Installing a boiler isn’t just about fixing a few pipes to a few screws on the wall, there is an awful lot more to take into consideration.The where, how and why’s of boilers can be baffling. Let us explain it to you.
If the boiler is being installed into the kitchen, inside a cupboard, then the area surrounding it needs to conform with Gas Safety measures. Only a Gas Safety Registered heating engineer should be installing a boiler as they are trained to follow the stringent regulations, ensuring the boiler has enough space surrounding it to allow for ample ventilation- thus avoiding the risk of carbon monoxide poisoning.
Allowing ample space between the boiler and the kitchen appliances is also vital, ensuring servicing and maintenance can be carried out safely and efficiently.
If, in re-designing a new kitchen, you are forced to re-site your boiler, this is then classed as a new installation and the boiler must then conform with the new building regulations.
When we come to installing a boiler in the bathroom however, things aren’t quite so straightforward. Under new building regulations bathrooms are split into zones.
Zone 0- Inside the bath or shower,
Zone 1- Above the bath or shower to a height of 2.25m,
Zone 2- The area stretching to 0.6m outside the bath or shower and above the bath or shower and within a 60cm radius of the taps on the was basin,
Zone 3-Anywhere outside Zones 0,1 and 2 where no water jet is likely to be used.
In considering a boiler in the bathroom it’s not only the water pressure to consider but also where to place it. Under the ‘zone regulations’ a boiler can only be installed in Zones 2 or 3 in the bathroom, avoiding all contact with water and away from damaging condensation. If you are looking to install a power shower, then a system boiler would be required, as a combi-boiler wouldn’t deliver enough pressure.
Wherever you decide to have your new boiler installed it’s vital to choose plumbers with experience and all the right qualifications. Here at Dorchester Heating & Plumbing we have years of experience and our client testimonials speak for themselves.
We also offer our work guarantee and all our boilers are covered under warranty.
Still confused about Zones. give us a call– we are here to help.
