Ever stare at your cold radiators and wonder, “Can I just call a plumber to sort out my boiler?” You’re not alone. A lot of folks assume plumbers cover all things pipes and water—including your new boiler. But it’s not quite that simple.
Here’s the short answer: Some plumbers install and repair boilers, but only if they’ve got the right gas or oil qualifications. In the UK, that means they need to be Gas Safe registered. No badge, no boiler work—simple as that. It’s actually illegal for someone without the certification to touch your gas boiler.
Don’t let a smooth talker with a wrench convince you otherwise. If you hire the wrong person, you could end up with more than a cold house—you could put your safety on the line or mess up your home insurance. Getting it right is about finding someone who actually specializes in boilers, not just any guy with “plumbing” on his van.
- Plumbers and Boiler Work: What’s the Overlap?
- Who Is Legally Allowed to Fit a Boiler?
- What to Look for in a Boiler Installer
- Tips for a Smooth Boiler Installation
Plumbers and Boiler Work: What’s the Overlap?
Let’s get straight to it—plumbers are the go-to folks when it comes to fixing leaks, unclogging drains, and keeping water running where it should. But things get a bit more complicated when boilers enter the picture. Plenty of plumbers know their way around pipes, but not all of them should be messing with your heating system.
Here’s where people get tripped up: some plumbers train as heating engineers or get extra qualifications so they can legally work on boilers. That means just because someone calls themselves a plumber, doesn’t always mean they’re qualified for boiler installation or repair. Think of it like this—every heating engineer probably started as a plumber, but not every plumber took the extra steps to become a heating engineer.
The overlap gets bigger in smaller towns or with independent tradespeople, where you’ll often find “plumber” and “boiler engineer” advertised together. In reality, it comes down to gas safety. In the UK, Gas Safe registration is a must. In the US, there are different state requirements and certifications for working on boilers, especially for natural gas systems. Always ask to see proof—they should have an ID card handy.
Plumbers without heating qualifications can still help with the water side of your system—like replacing pipes to and from your boiler, bleeding radiators, or hooking up hot water tanks. But touching anything gas-powered without the right badge? That’s crossing the line, both legally and for your safety.
Key takeaway: If you need boiler work, check your plumber’s credentials before they start. It’s not just about getting the job done—it’s about making sure your home stays safe and your heating system works the way it should.
Who Is Legally Allowed to Fit a Boiler?
Let’s cut through the mess here: not everyone with a toolbox is allowed to put in a boiler. The law is clear. If it's a gas boiler, only a Gas Safe registered engineer is allowed to touch the job in the UK. For oil boilers, you need an OFTEC-registered technician. Anyone else—even if they call themselves a plumber—can’t legally or safely do the work.
Here’s what the proper certification does:
- Makes sure the installer knows all the latest safety standards
- Keeps your warranty and home insurance valid
- Reduces the risk of carbon monoxide leaks and dangerous malfunctions
Fewer than 60% of homeowners check for qualifications before hiring someone for a boiler installation. That means lots of people put themselves at risk without realizing it. Always double-check IDs or registration numbers. You’re legally allowed to ask for proof—and you should.
Want to know what each qualification covers? Here’s a quick compare at a glance:
| Certification | Covers | Who Issues It? |
|---|---|---|
| Gas Safe Register | Gas boilers & gas work | Gas Safe (formerly CORGI) |
| OFTEC | Oil boilers & oil heating | Oil Firing Technical Association |
| HETAS | Solid fuel boilers/stoves | Heating Equipment Testing and Approval Scheme |
If you’re dealing with an electric boiler, a qualified electrician with Part P certification should handle it, but that’s way less common for homes in the UK.
Bottom line: Always pick someone who can prove they’re registered for exactly the system you’re installing. Skipping this step is not just risky—it could be illegal and expensive down the line if something goes wrong.
What to Look for in a Boiler Installer
Finding the right person for your boiler installation isn’t just about saving money—getting it wrong can literally put your home and family at risk. You want someone who knows their stuff and has proof to back it up.
The most important thing? Make sure they’re officially qualified. In the UK, it’s got to be a Gas Safe registered engineer if your boiler runs on gas. For oil boilers, they should be OFTEC registered. Ask for their ID card before they start—no legit installer will be weird about showing it.
- Ask about experience with your specific type of boiler installation. If you’re buying a fancy new combi boiler, someone who’s only worked on old-school systems might not be up to speed.
- Check for public liability insurance. If something does go wrong, this protects both you and them, so you’re not left in a mess if an accident happens.
- Look for online reviews—real ones, not just testimonials on their own website. Google, Trustpilot, and even Facebook can give you a clearer picture of how they handle problems and customer service.
- Ask for a written quote, not just a ballpark number over the phone. Everything should be clear up front: cost of labour, parts, and how long it’ll take.
- Make sure they cover aftercare—like registering the manufacturer’s warranty and offering boiler servicing reminders.
It’s worth knowing what the going rate is and what legit installers offer. Here’s what’s typical in the UK as of 2025:
| Requirement | What to Check |
|---|---|
| Gas Boilers | Gas Safe ID & recent registration check |
| Oil Boilers | OFTEC membership |
| Experience | Work with chosen boiler brand/model |
| Insurance | Public liability (minimum £1 million) |
| Quotes & Paperwork | Written quotes, warranty paperwork |
Skipping any of these checks could leave you out of pocket, or worse, stuck with a dodgy install that fails in winter when you need heat the most. Take your time finding a proper installer, and you only have to do it once.
Tips for a Smooth Boiler Installation
If you want your new boiler to last and keep the house warm without headaches, these practical steps make all the difference. Most problems folks run into with new boilers come down to rushing the process or hiring the wrong person. Let’s make sure you dodge the drama.
- Pick the right installer. Always use a Gas Safe (or OFTEC for oil) registered engineer. Don’t just trust a badge—go to gassaferegister.co.uk and check their number yourself.
- Ask for references or check for honest online reviews. Bad installs stick out a mile in the ratings.
- Get a fixed quote before work starts. This keeps those “surprise” charges out of your email inbox.
- Don’t skip the home survey. A proper survey checks if your current pipes, radiators, and electrics are up for the job.
- Keep your warranty golden—always book in that first year’s annual service. Missing this can void the cover on day one.
"The majority of call-outs we see for broken boilers are linked to botched installations or skipped services. Get it done right the first time, and you’re much less likely to wake up to a cold bathroom," says Chris G., senior heating engineer at Trust Heating Solutions.
Boiler swaps in the UK usually take about 1-2 days, but switching to a totally different type (like combi to system) or moving the boiler across the house can stretch it to three days or more.
| Task | Expected Time |
|---|---|
| Like-for-like boiler swap | 1 Day |
| Changing boiler type | 2-3 Days |
| Relocating boiler | 2-3 Days |
When it’s all fitted, don’t forget to ask for: the installation certificate, the benchmark logbook completed, and a demo on how to use the controls. Stickers with user instructions near the boiler help when you panic at 2 AM next winter.
One last tip: register the new boiler with the manufacturer right away. It’s easy to forget, but without this, you might not have a valid warranty when you really need it.
Stay sharp and stick with pros—you’ll save cash and hassle down the line. If in doubt about anything boiler-related, ask your boiler installation specialist for clarity before anyone picks up a spanner.