Can you install a boiler yourself?

We understand the installation of a new boiler can be an expense you weren’t expecting so it makes sense that people would like to reduce the cost where possible. One way people may consider reducing the cost is by installing the boiler themselves.

Installing a boiler yourself is not only illegal, but also very dangerous. It can also lead to more expense if not installed correctly.

In this blog, we are going to discuss everything you need to know about installing a boiler and why it is not advised or safe to install yourself.

Who can install a boiler?

Installing a boiler may seem easy however, it requires a lot of technical work that requires training and experience to ensure it is done safely and effectively.

The type of boiler you choose may determine the type of professional you need for the installation. If you choose an electric boiler, you may need an electrician who is also qualified in plumbing. If your boiler is a gas boiler, you will need a Gas Safe registered engineer. You would need to ensure that if you choose to use a plumber, they also have the relevant gas training and experience.

All Gas Safe registered engineers will have identification with their Gas Safe number displayed which you can check using the Gas Safe Register. All Swale Heating engineers are Gas Safe registered and carry identification with our business information and their personal Gas Safe number displayed, so you can rest assured that your boiler is being installed safely by a qualified professional.

Installing a gas boiler without being Gas Safe registered is illegal, only boilers installed by Gas Safe engineers can be registered to validate your warranty. Gas is very dangerous, and leaks can cause serious health problems, and in severe cases even cause an explosion, which could lead to criminal charges. Please do not attempt to install a boiler yourself.

What about oil or electric boilers?

If you have chosen an oil or electric boiler, you may wonder if the above applies to you. We always recommend a registered professional to install your boiler regardless of the fuel type.

For an electric boiler, we recommend using a qualified electrician for the installation to ensure wiring is done safely to avoid any hazards and to prevent any accidents. Oil boilers require professionals who are OFTEC-approved to ensure the boiler is installed safely.

Can I service or carry out maintenance on my own boiler?

Ok, so it’s not safe for you to install your own boiler but is it ok for you to carry out maintenance?

There are a few maintenance tasks that are safe for you to carry out yourselves to ensure your boiler and central heating system is running efficiently.

• Checking the boiler pressure – Use our handy ‘how to repressurise your boiler’ guide for help.
• Bleeding your radiators – We have a handy step-by-step blog ‘how to bleed a radiator’ to assist you through the process.
• Checking for leaks – We have a blog to help you determine what to do if you suspect a boiler leak ‘Is your boiler leaking water?’
• Defrosting a condensate pipe – Follow our ‘How to safely defrost a frozen condensate pipe’ video to walk you through the process of defrosting your condensate pipe.

All these maintenance tasks can be performed safely and we have linked our guides, blogs and helpful videos to provide you with step-by-step instructions, information and assistance.

For anything else maintenance or service related you should use a qualified central heating plumber, electrician, or Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure that the boiler is safe and working to its full potential. At Swale Heating we offer a range of boiler service and breakdown cover plans, you can view them all here.

If you are an existing Swale Heating customer you can use our online portal to book a repair, rebook your annual service or track your engineer. If you’d like a quick and easy way to contact us regarding an issue with your boiler you can use one of the following options:

Message us on WhatsApp: 01795 503604

Text us on: 07984351760

We also have an online chat service on the right-hand side of our website.

Why choose Swale Heating?

Swale Heating have over 50+ years of experience in the heating industry. You can rest in the knowledge that all our engineers are Gas Safe registered and hold the relevant qualifications to install, service and repair your boiler. We are also an OFTEC registered heating business so regardless of fuel type your installation is in safe hands.

If you’re looking for a new boiler, we have a variety of options available for you to get a quote for your installation and we only use the best boiler brands on the market including Worcester Bosch and Vaillant.

You can choose the option to complete an online survey to obtain a tailored estimate, followed by the ability to book an appointment for a time that suits you for our expert team to finalise your price at your property. If you’d prefer to speak to someone, give us a call on 0800 731 33 44 and one of our specialist advisors will be happy to help. Buy a new boiler today.