We live in a world where YouTube tutorials will apparently fix anything, but boiler enthusiasts should know better than to mess with their boilers. You can save a few pounds by changing out your own lightbulb, or unclogging your own sink but some things are better done by the experts as trying to carry out certain boiler repairs yourself could well land you in a body bag.
The Carbon Monoxide Threat
Colourless and odourless, carbon monoxide (CO) is suspected of causing about 50 deaths a year in the UK. One of the main causes is boilers being repaired incorrectly. If you interfere with gas connections, flue systems, or combustion chambers without understanding them completely then you run the risk of causing incomplete combustion resulting in this fatal gas.
Any sort of error – such as improperly reconnecting a flue pipe or breaking seals near the combustion chamber – when it comes to these devices, can potentially convert your abode into nothing but a death trap.
Gas Leak Disasters
Fixing gas connections, installing new gas valves or working on the gas supply line is nothing but playing with explosives. Gas leaks can result in fires and explosions, gas poisoning or even asphyxiation. Even if it leaks a single drop of gas, an open spark from your light switch or doorbell can instantly ignite. Professional engineers have years of training to be safe and use specific leak detection devices.
The Legal Reality
It is against the law for anyone to carry out work on any gas appliances in Britain unless Gas Safe registered. Carry out any botched gas work and result in your home insurance being rendered void with you facing possible criminal charges. For more information on Tewkesbury Boilers, contact www.combi-man.com/boiler-finance/boiler-finance-tewkesbury/
Landlords who undertake unqualified work can be hit with substantial fines or jailed for up to two years. YOU are liable for the ramifications of illegal gas work, even in your own home.
Electrical Dangers
Highly sophisticated electrical systems working at perilous voltages are present in the state of art boilers. Wrongly attempting water and electrical repairs can cause electrocution, fires or damage to very expensive control boards that cost more than the repair parts itself.
What You Can Safely Do
By all means, you could bleed radiators and occasionally check your boiler pressure gauge as well as resetting the actual boiler (follow manufacturer instructions) That’s about it.