Boiler explosions in the UK have become less common due to strict regulations, but sadly they still happen and can cause serious injuries to those caught in the blast. In December 2022, Belfast local Mark Drysdale was injured after a back boiler in an open fire in their living room suddenly exploded. The father of two sustained serious burns and was carried out of their house by his younger son Joshua, who was only 10 years old at the time of the incident. Luckily, Drysdale was able to make a complete recovery, but his entire family remains deeply traumatised by the accident. Today, they avoid sitting in their living room at all cost, and they have also taken out all the fireplaces and chimneys in their home.
Overpressure and overheating are some of the primary causes of boiler failure, but poor installation can also cause boilers to explode since this can create conditions leading to efficiency problems and health risks later on. This is why homeowners getting boiler aid or a new model should always let a trained professional perform the installation to prevent boiler problems and accidents. Here’s what you need to know about the repercussions of bad boiler installation, and how it can cause a variety of health and safety risks.
Safety Hazards
Improper boiler installation can pose safety hazards that can endanger households and other individuals nearby. For instance, a DIY installation can misconfigure safety valves and pressure gauges, causing pressure to build beyond safety limits. This may even prevent the boiler from shutting down when it should, causing it to continuously keep heating which may potentially create system stress. What’s more, it can increase fire and explosion risks as improperly connected gas lines may leak, and all it takes is a single spark to ignite the fuel and cause a furnace explosion. Incorrectly installed pipes could also block steam or water flow, which can result in overheating or pressure imbalances.
Most people are unaware that faulty installation can lead to carbon monoxide poisoning, which can cause symptoms like headaches, weakness, vomiting, chest pain, and confusion. In some cases, it may even cause death. Carbon monoxide poisoning causes around 40 deaths annually in England and Wales, and faulty boilers are a primary culprit of these fatalities, implicated in 27.4 percent of domestic incidents. Boilers burning gas or oil can produce carbon monoxide if the appliance is poorly installed or if it hasn’t been serviced for a long time, so never attempt a DIY installation. Leave it to a professional to prevent major boiler issues and keep your family safe at all times.
Operational Issues
An improperly installed boiler is more likely to underperform or break down, leading to higher costs and frustration. Poor wiring may result in a lack of hot water or inconsistent heating, which can pose potential health risks like strokes, COPD, asthma, and infections. Having insufficient heating may also cause dampness and mould growth, which can worsen lung conditions and respiratory issues.
In addition to all these, faulty installation can lead to wasted energy and high utility bills since poor pipework or installing the wrong boiler size can make the appliance work harder to heat your space. The average UK home heating cost ranges from £40 for a 1-bedroom flat to over £200 for larger properties, and boiler operational issues can make your heating expenses rise significantly. Also, if your appliance was poorly installed, you can expect to hear banging noises every now and then, and you may experience frequent water leaks which can damage your home and lead to mould, rust, and corrosion.
Why You Should Hire a Professional Boiler Installer
Bad boiler installation can cause a host of health and safety risks, so avoid them by getting your unit installed by a professional, who’s knowledgeable about the right boiler type, size, and model for every home. Doing so not only keeps your property safe, but it also ensures that your heating system will run efficiently, making your home warm and cosy even on a harsh winter day.
Hiring certified installers protects your warranty since many boiler manufacturers require a certified professional installation for the warranty to be valid. Note that a DIY installation will void your coverage, leaving you financially responsible for any repairs, maintenance, or replacements in the future. Additionally, your home insurance may not cover damages caused by faulty boiler installation, so if you don’t want to deal with this later on, call a reputable installer to prevent problems down the line.
A faulty boiler installation can endanger your health and home, so always call a trained professional to install a new boiler. Have it maintained and serviced regularly to keep it running efficiently and safely, which can help to prevent incidents and potential issues in the future.