Do you know how to properly maintain your combi boiler and make sure it is always working safely?
It’s important to keep your boiler running at its best, and not causing any safety issues; particularly if you have an older boiler.
With that in mind, we’ve put together the top seven safety tips to take into consideration.
1. Carbon monoxide detector
As per Scottish building regulations from 31st October 2013, you must have a carbon monoxide detector in your home.
If your boiler isn’t running correctly and has not been serviced in some time, it could start to spill lethal carbon monoxide gas into the air, and could become very dangerous for you and your family.
2. Annual service
Gas appliances should be checked and serviced annually as per the manufacturer’s instructions, in order to make sure they are running safely and correctly.
3. CP12 certificate
If the property is let there must be a landlord gas safety certificate (CP12) issued every year, with a copy issued to the tenant, landlord and the issuing company.
This must be held on record for a minimum of two years. This is because you cannot backdate a certificate.
4. Fused spur
All boilers must have a fused spur located at the boiler. This allows your boiler to be isolated from the electricity supply if an engineer is working on it.
5. Pipework
All pipework leading to your boiler should be clipped and fixed to the wall. People have a bad habit of hanging things on the pipes, which could make them pull away from the wall or even leak gas.
6. Give it space
When building shelves or storing items in cupboards where a boiler is located, you need to ensure you leave enough space around your boiler for servicing. Otherwise, this could make it very difficult for a engineer to do his job, or to fix a leak – especially in an emergency.
7. Earth cable
Make sure all your gas pipes are fitted with a 12mm earth cable. This is very important, as it stops an electrical current passing through your gas pipes if there is a malfunction with the electricity in your property.
It is also good to bear in mind that if you don’t have this, you should ask a qualified electrical engineer to install and fit an electrical cross bonding to your pipes.
Conclusion
It is very important that you ensure your combi boiler is working safely and correctly at all times.
Keep your boiler maintained with an annual service, watch out for error codes and ensure you have a working carbon monoxide detector installed in your home.
Pay attention to the tips above, and if anything seems suspicious or out of the ordinary with your boiler, contact a gas safe registered engineer for further advice.
Is your combi boiler up-to-date with its annual service?
