Boiler (wo)man

[Itsallsoboring]

hello, I am in the middle of buying a house and it comes with gas boiler. I want to get someone to check the boiler on move in. I'm a FTB, so I don't know anything about tradespeople and who does which job.

How do i find someone to check the boiler? Service it. Since it's gas powered, can the same person check the gas in the house (e.g. gas fireplace and radiators?).

Apologies for my ignorance. Thanks for your help.

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You need to get someone off the Gas Safe register. Go direct to Gas Safe rather than via any other companies or local adverts. Same person can do any gas appliances in your new house.

@the2andahalfmillion thank you, I've never heard of this register!! So anyone on the Gas Safe register can do the boiler, heating system (radiators) and the fireplaces that all run off gas.

You can find tradesmen on checkatrade, places like yell.com and google reviews, or local FB groups. But really the very best place is word of mouth. If you are feeling brave, knock on a few neighbours doors, introduce yourself and ask if they know anyone, or anyone you should avoid.

I think there is a local group thing called onmystreet where people set up WhatsApp groups too.

I just used British gas to service my boiler recently, it was easy to book online. Your fire would need to be checked separately I think.

Is there a service history or recent service certificate already?

Most plumbing firms have employees that hold their gas tickets so call a few local ones to you and ask them if they have anybody that is gas safe registered that could service your boiler and fire.

The vendor should have a safety certificate confirming satisfactory functioning of the boiler, check with your solicitor.

There may be a log book showing service history. Either way, if you get it serviced as soon as you move, you will know it is up to date.

Its not a legal requirement for the seller to provide any gas safety report or service, though many do.

But the best thing is to get one arranged through the EA before you buy but remember its just like an MOT, the boiler was working fine on that particular day.....

But the one i would always want is an EICR, make sure the house electrics are in good order, you'd probably have to pay for that, around £150.

Heating engineer/plumber who's registered gas safe. If property is local to your family, friends, colleagues ask them for recommendations. If not, ask neighbours when you meet them on moving in.

re the log book, the first ten years can only be recorded on it, so I keep a copy of the receipts. Still not a bad idea to get it checked, but owner should be able to provide proof of service (assuming they've looked after it) and it's not unreasonable to ask especially for an older boiler and co2 emissions.

Can't remember exactly, but when I had my boiler serviced recently by BG there was an option for them to get them to check the radiators plus other appliances too at the same time.

Getting the gas fire checked out is worthwhile, especially if it is old.

Thanks all! I appreciate all your responses - they're super helpful!

Just abit more context: the house has been vacant for two years. the vendor had moved out because of a health problem (they're elderly) and moved in with family. they were forthcoming and said it hasn't been serviced for 2 years, but the last one was fine (but i don't know if they have a log book, which is annoying). the boiler is also 20 years old.

I know I probably will need to replace it completely, but I wanted to see how long I might have with it (I need to save up a bit for a new one). I also wanted it to be safe while living in the house.

@KievLoverTwo I'll try the locals and neighbours. I don't mind bugging them haha

@therejustbarely i didn't know british gas would do that! I might call them. Do I have to be a customer already? do you remember how much it cost by any chance?
@GasPanic I'll defo check if british gas can check the radiators too!

@SprigatitoYouAndIKnow unfortunately, I don't think there's a log book and service history, the boiler is 20 years old. if it gets serviced by me on move in, would it be considered safe?