Fireplace Back Boiler

taby_dub

Hi,

I need to make the opening in my current fireplace bigger as i am getting a new decorative fireplace.

I have a damper thing so have been told i probably have a back boiler and need to rip it out.

Can i takes it our myself and if so how??? i just intend ripping out the current fireplace which i know i can do but unsure how to get the boiler out or even where it is.

Any advise would be great thanks

crosstownk

The boiler is behind the fireplace. You should have a 'letterbox' opening just above the grate. The flames are drawn in to the opening when the damper is pulled out and heat the water in the boiler above the opening.

I assume you don't use this boiler, but before you rip it out you need to determine what its connected to. It is connected to either your central heating and/or your hot water cylinder. So it's possible the boiler is still full of water. It may be helpful to lift a few floorboards in the room above to see where the pipes run. If you have oil/gas central heating have a look at your hot water cylinder and see how many heating coils are in it. You probably have 2 if the back boiler is still connected.

You need to determine these things before removing it.

niallb

Anyway you can leave it in?
With the way heating oil prices and electricity are going,
a back boiler can save you quite a bit over a few years.

If you never use the fireplace of course, that's
a different matter.

Try to get someone who's got experience of back boilers
to have a look at it with you - you might be able to get
the best of both worlds.

NiallB

taby_dub

The only reason im asking for this to be taken out is because i think it has to be but i dont really know.

I have g.c.h. and i have the damper as discribed above but i never use it. I wont be using the fire once the new fireplace goes in.

The thing is the fireplace opening in not wide enough, height is fine but the depth needs to right back its only 21cm from the front of the place to the back and it goes about 3cm more at the bottom. I have measured the side of the depth and its 35cm which i really need to co back to.

Im unable to lift up the floorboards upstairs as there is laminate flooring (which i dont want to rip up for another 8wks)

Do i really need to hire a plumber??? What would you expect the cost to be

crosstownk

I've no idea what the cost would be but it might be an idea to get a plumber in to simply have a look and tell you what is/isn't required. I imagine it would simply cost a call out charge just to have a cursory look at your set up.

taby_dub

This is the fireplace im getting put in.

you see the yellow brick work has to be put in

And the one im taking out (rimg0029.jpg)

crosstownk

Hey thats nice! But I'd imagine the back boiler will have to go.

bbbaldy

I dont mean to get off the point but have you checked the fireplace lintel to ensure that it is good for the wider opening.

taby_dub

bbbaldy wrote:

I dont mean to get off the point but have you checked the fireplace lintel to ensure that it is good for the wider opening.

I dont have a clue what your taking about

taby_dub

Any Plumbers out there???

Pm me details and price for call out