HELP - Boiler unit kitchen carcass, and boiler service problem

swords_alive

I have been putting off this problem for too long now, but really the issue is not knowing where to turn. I'm hoping Charlton Life will help give me a kick start as we have so many with experience and some trades people on here who may know what way to go. 

When my kitchen was fitted nearly 3 years ago the guys thought it would be ok to cut the top rung in the boiler housing to fit around the boiler flu. About a year later I realised this meant the flue could not be accessed for testing/ servicing. The nozzles that need to be removed to insert the gas sniffer are practically embedded in the wooden strut of the carcass.  I don't want to try cutting the wood myself. It's one of only two struts that seem to be supporting the shape of the carcass. Also the headroom above is only 19cm and I haven't been able to find a cutting tool small enough. I don't want the whole unit taken down and refitted as that could get messy.  Going back to the original fitter is an option but much time has passed and I don't want them cocking it up again (rest of kitchen was fine though).

Some pictures:








Really I think I could do with a boiler engineer, carpenter and kitchen specialist to all come along at once and work together on a solution for me but i don't think they exist, unless someone on here knows someone? Any other relevant tips or insights appreciated too. Thanks in advance!

ShootersHillGuru

Will a multi tool get in there ?  

Rob7Lee

I'd cut that middle bit out at the top and then put it back with a couple of removable brackets.

swords_alive

Thanks both. Cutting out a middle segment could work, then attach a couple of metal straps like these https://www.screwfix.com/p/tee-plates-zinc-plated-77-x-16-x-76mm-10-pack/19534

That top box hides the flue and comes away so i could access with a standard saw.

My slight doubt is the whole thing wobbling or losing shape, which would be a disaster.

Addickted

Aren't the flue gases checked externally with a probe?

swords_alive

Addickted said:

Aren't the flue gases checked externally with a probe?

I think they take a sample through those nozzles and other samples from the air around, but that's just my youtube 'knowledge'.

Plus when pictures shown via a mate to a boiler service engineer, the message back was that the boiler would be condemned, or words to that effect (which i thought was OTT but understood to mean the nozzles are v important). 

Gasman

I see this problem all the time.  We can check external yes but really from the test point on top of boiler is better. Just do as rob7lee said. Take half hour to do. Dont stress to much. Very common. Good boiler tho

swords_alive

Gasman said:

I see this problem all the time.  We can check external yes but really from the test point on top of boiler is better. Just do as rob7lee said. Take half hour to do. Dont stress to much. Very common. Good boiler tho

Cheers gasman. Was hoping you'd come along

Gasman

swords_alive said:

Gasman said:

I see this problem all the time.  We can check external yes but really from the test point on top of boiler is better. Just do as rob7lee said. Take half hour to do. Dont stress to much. Very common. Good boiler tho

Cheers gasman. Was hoping you'd come along

Your welcome. I see alot worse

ShootersHillGuru

swords_alive said:

Gasman said:

I see this problem all the time.  We can check external yes but really from the test point on top of boiler is better. Just do as rob7lee said. Take half hour to do. Dont stress to much. Very common. Good boiler tho

Cheers gasman. Was hoping you'd come along

He’ll be around on Wednesday between one and three.

Rob7Lee

You'll be fine, it's screwed to the wall on the left so it's not going anywhere. hand saw and off you go!

To be honest the top bit is probably only glued on, its come away at the back on the right anyway.

Rob7Lee

In fact looking again, cut it in the middle between the two cupboards for a nice join, you can put a shelf bracket on the left on the wall. and on the right as well inside the cupboard

swords_alive

Rob7Lee said:

In fact looking again, cut it in the middle between the two cupboards for a nice join, you can put a shelf bracket on the left on the wall. and on the right as well inside the cupboard

Good idea. A little shelf bracket at either end could be ideal, assuming there's no more than glue or a wooden dowl holding the cross strut in place. Once the right side is done i'd hope the left end will pull out (won't get a clear run at the left end with saw otherwise).

LoOkOuT

Gasman said:

I see this problem all the time.  We can check external yes but really from the test point on top of boiler is better. Just do as rob7lee said. Take half hour to do. Dont stress to much. Very common. Good boiler tho

You seem handy. What is it you do for a living?

Gasman

LoOkOuT said:

Gasman said:

I see this problem all the time.  We can check external yes but really from the test point on top of boiler is better. Just do as rob7lee said. Take half hour to do. Dont stress to much. Very common. Good boiler tho

You seem handy. What is it you do for a living?

Boiler breakdown / service engineer for a housing association.  Have now for 22 years.   Could do with a change now tho. 

Addickted

Gasman said:

LoOkOuT said:

Gasman said:

I see this problem all the time.  We can check external yes but really from the test point on top of boiler is better. Just do as rob7lee said. Take half hour to do. Dont stress to much. Very common. Good boiler tho

You seem handy. What is it you do for a living?

Boiler breakdown / service engineer for a housing association.  Have now for 22 years.   Could do with a change now tho. 

Ever thought about owning a football club? 

iaitch

Gasman said:

LoOkOuT said:

Gasman said:

I see this problem all the time.  We can check external yes but really from the test point on top of boiler is better. Just do as rob7lee said. Take half hour to do. Dont stress to much. Very common. Good boiler tho

You seem handy. What is it you do for a living?

Boiler breakdown / service engineer for a housing association.  Have now for 22 years.   Could do with a change now tho. 

And I thought he was an electrician!!!!

MrWalker

Gasman said:

LoOkOuT said:

Gasman said:

I see this problem all the time.  We can check external yes but really from the test point on top of boiler is better. Just do as rob7lee said. Take half hour to do. Dont stress to much. Very common. Good boiler tho

You seem handy. What is it you do for a living?

Boiler breakdown / service engineer for a housing association.  Have now for 22 years.   Could do with a change now tho. 

I take it you know about the Worcester Heating Systems story?
If you are in the same boat as Cecil and want to buy a part of a football club rather than a rugby one.....