Time taken to install ind. cylinder and fully commission

[Andy165]

Used to work on local housing assoc. contract and the time allowed for an ind. cylinder replacement and commission of ch & hw systems was 6 hours. Is that about average going rate? Would bg give you that? Most times got it done but sometimes had to spend time getting air locks out of ch system or strenghening the baseboard before putting the new cylinder in and alterations to pipework. Would not get paid any extra time for that, swings and roundabouts the boss would say. Any comments/was my talent being abused

 

[petit_pablo]

Dont quote me on this as its down to the engineer booking the job but i dont think BG expect it to take more than 4hrs.

One chap on our patch changes them on bungs if he doesnt have to repipe flow and return

 

[kirkgas]

i would say 4hrs for this

 

[heatingman]

If its in conjunction with boiler swap 1hr, storage tank 1 hr

 

[Andy165]

4 hours it is then. Looks like i,ll have to speed up a bit Thanks for the replies.

 

[ChrisR]

I'd take a day!

 

[chr15]

Do you mean like for like or maybe upgrading a gravity system to fully pumped as well?

 

[Terrywookfit]

IT would depend on the job!

On some systems with multiple drops, it can be a nightmare venting and clearing air locks!

Straight swap/ minor alterations with no problems I would say 4 hours!!

 

[superdupergasman]

4 hrs for a like for like

Bung the system and cut flow/return. get a couple of gate valves on there and you can work away without worrying about bungs failing and having the hassle of refilling a totally drained system.

obviosly takes a bit more time for serious repipe stuff or conversion to pumped etc.

 

[kirkgas]

i would never fit valves on cylinder flow and return you are asking for trouble with someone turning them off, return valve off = no circulation, possible no refilling of system leading to dry pump etc, flow valve off = no circulation PLUS possible closed path to vent pipe

 

[leakydave]

it would take as long as it takes... drain off points can be blocked, etc etc... Quote for days work (cos you won't have much time to do much work afterwards) and finish when you finish. I would obviously spend all day to do a proper job, rather that ¾ day and leave a shoddy job...

 

[Goldspoon]

Hoping to clarify here:

1. Only those with Energy and Efficiency Part L can change a cylinder under the law and Building Control must be notified unless self certified by recognised competent person.

2. One cannot replace a cylinder within a central heating system without ensuring the following are in place or added by the installer:

- Boiler Interlock
- TRV's fitted and supplemented by room thermostat or other device to prevent unnecessary boiler cycling
- pipe insulation

In other words - to change a cylinder and not contravene Building Regulations you need to have Energy and Efficiency Part L, you have to notify building control and you have to ensure ALL SYSTEM is brought up to scratch as in building regs.

Is the above correct?

Reason for asking is because if the system does need upgrading to comply then obviously some jobs will take a LOT longer...

 

[gas4you]

I would only agree with the insulation being added to all pipe work for a minimum of 1m off the cylinder.

If you had an old 15mm open vent then this would have to be upgraded to 22mm as this is current regs.

I think most BC are not the slightest bit interested in a straight cylinder swap being notified.

 

[Goldspoon]

Thanks. I understand that many plumbers do straight swaps as a matter of course. What I am trying to work out is what one needs to do to remain legal...

 

[croydoncorgi]

I think if I turned up at my local Building Control to try to notify a cylinder swap, I'd be in the same sort of position as the Monty Python character trying to buy a Cat Licence at the Post Office (and eventually getting a Dog Licence with Dog crossed out and Cat written in in biro)!

They might humour me while I was there but as soon as I left someone would say: 'FFS! Who was that t*sser?'