STEP-BY-STEP guide on how to install a Main Eco Compact Boiler
In this blog, we will be going through a step-by-step guide on how to install a Main Eco Compact Boiler. Installing a Main Eco Compact Boiler does require a qualified gas engineer to fit it. Unfortunately, this isn’t one for the homeowners. So here is a step-by-step guide on how to complete the process:
Step 1:
First of All, you’re going to want to make sure you have all the tools and equipment necessary for this job. This may include:
adjustables, grips, pipe cutters, a flue kit, a spirit level, a power drill, all the screwdrivers and any safety gear which is required.
Step 2: Prepare the installation area
Find the old boiler and see if it is a suitable location for the boiler to be replaced in. If this area is suitable, so it has the correct ventilation and complies with the safety requirements, then start to move anything that may be in your way, and dust sheet the house to protect the furniture and household items.
Step 3: Turn off everything necessary
Make sure that the mains switch to the boiler is turned off, also make sure that the mains water tap is turned off so we can start draining down. You will also want to make sure the gas is off to the boiler, but make sure you do a gas tightness test on your manometer to test if the property has any existing gas leaks. This way you will not install a new boiler and think there is a leak of what you have installed when it could possibly be a pipe elsewhere or hob or fire.
Step 4: Draining down the system
Find a radiator on the bottom floor with a drain valve attached to it, get your hose pipe and attach it to the valve. Once you have done that, open the valve and it will start draining down, after a couple of minutes, go to the highest radiator in the house and open the bleed valve and it should start sucking air through the radiator and the water should start coming out the hose pipe. You will have the work your way down the radiators starting from the highest to the lowest for this to work. Another thing you should do is open all the taps within the house, this will drain down the hot water and cold water pipes in the system.
Step 5: Remove the existing boiler
If there is an existing boiler, make sure you disconnect the old boiler by removing any pipes which are connecting to it. Make sure you remember which pipe is which by marking down each one because you will need to know when connecting them back up to the new boiler. You will then want to remove any wires going into the boiler.
Then remove the flue. this may mean that you have to ‘pepper’ (drill little holes) the cement around the flue to get it out. Take any precautions necessary to prevent any spillage or leaks during the process.
Step 6: Prepare for the new boiler
So let’s unbox the new boiler! You will notice a sheet with the layout of the boiler, you will need this to line the boiler up in the position you want it. If the flue lines up with the old flue perfectly, you can use that hole. If it doesn’t line up and either the boiler is smaller or bigger than the previous one, you will have to core drill a new hole for the new flue.
Step 7: Position the boiler
Get the bracket out of the boiler box, make sure you line it up with where you marked, get the spirit level on it so you can hang the boiler straight. Make sure you have the tools with you that are required for doing this.
Step 8: Hanging the boiler
Once you have the bracket nice and straight on the wall, it’s now time to hang the boiler, now this may be a struggle by yourself and may require another person to help you unless you have done this before and are a strong individual.
Step 9: Connect the pipes
Once the boiler is hung, let’s take the casing off so we don’t damage the front cover as we work. You will receive 5 brass fittings for the pipes which go onto the boiler, make sure you have connected them to the boiler, but make sure you have put the washers in as well. Now you have connected them to the boiler, you will want to connect the copper pipes into the brass fittings. Make sure you have them in the right order, Flow, Hot, Gas, Cold, and Return. You will also have to make sure you do the condense pipe and the PRV on this boiler. These two pipes are 15 mm copper pipe which is the PRV Pipe, and the other 21.5mm pipe reduced to 40mm Plastic pipe. Make sure you fit the combi-filling loop which is provided for you within the boiler box.
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Step 10: Install the flue
Attach the elbow of the flue to the boiler, you will then want to measure from the elbow to the outside of the wall so you get the correct measurement to cut the flue at. Please look at the manual for the flue regulations. Once you have done this, make sure the flue is in properly and is all sealed so it doesn’t leak. This normally comes with 4 screws which you have to use to meet the regulations.
Step 11: Connect the electrical wiring
If you aren’t comfortable doing any electrical work, you are best off hiring an electrician. If you are comfortable, you will want to connect the electrical supply to the boiler in the PCB, it will show you where abouts in the manual. If you have a timer to fit, you will also have to connect this to the boiler, if you are struggling with any of this, it will be in the video below.
Step 12: Tighten the pipes
Make sure the valves underneath the boiler are all tightened making sure there are no leaks for when you start to fill the system up.
Step 13: Fill the system
Once you have finished the boiler, make sure you go around the house and close everything that you opened at the start of the job for example, the bleed valves, the taps and the radiator valve with the hose pipe on. Now everything is closed, it is time to turn the mains water tap on and listen out for any leaks. If it has turned on and there are no leaks, it’s time to fill the boiler up by the combi filling loop, make sure you fill it up to 1 to 1.5 bar and keep topping it up after you are bleeding the radiators.
Step 14: Test the boiler
Now the system is all filled up and you’re happy with everything, it is time to turn on the boiler by the power supply. Please follow the manufacturer’s instructions to start and test the boiler. I will say make sure you do a flue test with your analyser to make sure the boiler is giving out the correct readings when running.
Step 15: Commission the boiler
If the boiler is operating correctly, commission it according to the manufacturer’s instructions. This will involve balancing the system and checking the boiler’s overall performance. Test the boiler is running properly and efficiently test the flue with the analyser to check the readings while running the boiler.
Step 16: Gas test
Test the gas from the metre to check that you have no leaks in the property and that it is safe (turn the boiler off whilst testing). This is called a stabilisation test.
Step 17: Provide the user instructions
If you have installed the boiler for someone else, make sure you have filled the back of the booklet out for them and that you are sending whatever you need to send off so they get their warranty with the boiler. Make sure you leave the booklet with them and any instruction manuals. Explain to them the regular servicing and checks that will need to take place and make sure you explain everything on how to use the boiler and make it easy for them.
Hopefully this step-by-step guide has helped you throughout the day to install a Main Eco Compact Boiler, there will be some things you need that aren’t mentioned like certain parts and tools. Remember this guide is a general overview, some of the steps may vary. If you are struggling at any point during this, we do have a video which may help but you should also call out someone to help you with the installation process.
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