Can I install my own boiler?

Investing in a new boiler can be costly, so it makes sense that people will look at ways to reduce boiler installation costs. One way some people might consider doing this is by installing it themselves.

However, this is dangerous and, in some cases, illegal. Installing a new boiler by yourself can also end up being more costly than having a professional install for you. This is why you shouldn’t install a boiler by yourself and instead look for professional help. 

In this article, we cover everything you need to know about installing a new boiler and why doing this by yourself is never a good idea. 

Who can install a boiler?

Although it can be easy to think installing a boiler by yourself is simple, the reality is very different. It requires a lot of hard and technical work that, unless you have extensive experience dealing with, you shouldn’t install without a professional.  

The type of boiler you choose may also determine the type of professional help you receive. An electric boiler, for instance, may require you to hire an electrician qualified in plumbing, whereas an engineer with the right qualifications should install a gas boiler. Although plumbers work with heating systems and other appliances related to water (like radiators, sinks or pipework), they cannot work on boilers or gas pipes. This is because plumbers are not qualified to handle gas safely, so you should only rely on plumbers for water-related issues unless they are also Gas Safe Registered. 

It is illegal to install a boiler by yourself.  A boiler should be fitted by a Gas Safe registered engineer, and under Building Regulations, you can only register a boiler through Gas Safe. You must be qualified if you want to avoid severe consequences. If you’re careless, a simple leak can cause a lot of problems that can negatively impact your health or the safety of your home. Or worse, if installed incorrectly, you could cause an explosion and face criminal charges.  

According to the Approved Code of Practice HSE Safety Regulations, in order for a person to be viewed as ‘competent’ at installing a boiler a person must do the following:

• Complete a recognised training course followed by a completed assessment
• Is either currently registered or has past experience being registered where they can prove competence

You must have received training in relation to… 

• Water and electricity
• The potential exposure to asbestos
• All possible dangers
• How to take the necessary precautions

A qualified professional must meet the standards set by the Gas Safe Register, which shows they have the experience and the competence to install a boiler. They must also comply with building regulations before installing; otherwise, they could be fined. 

We recommend seeking a professional when it comes to installing a boiler, whether that’s an electrician, an engineer, or the boiler company may have installers you can rely on. Ultimately, the key takeaway is that installing a boiler yourself is breaking the law if you are not qualified to do so. 

What about installing oil and electric boilers?

If you’re not hoping to install a gas boiler, you might wonder whether all this applies to you. We always recommend having a registered professional handle your boiler installation, regardless of fuel type it uses.

Electric boilers are perhaps the most straightforward to install unless you are looking to replace a gas or oil boiler. In this case, you need a professional to come and install it for you. You’ll also need the help of a qualified electrician to ensure the wiring is done safely to avoid any unnecessary hazards. When installing, make sure you separate the mains from the electrics so you don’t electrocute yourself. It’s always worth getting expert advice and help to prevent accidents. 

Installers are advised to become approved by the Oil Firing Technical Association (OFTEC) before beginning the installation process. An OFTEC engineer will still need to visit the boiler once installed to make sure everything is running smoothly, so it makes sense to hire a professional to install and inspect your boiler for safety and warranty purposes. 

Can you carry out any boiler maintenance yourself?

We’ve discussed in length what you can’t do when installing a boiler, but is there anything you can DIY? 

Once the boiler has been safely installed, there are a number of boiler maintenance tasks you can carry out to ensure your unit is working and running efficiently.

Our complete guide to gas boiler maintenance highlights a checklist of what to look out for when caring for your new boiler, including:

• Checking the boiler pressure
• Bleeding your radiators
• Checking for leaks

As long as you are not interfering with the gas and boiler supply, anything related to it should be okay to handle. 

What else to avoid:

• The heating system - leaves this to the plumber or electrician
• Gas - you must have a Gas Safe engineer  

Why choose BOXT for boiler installations?

Finding a reputable company to provide and install a high-quality boiler at an affordable price can be challenging. Thankfully, here at BOXT, we can make sure you get the service, products, and deals that suit you.

Here are the main reasons to choose BOXT if you are interested in installing a new boiler in your home.

Fixed-price

Anyone considering installing their own gas boiler will want to avoid paying more than they have to. That is why we are such a great option.

Simply answer a few quick questions about your property and, if you like, discuss options with our team of experts on the phone or via Live Chat, and we will be able to tailor a deal to suit your needs.

We will then be able to provide you with a free, no-obligation, fixed-price quote for the boiler and installation.

Fixed price quotes are a great way to ensure you don't end up going over budget and that there are no hidden costs. The quote received will be the full price for everything you need to have a new boiler installed in your home.

Another benefit of choosing BOXT for boiler installations is our price promise. We regularly check the market to ensure our prices remain among the best. We are so confident that if you find a like-for-like deal cheaper elsewhere, we will either beat that price by £50 or give you a £50 Amazon voucher if we can't beat it.

Get a fixed price for boiler installation now. 

Experienced installers

As well as offering excellent prices that won't leave you worried about mounting bills, you will also benefit from high-quality workmanship from fully qualified engineers.

We work with a network of over 10,000 local engineers across the whole of the UK. All of our installers are fully DBS checked, and you are guaranteed to get a Gas Safe registered engineer with a minimum of two years of experience.

You will be able to find out the specific engineer who will be coming to install your boiler and check their online profile too. Our installer's online profile gives you more information about them.

Quick, convenient service

Nobody wants to wait for a new boiler installation, especially if it is to replace one that has broken down. Thankfully, with BOXT, you can enjoy next-day installation in some cases, and we will even remove all mess and packaging to ensure your home is in the same condition after we leave.

All the boilers we offer come with a guarantee of up to ten years, and you can select a convenient installation date to suit your needs.

We want our customers to enjoy a hassle-free service and get all the information they need about our service and the products we supply. Our handy boiler guides also offer advice and information about boilers that are useful to know.

We offer service plans from just £8.99 a month that guarantee your annual boiler service by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Check out our boiler home cover plans.

Final thoughts

DIY can be fun, but it’s always best to seek professional advice when it comes to boiler installations. Whether you’re going electric, gas or oil, having a registered expert is the safest option for you and your family.

Don’t take unnecessary risks; get your boiler installed today with the help of BOXT. We strongly advise working with Gas Safe engineers like ours who can offer a higher quality of work and give you that all-important peace of mind.