Central Heating Zones - New & Replacement Systems

[diamondgas]

I get the reason they require this to be done. I know how a 2 port zone valve works, but I wonder who actually does this? I been in hundreds of houses fitted loads of new and replacement systems and never seen it done.

What happens if someone wants a boiler replacement but just had new carpet and decorating and dont want all the boards up to fit an extra flow and return?

Never mind two zones there are plenty changeovers I come across without the required TRV's or temp control, haven't been flushed and the condensates dribble down the outside wall!!! Who polices building regs anyhoo's?

 

[rodders]

Never mind two zones there are plenty changeovers I come across without the required TRV's or temp control, haven't been flushed and the condensates dribble down the outside wall!!! Who polices building regs anyhoo's?

This is true. Always see no TRVs on new boilers etc,

As for who polices it, I guess building control officer?

 

[kozak1968]

Theres a morale issue here, what do you do if an old lady on a pension with no heating needs a new boiler. Do you tell her she needs all the controls to bring it up to part L or your not going to fit the boiler? Or just fit it and have a clear concience

 

[Koogatubac]

A very good point to prove, in a way they say its the installer to stress that these actions need to be done to comply with building regs. If they dont want it then really the boiler warrenty would be void since thats part of the benchmark... Hmm... But we all could do with a good payout

 

[diamondgas]

Theres a morale issue here, what do you do if an old lady on a pension with no heating needs a new boiler. Do you tell her she needs all the controls to bring it up to part L or your not going to fit the boiler? Or just fit it and have a clear concience

I totaly agree! In my opinion it's entirely up to the customer what they have or do not have in their homes! Who are we to tell them they MUST comply with building regulations? It is our job to inform them of new requirements and let them make the choice!

Are these regulations a MUST DO? Do we break any 'laws' if we do not comply with building regs? I do not know the answers, anyone know?

 

[dave1]

I was told as long as you put it in writing, and get home owner to sign stating they understand that there installation does not comply with regulations which you recommended then you are covered.

 

[diamondgas]

Okaydokey done a quick search and found this :

If a person carrying out building work breaks the Building Regulations, the local authority or another person may decide to take them to the magistrates' court where they could be fined up to 5000 for the contravention, and up to 50 for each day the contravention continues after conviction.

You can read more here [DLMURL="http://www.findlaw.co.uk/law/property/building_regulations/9026.html"]How the Building Regulations are enforced and your right to appeal - Property...[/DLMURL]

 

[Koogatubac]

So are all you guys going to mention this say in your t&c to cover your back?

 

[diamondgas]

So are all you guys going to mention this say in your t&c to cover your back?

I wonder if it would "cover your back"?

It does mention that proceedings have to be taken within two years of the completion of the work! I have never known Local Authority Building Inspectors being requested to a boiler changeover! I'd imagine they are around on building sites though?

 

[phpaul]

i have in the past fitted a system in to a 3 story house each floor had a timer and stat easy

 

[stevetheplumber]

building inspectors will only attend a building on one condition and that is that some one is paying themso the chances of one ever checking something you've done is not worth worrying about
im certain these new regs are being brought in to keep trainers and controls companies in work each extra piece of cost that legislation adds to a job is money in the illegals pockets

 

[chris watkins]

I would like the law to be fully enforced, what is the point otherwise, when you have a BC officer who comes out after a customer pays £275 & says "I don't know anything about these unvented cylinders but if it hasn't blown up by now it must be all right" gives him a bit of paper & walks out !!!
I want to see people (customers & installers) being prosecuted where ever possible for non complaints of the building & for that matter the water regs as well. Why have I spent good time & money making sure I have the training & skills to comply when others don't & undercut me because they don't bother to upgrade heating systems for instants.
Lets try to get the law of the land fully enforced, it may be a way of getting the cowboys out or at least have a bit more of a level playing field !!

 

[stevetheplumber]

chris i agree completely but this is the problem of todays society so many laws are being flouted no one obeys any when you see burglars walking free despite having hundreds of previous convictions what chance is there of a crack down on builders and then theres politicians commiting fraud and paying the money back to avoid prosecution, the list is endless

 

[chris watkins]

Can't just throw our hands up in the air, otherwise we might end up with some people choosing not to obey any of our laws.
Got to complain, I will find out who best to & let who all know.
It might not be registration for plumbing but it is the only laws we have to prevent cowboy works, so it has got to be worth a try hasn't it ?????

 

[doitmyself]

I would like the law to be fully enforced, what is the point otherwise, when you have a BC officer who comes out after a customer pays £275 & says "I don't know anything about these unvented cylinders but if it hasn't blown up by now it must be all right" gives him a bit of paper & walks out !!!

I don't know if it's common throughout the USA, but I was recently reading an American site (Heating Help - Heating Systems ) and it would appear that in New York all heating work has to be pre-approved (e.g heat loss calculations etc) and the installation checked afterwards by independent inspectors. NO "self-certification".

There are also stringent rules about qualifications and training. One builder got done for using untrained and unqualified personnel to repair someone's chimney.