Building requirements are changing all the time and matters such as boiler flue regulations are regularly being updated to help ensure that households are as safe and efficient as possible.
Below we outline points that we think you should know about the position of your flue.
What is a flue?
A boiler system’s flue is a duct or pipe that channels the waste gases safely out of the unit. This can include carbon monoxide, which is extremely dangerous, so the flue plays a vital role in your central heating system at home.
Typically, it juts out through the wall to expel the gases in a manner safe enough to avoid affecting you and your family inside your home, as well as anyone else outside.
What are the boiler flue regulations?
Due to the potentially hazardous nature of the gases handled by the flue, building regulations for boilers tend to be strict. They state that new units should be installed in precise locations in your home, to avoid putting anyone or anything at risk. (Building regulations)
Below are some examples of the regulations that might help you identify whether you need to make altercations to your home heating system in order to comply with building laws.
Where does the flue need to be?
The regulations differ for most boiler models depending on their size, but the typical guide is that the flue needs to be at least 30cm away from an opening, such as a window, if it is to be placed above or to the side of said opening. Boilers on the larger side need to have their flues positioned up to 60cm away from those openings.
If the flue needs to be placed below an opening, which generally means that the potential of the gases re-entering the house is greater, it must be placed at least 60cm away.
The regulations also have requirements regarding flue positioning in relation to building corners, balconies and flat roofs must be considered; flues must be at least 60cm away in such cases to avoid unnecessary danger. They should also be positioned well away from soil or drainpipes and eaves.
What if my flue has to come out onto a public walkway?
As more houses get built, more space runs out, which means that boiler flues sometimes have to point out onto public walkways. If this is the case with your home, the installer will be required to fit the flue at a height of 2.1m or higher so it is guaranteed to be above head-height.
Do I need to move my old boiler?
If the flue on your old boiler appears to be in the wrong place, for example, it is lower than 2.1m and expels gases out onto a public right of way, you may need to get a new boiler installed. You could get a quick quote with our free online quote tool at HomeServe if you need to today.
It’s not always necessarily the case that you’ll need to get a new boiler, as many of the regulations apply only to new installations.
Do I need to get an engineer?
You should never attempt to make changes to your boiler’s setup, this should be left in the hands of a qualified Gas Safe-registered engineer. It is dangerous and could be costly if something ends up going wrong with the flue or any other part of the unit.
Our Gas Safe registered engineers are fully qualified to handle jobs such as flue positioning on a variety of boiler types, brands and models.
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