The flue terminal position determines feasibility. Condensate routing, fuel supply sizing, electrical supply and heating pipework all have to reach the new location, and the pipework is usually what determines the cost.
The flue decides whether it is possible
People choose where they want the boiler and then discover the flue cannot terminate there. It works the other way round: establish the possible terminal positions first, then work backwards.
- Terminal clearances to openings, boundaries, corners, eaves, ground level and other terminals – see flue positions.
- Maximum flue length, which every appliance specifies and which each bend reduces.
- A physical route from the new boiler position to that terminal, through whatever structure is in the way.
- Inspection hatches where the flue will be concealed.
- Plume, and where it goes at the new terminal. A visible plume across a path, a window or a neighbour’s fence is a problem worth avoiding at design rather than after a complaint.
- Roof termination as an alternative where no wall position works, with its own clearances and its own cost.
It is entirely possible for a position that looks ideal to be ruled out by a window two metres away. That is much better established at survey than on the day the old boiler comes off the wall.
Everything else that moves with it
| Service | What it involves |
|---|---|
| Condensate | A route to a drain. Internal termination wherever possible; external runs need the larger size, insulation and generous fall – see frozen condensate pipes |
| Fuel supply | A run to the new position, correctly sized. A longer run may need upsizing – see gas supply and pipe sizing, or on oil, a new supply line |
| Electrical supply | A fused spur at the new position, plus controls wiring |
| Heating flow and return | Pipework from the new position to the existing system, adequately sized |
| Mains cold, on a combi | A cold feed of adequate size |
| Hot water out, on a combi | A run to the existing hot distribution – and the further the boiler is from the taps, the longer the wait for hot water |
| Controls | Thermostat and programmer wiring, or a wireless receiver |
| Making good | Old pipework removed, wall and flue hole made good |
The flue decides feasibility; the heating flow and return decide the price. Running those from a new position to the existing system – particularly where they have to cross the house under floors – is usually the largest single element of the job.
Common destinations, honestly assessed
Out of the kitchen
The most common reason, and usually achievable. The constraint is finding a flue position, and a kitchen frequently has windows on the only external wall.
Into a garage
Frequently a good answer – space, easy flue route, noise away from the house. The considerations are frost protection in an unheated garage, the condensate route, and that a boiler nobody walks past gets less attention.
Into a loft
Frees space below and brings real problems: proper boarding, fixed access, lighting, frost protection, awkward condensate routing, and everything about servicing becomes harder. It is done, and it is worth being clear-eyed about.
Into a cupboard
Fine, with adequate clearances all round for servicing and ventilation as the manufacturer requires. The common mistake is a cupboard that just fits the boiler and leaves no room to work on it – which means it gets serviced badly for the rest of its life.
Into a bedroom or living room
Possible for a room-sealed appliance with the appropriate safety provisions. The practical objection is usually noise rather than regulation – oil burners in particular are not quiet.
Into a bathroom
Possible, with electrical zone requirements determining what can go where and the appliance needing to be room-sealed. More constrained than most positions.
Do it when the boiler is being replaced
If the appliance is coming off the wall anyway and the pipework is being disturbed, moving it at the same time costs a fraction of what it costs as a standalone job.
Conversely, moving a healthy boiler that has years left is an expensive way to gain a cupboard. It is worth weighing how long the existing appliance has before committing, and if a replacement is within a few years, waiting and doing both together saves a substantial amount.
If you are getting quotes for a replacement and you have ever wanted the boiler somewhere else, say so at survey. It is the cheapest moment it will ever be, and it is far easier to price before work starts than after.
There is a fuller discussion of the trade-offs in moving a boiler.
Thinking about moving it? The flue terminal position at the new location decides whether it is possible, and that is a ten-minute check.
Questions we get asked about this
Can I move my boiler anywhere?
Only where a compliant flue terminal position exists and the flue route is within the appliance’s limits. Condensate, fuel supply, electrics and heating pipework all have to reach it too, but the flue is what usually decides.
Is it cheaper to move it when replacing it?
Considerably. The appliance is coming off the wall anyway and much of the pipework is being disturbed. Moving a healthy boiler as a standalone job is an expensive way to gain a cupboard.
What is the most expensive part?
Usually the heating flow and return pipework to the new position, particularly where it crosses the house under floors. The flue decides feasibility; the pipework decides cost.
Can a boiler go in a loft?
Yes, with proper boarding, fixed access, lighting, frost protection and a workable condensate route. It frees space below and makes servicing harder in every respect.
Will moving it further from the taps affect hot water?
On a combi, yes – the further the boiler is from an outlet, the longer the wait for hot water to arrive. It is worth considering if you are moving it away from the main bathroom.
Will I need a bigger gas pipe?
Possibly, if the run gets longer. It is a measurement against the permissible pressure drop rather than an assumption, and it should be part of the survey.
What happens when you call
Call and describe it
You speak to an engineer, not a call centre. Most jobs can be narrowed down on the phone.
We look at it properly
A real diagnosis before a price, and a straight answer if it is not worth doing.
A written quote
Itemised, so you can see what you are paying for.
The job, and the paperwork
Certificates where the work needs them, and what will need attention next.
Where we do this work
Across Norwich and the whole of Norfolk. If you are on the edge of the county, call and ask — we will tell you honestly whether we are the right people.
- Norwich
- Wymondham
- Dereham
- Attleborough
- Aylsham
- North Walsham
- Cromer
- Diss
- Loddon
- Long Stratton
- Watton
- King's Lynn
Need this doing?
Call and describe the problem — you will speak to an engineer, not a call centre. Written quotes, no estimates over the phone.