curious about how to fit a new boiler. Here, you are going to have a detailed description. This will help you inspect the plumber’s working processes. So, let’s dive into the procedure:
Old equipment removal:
Old equipment often sounds weird or releases carbon monoxide gas, which is risky. That’s why old boilers, pipework, flues, and other objects might require removal before a boiler installation. You won’t need this for the first time installation.
Inspection:
There can be certain things which we can’t notice, but an expert can. Inspecting for leaks or such issues is important. Leaving unseen can create further hassle. A tiny hole or a loose fitting can make you suffer a lot.
Power flush
Whichever flush you do, it’s mandatory. After the removal of an old boiler, you must clear out all old debris. A power flush can do this quickly. Make sure there is no debris left when you install a new boiler.
Upgrading
Clogged or broken pipework may disturb the processing of water heating. Your water tank can also have accumulations. So, it’s better that you upgrade the pipework and the water tank. You might need to upgrade the central heating.
Setting the boiler
A standard boiler installation takes 4-6 hours or a day. With removal, pipework, and other complexities, it may take 4-6 days. Position the water tank near the boiler for seamless performance.
Combi boilers can be hung in the bathroom or against a wall. The pipework and flues can be run through the roof/wall for a modern outlook.
Attaching a filter
Although this part is skipable, a filter plays a major role in the boiler. This filter keeps away even micro debris. For a safer boiler outcome, attach a filter to your boiler. This can affect the time, but it’s worth it.
Inspection/commissioning the boiler
After a boiler replacement or installation, check it by a Gas Safe registered gas engineer/certified expert. Unlike DIY, this is a safe option for checking leaks or issues. Post-installation testing is a mandatory part of this process.
Get warranty
When the plumbing company like us hands over the boiler installation service, ask for your warranty. Talk about the warranty before choosing any plumbing company.
How Long Does it Take to Fit a Boiler?
Popping ‘How long does it take to install a boiler?’ That varies according to complexity. In general, a boiler installation can take 4 hours to 4 days, depending on the factors. There might be some additional procedures or functionalities.
Factors that affect boiler installation time
Some factors influence the duration of the boiler installation. The more procedures there are, the more time it takes. Even an expert gas safe registered plumber can’t tell you what time exactly it can take.
Let’s break down the factors affecting installation time:
Boiler type
Each type of boiler has an individual duration for installation. For example, a combi boiler installation is faster than a system boiler installation. Along with the system/regular boiler, there are water tanks and filters that affect the duration.
Old or new?
There can be two situations- either you are replacing your old boiler or installing a boiler for the first time. If you have an existing boiler, replacing it with a new boiler in the same position can save you time. A new installation requires piping, setting, and many things that might take more time.
Boiler removal
If you ask the plumbers to remove the previous boiler first, it may take time. Removal, refreshing, and installation can lengthen the duration.
Smart thermostat integration
In recent times, many homeowners have been demanding a smart thermostat for their boilers. It might affect the installation time, but it makes it easier to control the boiler with your smart device.
A wrong plumber
Choosing the wrong or non-expert plumber can ruin both your money and time. Moreover, your boiler can be left with leaks, which might cause further problems.
Individual Boiler Installation Duration
How long does it take to install a boiler? Well, let’s jump into the time frames. Then it would be easy for you to decide which installation type is suitable for you!
Straight boiler swap process: 4-5 hours
This is the quickest boiler installation process where you can swap the same model of boiler with the previous one. It doesn’t need flue positioning or piping time.
Boiler replacement: 1-2 days
Replacing an old boiler and installing a new one can take 1-2 days. This requires the removal of the existing boiler first. Then, remove piping if there are any leaks and inspect it with a Gas Safe registered engineer. If there are no major complexities, in most cases, it gets done in a day.
Installing a new boiler: 1-2 days
How long does it take to fit a new boiler? If there were never a boiler in your house, installing a new one can take 1-2 days. In this case, you need to do piping work, a flue kit, and other things for the new boiler. So, new piping takes the same time as old boiler removal takes for replacement.
Relocating your boiler: 2-3 days
You can remove your old boiler and then fit a new one in another place. But you can also relocate your existing boiler as well. This takes up to 2-3 days without major complexities. Relocating needs rewiring and re-piping like a new installation.
Converting boilers: 4-6 hours
If you live in a small house with one bathroom, you need a combination boiler. But, for a large family, you need a regular or system boiler. The funny part is that you can turn a combi boiler into a system boiler. Also, you can turn a regular or system boiler into a combi boiler. This won’t take a lot of time.
How Much Does it Cost to Install a Boiler?
Wanna determine ‘how much does it cost to install a boiler?’ Well, there is no fixed price or a certain amount for this. You must figure out these considerations. In general, the estimated cost of installing a boiler in the UK is between £1,800 – £4,200.
You must keep in mind the costs for:
- The Boiler
- Filter
- Thermostat
- Labour costs
- Pipeworks and Flue kits
- VAT and fixing equipment
Let’s have an overview of the cost for different types of boilers:
Combination/ combi boilers:
Combination boilers are compact, convenient, and easy to fit. They take a couple of hours for installation. The cost of a combi boiler installation is approximately between £1,800 – £3,200.
Conventional/regular boilers:
Regular/heat-only boilers come with water tanks. As a result, these boilers need water tank integration. It costs between £2,500 – £4,200 to install a regular boiler in the UK.
System boilers:
System boilers are suitable for big houses. These boilers cost an average of £2,200 – £3,800. Your installation cost may vary depending on the requirements and complexities.
How do you know when your boiler needs replacing?
Many people ask, ‘How old is my boiler?’ This is damn easy. But have you ever thought why you need to know the age of your boiler? There is a fear of danger behind that.
An old boiler keeps releasing carbon monoxide and can also leak at any time. What will you do if it stops working in the middle of the night? Well, that’s scary.
To know how old your boiler is-
- Search for the label or sticker on the boiler’s case.
- Check out the third and fourth digits.
- Calculate. Suppose it is 12, which means it was manufactured in 2012.
Now, you might think when to replace? The reason can vary depending on the usage. If your boiler is nearly 15 years old from the manufacturing date, you can consider changing it.
But, other than that, frequent servicing, leaks, weird noises, high utility bills, etc, can signal you to change your boiler.
Can I replace my Old Boiler on my Own?
Wanna try a DIY boiler replacement? That can be quite challenging. Especially for a gas boiler installation, you need Gas Safe-registered professionals. Sometimes there can be issues that we can’t find out, but an expert can.
Installation or replacement of a boiler is not like making a cup of tea. This can be risky and cause further issues. So, it should be left to certified professionals. Moreover, experts are well-trained and know how to use the equipment they carry. Apart from that, buying too much equipment is nothing but a waste of money.
How to Find Professional Boiler Installers?
To install quickly, hire an agency or contact a company for boiler installation. If it’s 3 AM and your boiler is not working, what will you do? Searching for experts in the Yellow Pages or shivering in the cold?
You must search for ‘professional boiler installers near me’ or ‘boiler installation near me’? You can check out your local plumbing and heating services for a quick response.
How can you choose the best boiler installation providers? Check if-
- They have Gas Safe registered gas engineers.
- Years of expertise in the industry.
- Reviews and ratings.
Whether it be a gas boiler installation or a combi boiler installation, you need professional experts. There are some risk factors and precise techniques, so it can’t be done DIY.
Final words
No one ever takes a minute to think about a boiler until an issue arises. What if there are loud noises or leaks at midnight? Then suffering starts, and questions pop into the head, ‘How long does it take to install a boiler?’
Hurry doesn’t suit in everything, you know! So, install a new boiler before it’s too late or else you might suffer. Hopefully, detailed information from this article will help you to decide how and when to replace your boiler. Good day!
