Cost of Moving a Boiler

How Much Does It Cost to Move a Boiler?

So, how much does moving a boiler cost?

The average cost of boiler relocations ranges between £500 and £1,000. However, this can vary based on the individual scenario and can reach £1,500 when moving a conventional boiler, or likewise if there's extensive pipework required which can impact the overall boiler relocation cost.

The final price will depend on several factors, including the distance between the old boiler and new boiler locations, how much pipework needs rerouting, and whether additional materials such as flue extensions are required.

What is your main reason for relocating your boiler?

Replacing or upgrading an existing boiler at the same time

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To improve heating efficiency and layout

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To create additional space

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Moving the boiler into a more convenient location

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Part of a wider renovation project

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Moving a boiler is a specialist job that should always be carried out by a qualified heating engineer. This is especially important if the system involves gas connections, which must legally be handled by a Gas Safe registered professional.

Boiler Relocation Cost

Moving a boiler can often become a more extensive job than simply installing a new boiler in the original location. This is because it involves dismantling the boiler's pipework and fittings, then reinstalling it in its new location.

The below table shows the average relocation cost for conventional, system, and combi boilers:

Combi boilers are generally the cheapest to move because they don't have any water tanks or cylinders to move. System boilers' hot water cylinders have to be re-piped to the boiler's new position, but the cylinder itself usually doesn't move.

Conventional boilers are usually the most expensive to move because they have a hot water cylinder and a cold water tank. Again, the water tank and cylinder aren't usually moved, but long pipe runs (especially if the boiler is being moved to a new floor) can mean more work and higher costs.

The table below shows average costs by relocation scenario, which is one of the biggest factors affecting the final price:

Labour Cost to Move a Boiler

Heating engineers will usually work at an hourly rate, with labour costs of around £40 to £60 per hour, or up to £80 per hour in London. Total labour costs will depend on the individual tradesperson, the amount of experience they have, the complexity of the job, and your location in the UK.

The rest of the cost of moving a boiler is the material cost of new pipework and flues. Keep in mind that large jobs might require two heating engineers, increasing costs above these ranges.

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Factors That Impact the Cost of Moving a Boiler

Several factors can influence the overall cost of relocating a boiler. The final price will largely depend on the complexity of the job, the boiler type, and how much pipework or additional materials are required.

• Distance You Are Moving the Boiler — Relocating your existing boiler can vary in price depending on the distance and the complexity of the work involved. Moving a boiler along the same wall is usually straightforward, while relocating it to another room, a loft, or a utility room may require more extensive pipework and installation work.
• Size and Type of Boiler — The larger the boiler, the more difficult it is to move. Bigger, heavier boilers, particularly oil boilers, often take longer to relocate and can require more than one pair of hands, which increases labour costs.
• Ease of Access — If the installation point is difficult to access, the job may take longer to complete. Restricted access can increase labour costs due to taking longer and may require additional assistance.
• Gas Connections — If the old boiler is being moved to an area without an existing gas supply, the gas pipework may need to be extended or rerouted. This work can cost around £45 to £85 per metre, depending on the complexity of the installation.
• Location of Property — Labour costs can vary depending on where you live in the UK. For example, heating engineers in London and the South East generally charge higher rates than those in other regions.

Additional Costs of Moving a Boiler

Some boiler relocation costs don't apply to every job. As such, your circumstances will dictate whether or not you need to budget accordingly for the following potential add-ons.

• Flue Extension — A standard flue outlet is usually included in the quote, but extending or rerouting the flue (if the new boiler location is further from an outside wall) will cost extra. Flue extension pipes cost about £45 per metre.
• Vertical Flue — If the boiler is moving to the loft or room without an external wall nearby, the flue may need to go up through the roof instead. This is a bigger job that usually takes 1 to 2 days and costs around £800 to £1,500.
• Scaffolding — Scaffolding may be required for vertical flue installation, or flues high on external walls. The cost of hiring scaffolding can add £350 to £800 to the overall total if not already included in your quote.
• Plume Management Kit — These are needed to redirect fumes if the new flue position will release them close to windows, doors, or neighbouring properties. These typically add £100 to £300.
• Condensate Pump — This will be needed if there's no drain nearby for a condensing boiler, and will cost £150 to £400. If there is a drain, you'll usually just need a new condensate pipe run, which will typically be included in the quote.
• Power Flush — While the heating system is drained as part of a boiler relocation, it's also a good opportunity to have it power flushed. This removes sludge and debris from the pipework, improving efficiency and reducing the risk of future blockages. See our power flush cost guide for a full breakdown, but typically expect to pay between £400 and £850, depending on the size of the system.
• Carbon Monoxide Alarm — If you don't already have one fitted near your boiler, a carbon monoxide alarm is a small but important addition. These cost around £20 to £30 and can be a legal requirement whenever a gas boiler is installed or relocated, so check with your engineer.
• Magnetic Filter Cost — These filters extract debris from the water in your pipes and can help to reduce rust. They are great for maintaining your pipes in the long term. The cost for these is around £120 to £225.
• Boxing In Your Boiler — Once relocated, you may want to conceal the boiler and its pipework with a fitted unit or boxing. The cost to box in a boiler is typically around £335, depending on the size and finish required.
• Making Good the Old Location — Once the boiler has been moved, the area it previously occupied will likely need some remedial work. This can include filling holes left by pipework and fixings, plastering, and redecorating. Costs will vary depending on the extent of the work, but budget for at least £100 to £300 for minor repairs and redecoration.

Where Can You Move a Boiler To?

Relocating a boiler can help free up valuable space as well as potentially having it somewhere that's more convenient. By moving your boiler into a loft, cupboard or utility room, you can reclaim living space and keep noise to a minimum, while improving the overall layout of your home.

Most boilers can be relocated to a range of positions in the home, provided the new location meets gas safety and building regulation requirements. Here's a look at where you could move your boiler to, and when the move might not be possible:

• Airing Cupboard — System or conventional boilers are often kept in airing cupboards to keep the water cylinder out of sight. It's a good location for a small combi boiler to keep it out of the way, too. Be aware of any fire regulations and ensure clothes or other flammable items are kept clear of the boiler.
• Loft — A loft relocation is often possible but tends to sit at the higher end of the cost range. The boiler must be accessible for servicing (the loft needs to be boarded, lit, and with a fixed ladder), and adequate frost protection and pipe insulation are usually required to prevent freezing in cold weather. It's not ideal for conventional boilers as the cold water tank has to sit above the boiler. For combi boilers, the hot water will take longer to reach the taps.
• Utility Room — This is often a straightforward and popular destination, particularly in homes with an adjoining utility room. Costs vary depending on the distance from the existing pipework, but this is generally one of the more practical and cost-effective options.
• Garage — Moving a boiler to a garage is a more expensive option due to the need to extend gas pipework underground (for detached garages). You also have to ensure adequate insulation against cold temperatures, as frozen condensate pipes are a common cause of winter boiler breakdowns.
• Bathroom — Boilers can be installed in bathrooms, but there are strict requirements. The electrical installation must comply with all the relevant requirements, and the boiler must be room-sealed (take air from outside and send fumes straight outside) and should ideally be enclosed in a cupboard. Always confirm compliance with your engineer before proceeding.
• Bedroom — As with bathrooms, a boiler fitted in a bedroom must be room-sealed, unless it's 14kW or less in which case a safety device that shuts it down before fumes build up is a suitable alternative. Be aware of the potential for noise disturbance if you install your boiler in a bedroom.

Wherever you move your boiler, the flue must exit outside and be positioned a safe distance from windows, doors, and boundaries.

Electric boilers can go in most locations, as they don't need a flue or gas supply. Condensing boilers need a drain nearby, otherwise a condensate pump has to be added, which will cost extra.

Move Your Existing Boiler or Install a New One?

To compare costs between moving your boiler and installing a new one in the desired location:

Replacing a combi boiler with a new unit in a different location typically costs £1,050 to £3,700 more than relocating an existing boiler, depending on the model and installation complexity. While this is significantly more than a straight relocation, the improved efficiency and reliability of a new combi boiler can offset the higher upfront cost over time.

So, before committing to a relocation, it's worth considering whether moving your current boiler is the most cost-effective choice, or whether installing a new boiler in the desired location makes more sense.

When Moving Your Existing Boiler Makes Sense

• Your Boiler Is Relatively New — If your boiler is under 10 years old, still under warranty, and working reliably, moving it is usually the better option. There's no reason to replace a boiler that has plenty of life left.
• The Move Is Straightforward — A short, same-room or same-floor relocation is unlikely to be so costly that replacement becomes the more logical choice.
• You're Carrying Out Wider Renovation Work — If you're refitting a kitchen or converting a loft and simply need the boiler repositioned, moving it is often the most practical route.

When Installing a New Boiler in a New Location Makes More Sense

• Your Boiler Is Older — Boilers over 10 years old may be nearing the end of their working life. Spending £500 to £1,000 or more moving an old boiler, only to replace it a couple of years later, is rarely cost-effective. Many engineers will recommend a replacement at this stage.
• Parts Are Hard to Find — It can be difficult to find parts for older boilers, and fittings or flues may not suit the new position.
• The Labour Costs to Move It Are High — For complex relocations involving extensive pipework, the cost to move your existing boiler can approach £1,400 or more. At that point, the additional cost of a new boiler in the right location may represent better long-term value, particularly given that modern boilers can be over 90% efficient, compared with around 65% for an old G-rated boiler.
• You Want to Switch Boiler Type — If you're moving from a conventional boiler to a combi boiler, or making another significant system change, it often makes more sense to factor in the new installation at the same time rather than moving an old boiler first.
• The Boiler Is No Longer Under Warranty — Moving a boiler can void manufacturer warranties if it isn't done in line with their terms. If the warranty has already lapsed, this removes one reason to hold onto the existing unit.

What's Involved in Moving a Boiler?

Relocating a boiler involves disconnecting the existing system, then reinstalling it in the new location with updated pipework, a new boiler flue outlet, and all necessary safety checks. Any work on a gas boiler must legally be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Assuming you wish to proceed with having your boiler relocated, below is a guide to the general process involved:

Before the Job

• Planning the Move — The move depends on factors such as the feasibility of the new location, your boiler's condition and whether it is possible to safely install a new boiler flue as required.
• Checking Boiler Suitability — In some cases, an old boiler may no longer be suitable for the new location, in which case you may not be able to proceed until purchasing a replacement boiler.

During the Job

• Installing the Boiler Flue — Your engineer will first of all install a new boiler flue outlet to vent safely outside, or install an extension flue pipe where appropriate.
• Pipework and Connections — New pipework will be installed to carry water in and out of the boiler. The boiler will need to be re-piped and reconnected to your radiators.
• Gas Work — Moving or extending the gas pipe fitting must be done by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Depending on the boiler's condition, you may choose to replace it with a new unit.

After the Job

• Redecorating — Once the move is complete, the area where the boiler originally sat is likely to need redecorating.
• Finishing Touches — The new location may also require minor repairs or touch-ups due to some unavoidable damage during installation.

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Checklist: Finding a Local Tradesperson to Move a Boiler

You will need to consider a few key points before hiring a contractor to move your boiler:

• Do they have the right certifications? Only qualified engineers in the UK that are listed on the Gas Safe register are legally allowed to work on gas appliances, including jobs such as relocating a boiler. Oil-based systems need a competent oil heating engineer, ideally one who is part of a relevant competent person scheme (such as OFTEC or NAPIT) so they can self-certify the work. Any electrical connections and controls may require a qualified electrician who's already listed on the competent persons register.
• Do they have public liability insurance? This isn't a legal requirement. However, it does protect you if you are injured or your property is damaged during the work.
• Does your contractor have the right experience? Straightforward boiler relocations should be well within the capabilities of suitably certified tradespeople, but for more complex and challenging moves, you might want to qualify their experience of similar jobs. Whatever their experience, to provide you with complete confidence in their ability, check what certifications and guarantees they will provide for their work.
• Have you received and compared itemised quotes? It's recommended to request at least three separate quotes so you can compare offers, which you can do via MyJobQuote without any obligation to commit. Ask for an itemised cost breakdown for each element of the job, so you can also ensure there aren't any hidden costs (such as waste removal) and know exactly what you're paying for.
• Do they have positive customer feedback? Check their MyJobQuote profile for examples of their work and customer reviews, or ask friends and family for recommendations.

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