How long does it take to install a new boiler?

When your boiler is beyond repair and can no longer be saved with a service or general maintenance, it’s time to get the professionals to install a new boiler. They’re essential to providing a central heating system in your home, hot water, and there is a wide variety when it comes to the type of boiler you order and have installed. Whether you want to do a combi swap with old gas boilers and have a new smart thermostat installed or are looking to relocate the boiler altogether, it’s a variable process when fitted by a professional depending on your circumstances.

The installation time will differ due to a number of factors such as what kind of boiler you’re installing and its location in the house. It’s also important to get assistance from a gas safe registered engineer who will complete the task to a high standard and will meet gas safe regulations too. The variety of installation processes include:

Straight boiler swap – 4-6 hours

The simplest and quickest installation is when an engineer is swapping an old boiler in your home for a new one of the same type. Say for example the boiler replacement will be installed in the same location and all the pipes are already in place for gas, central heating and water. The process is pretty straightforward, as the system will be drained and isolated by disconnecting the thermostat and electricity which can be achieved in less than a day. 

Changing the position of your boiler – 1-2 days

If you’re doing refurbishments to your house or need to relocate the boiler, this will take a little more time than a straightforward swap as new pipework for water and gas will need to be installed along with new cables connected for electric power and thermostats. It’s important to keep this in mind when looking at where it is best to fit a new boiler. 

Installing a new combi boiler – 1-2 days 

This is comparable to if you’re putting in a new boiler into a building that doesn’t already have one in place. All the same processes will need to be actioned when putting in new pipes and cables, but bear in mind that if no central heating system is in place at all then this will increase the length of time for instalment. This can elongate to 3-4 days as it’s one of the larger boiler installation jobs for an engineer as you’re changing the type and the position. You may also need to have new brackets, re-route the water and gas supplies and even knock holes through to make room. 

Changing the type of boiler – 2-3 days 

Whether you’re investing in a new combi, heat only or system boiler, due to the fact you’re changing the type altogether will need a new set of plumbing and electrics. System boilers require a cylinder to hold water for the central heating, whilst heat only boilers need an expansion and cold water tank. When changing boilers the installation time will be spent taking away any unnecessary tanks, cylinders and pipework. 

Changing fuel type – 2-3 days 

If you’re looking for an alternative to the current boiler you have and upgrading from oil or gas to a new electric model, there will be extra plumbing and electrical work to consider even if you’re keeping the boiler in the same location. 

At SR Coates our experienced and knowledgeable gas engineers are on hand to supply and fit a new boiler to your specification and schedule. We understand that the process can be disruptive to your home life so we’ll be honest about the time it will take and what work will be carried out. We’re pleased to offer leading names in the industry such as Worcester Boilers, Vaillant, Viesmann, Baxi and Ideal and will advise on which boiler is best for you. We’ll also ensure that you’re happy operating the new boiler and can use it correctly and safely once installation is complete. 

Are you prepared for the colder months?

As winter is fast approaching and the days are getting colder, it might be a good idea to start preparing your home for the colder months.

One thing to consider is learning how to prevent your pipes freezing over once the temperature starts to drop below 0. Here are a few tips from the SR Coates plumbing and heating team to prevent frozen pipes and keeping your home ticking over.

Use sleeving

A great way to take care of your pipes is to apply some insulation, this can be done by adding some foams leaving to areas where pipes tend to get cold, such as attics or basements. A great tip to use is; the thinner the pipe, the thicker your sleeve needs to be.

Don’t avoid fixing dripping taps

Dripping taps can be a nuisance most people tend to ignore, however, if a drip freezes a block can occur. Consider replacing the washer on your dripping taps at your soonest connivance.

Consider leaving your heating on

Although keeping your heating off when you’re out and about can save you money, leaving your heating on can help prevent costly disasters such as burst pipes. Another option could be to drain your pipes to ensure there is no water left if you’re going to be away from home for a lovely winter holiday.

If you do end up with frozen pipes, don’t panic, you can thaw them at home. Try turning off your water supply at the stopcock and turning off your heating system, then start to thaw your pipes using hot water bottles or wrap the pipes with towels soaked in hot water, or even a hairdresser.

SR Coates Plumbing and Heating have a number of experienced and friendly plumbers in Oxford who would be happy to help restore your home back to good health.
Contact our plumbers in Oxford today on 07850 399148 or 01865 862323 for helpful advice or to book your callout.

Are you experiencing cold spots in your radiators?

Cold spots can be caused by sludge buildup and dirty water passing through your heating system. This build-up can cause poor performance and even result in a boiler breakdown.

To diagnose what’s wrong with your radiator, we take a look at where the cold spot resides.

I have cold spots at the top and bottom of my radiator

If the cold spot is at both the bottom and the top of the radiator, this is likely to be trapped air. Luckily, this issue can be fixed at home and doesn’t require a plumber to come out. To release the trapped air from your radiator you will need to bleed it.

How to bleed your radiator:

1. Turn your central heating off and wait for them to cool
2. Use a screwdriver or a radiator key (depending on the type of radiator you have). If you require a radiator key and don’t have one, they are available to purchase in most local DIY stores.
3. Cover the floor below with a towel or some cloth, some people like to place a bowl below to catch any water.
4. Use the key and slowly turn the radiator valve anti-clockwise, you should hear a quiet hissing sound as the air escapes.
5. Wait until the sound stops and the water starts to leak out before turning the key back and closing the valve
6. Well done, you have successfully bled your radiator! Switch the heating back on and re-check the radiator for cold spots.

I have a cold patch in the middle or bottom of my radiator

Sludge build up, rust and dirty water passing through your heating system is likely the cause of this issue.

In this case, the radiator will need to be removed from the wall and flushed out to get rid of the sludge trapped inside. To fix this at home yourself, you will need to purchase a sludge remover available from most DIY stores and flush the system yourself.

If you have a pressurised system or if you’re not confident in attempting this yourself, it’s important to hire a gas safe engineer (view our gas safe profile here).

The cold spots in my radiator keep coming back

If the cold spots in your radiator are persistent, its time to call in the professionals to avoid a possible clog that could lead to a costly boiler breakdown.

SR Coates Plumbing and Heating have a number of experienced and friendly plumbers in Oxford who would be happy to help restore your system back to good health.
Contact our plumbers in Oxford today on 07850 399148 or 01865 862323 for helpful advice or to book your callout.