Replacing your boiler: what to expect

Repair or replace?

Most faults can be repaired. These are the signs a replacement may make more sense.

• It's more than about 10 years old
• It keeps breaking down, and the repairs keep adding up
• Parts are getting hard to find
• Your energy bills keep climbing

Plan it before winter

If your boiler is showing its age, replacing it in the warmer months means you're not left without heating when you need it most, and there's time to plan the job properly.

How long it takes

A like-for-like combi swap in the same place usually takes a day. Changing from a system or regular boiler to a combi, or moving the boiler to another room, takes longer, often up to two days, because of the extra pipework and any tanks coming out.

What happens on the day

• The old boiler is isolated and removed
• The system is cleaned so the new boiler starts with clean water
• Any pipework changes are made
• The new boiler, flue and controls are fitted and connected
• Everything is tested, and you're shown how it works

Moving your boiler

New boilers are smaller, so they can often go in a kitchen cupboard, a utility room or up on a wall. Moving one means new pipework for gas, water and the flue, and making good the old position, so it adds time. We'll talk through the options.