When it comes to replacing your boiler, one of the first questions most homeowners ask is how long the installation will actually take. Knowing the timescale helps you prepare for any disruption and plan around the work, especially if you rely heavily on heating and hot water. While straightforward installations can often be completed in a single day, more complex projects may take several days to finish. The exact timeframe depends on factors such as the type of boiler being installed, the complexity of the pipework, and whether any additional upgrades are required to your system.
What Affects the Duration of a Boiler Installation
Every home and heating system is different, so there is no single answer to how long a boiler installation will take. However, by looking at the most common scenarios, you can get a clearer idea of the timescales involved and understand why some jobs are quicker or slower than others.
Replacing a Like-for-Like Boiler
The fastest type of installation is a like-for-like swap, where your old boiler is replaced with a new unit of the same type in the same position. For example, upgrading an old combi boiler to a modern, more efficient combi. Because the existing pipework, flue, and controls are already in place, the engineer’s main task is to remove the old boiler and connect the new one. In many cases, this process takes between six to eight hours, meaning you could have your new boiler up and running within a day.
Converting to a Different Boiler Type
If you’re upgrading your heating system to a different type of boiler, the work will naturally take longer. A common example is switching from a system or regular boiler with tanks to a combi boiler, which delivers heating and hot water directly from the unit. This type of conversion requires the removal of water tanks, alterations to the pipework, and additional checks to ensure the system runs safely. Conversions usually take two to three days, depending on the layout of your home and how much pipework needs to be rerouted. While this may cause more disruption, it provides long-term benefits such as better efficiency and more space in your home.
Moving Your Boiler to a New Location
Sometimes homeowners decide to relocate their boiler, either for practical reasons or to free up space in a key room. Moving a boiler involves far more work than a standard replacement because the installer must reroute pipes, reposition the flue, and often adapt electrics or even the structure around the new location. Depending on the distance of the move and the complexity of your home’s layout, this type of installation can take anywhere from two to four days. Although it is a bigger project, relocating your boiler can help improve convenience and create more usable space.
Additional System Upgrades
A new boiler performs at its best when supported by a clean and efficient heating system. In some cases, your installer may recommend additional work such as power flushing the system to remove sludge and debris, upgrading radiators, or fitting new heating controls. These tasks add to the overall timescale, but they also help protect your new boiler from damage and improve the efficiency of your entire system. For example, a power flush may take half a day to complete, while installing new controls could add a few extra hours. These investments are well worth the time, as they extend the life of your boiler and improve your comfort at home.
Final Checks, Testing, and Handover
The installation process doesn’t end once the boiler is connected. Your engineer will carry out thorough testing to ensure the system is safe, efficient, and compliant with regulations. They will check gas pressure, ventilation, and flue performance, and they will also explain how to use the boiler’s controls. This handover is an important step, giving you the confidence to operate your new system and understand any maintenance requirements. Although this stage may only take a few hours, it is essential for your peace of mind and the reliability of your heating system.
Expert Boiler Installations in Gillingham, Sittingbourne, Maidstone, Tunbridge Wells, Kent, and Medway
At Aquatech, we pride ourselves on providing professional boiler installations tailored to your home and lifestyle. Whether you need a quick like-for-like replacement, a full system conversion, or a boiler relocation, our experienced engineers manage the process from start to finish. We work efficiently to minimise disruption while ensuring every installation meets the highest safety and quality standards. Call us today on 01634 768050 or 075400 53343, or fill out our contact form to book your installation.
