Boilers function as a critical appliance in most modern homes. They keep you warm and dry, even when it’s damp and cold outside, making it possible to live in even the most inhospitable of climates (looking at you, English winters) with a relative degree of comfort.
In some cases, you may end up wondering if it’s possible to relocate your boiler to another location on your property. Whether you’re looking to totally renovate your home, or are simply curious about whether it’s possible or not, these are a few things to know about moving boilers.
Yes, they can be moved
First of all, yes, boilers can be moved. That being said, moving a boiler won’t always be simple, or cheap, and you won’t be able to place your new boiler just anywhere in your home.
The boiler will need to be linked up to your gas and water plumbing systems, and as a result, if you move the boiler, you will also need to totally change that system as well.
If there isn’t already access to gas or water in the room or space that you want to put the boiler in, you’ll have to pay to have the pipes moved, which can end up being both quite expensive and a major hassle. It’s worth getting advice from a boiler engineer from a service like Able Plumbers early on, so that you can build a plan based on practicality and price from the very beginning.
Boiler location restrictions
There are also some other restrictions that might influence where you end up placing your boiler. For example, it will need to be located a certain distance away from water sources, to ensure that the boiler itself cannot be exposed to direct water contact.
The flue will also need to have a clear route out of the property, so that steam and harmful combustion gases are able to leave the building safely. It’s generally necessary to have a boiler engineer come and visit your property and advise you on boiler location, so that you don’t get too far with any big plans, only to be disappointed at the last minute.
Planning considerations
If you own your building, it isn’t listed and doesn’t have any close neighbouring buildings, then planning considerations should end up being relatively simple.
If, however, you’re renting your property, it’s a listed building, or there are buildings that are close to your external walls, things can get a little bit more complicated. You may need to involve the council, and you will have to be extra careful that you’re aware of any regulations that might influence how you carry out the boiler move.
Boilers can be moved, but whether or not it ends up being worth it or not will depend on a wide range of factors. If the new location has an unobstructed external wall, can easily have gas and water pipe access, and isn’t too close to a sink or shower, then it could be easy and relatively inexpensive to move the boiler.
