Gas Service Checklist
This checklist sets out the work the gas engineer should do.
The engineer will begin the service by:
Placing a dust sheet around the appliance to be serviced.
Checking the gas meter for leaks and ensuring all the controls operate safely and are correctly labelled.
Inspecting visible gas pipe work to check for any damage or corrosion.
Before servicing any appliances, the engineer will carry out a pressure test of the gas pipe work from the meter to check for leaks.
The number and type of appliances in properties will vary from home to home.
Appliances will be serviced as follows
Back boiler and fire front
The fire front is removed from the front of the backboiler.
The flue liner is checked to ensure it complies with Building Regulations and boiler manufacturer’s recommendations.
The boiler and fire openings are cleaned.
The boiler itself is checked to ensure it operates safely and correctly.
With the flue now warmed, a smoke test will be done. This involves placing a ‘smoke bomb’ in the flueways of the boiler to ensure that there is sufficient draw on the flue.
The engineer will complete a visual check of the chimney from the outside of the property during the smoke test – to see the volume of smoke leaving the chimney. He should also check the chimney breast in the bedrooms (and the roof space if there is poor flow through the flue).
During the smoke test, all the doors and windows should be closed, and any appliances that may affect the operation of the flue like kitchen fans, cooker hoods or rotary ceiling fans should be switched on.
If everything is working properly the fire front will be refitted and tested.
The fire will be cleaned and lit to check operation.
With the fire lit, a spillage test will then be done to ensure the products of combustion are being removed from the room.
The engineer will also check that the correct level of ventilation is present to each room with a gas appliance fitted, and that the ventilation is clear from any obstructions.
With the test complete the appliances are left operating correctly.
Balanced flues
With balanced flue appliances. Like wall - hung room heaters and wall mounted boilers, the engineer will:
Carry out a visual inspection of the appliance, including seals, flue terminal and controls.
Check the controls to ensure the appliance is operating correctly and check the burner pressure and operation to
ensure the appliances are working efficiently.
Gas fire only
Fire is removed from the wall.
The metal ‘closure’ plate which seals the opening is removed and the fire opening checked.
The following items are checked as detailed in the backboiler and fire front section; flue liner, smoke test and cleaning of fire opening.
The closure plate will then be refitted and securely sealed to the wall plaster using new grey PVC gas tape.
The fire will then be re-fitted and tested as before.
Before the engineer leaves
Once everything is completed, the engineer will ensure the system is set up and operating correctly before leaving. The engineer will complete the gas service sheet which details all the tests undertaken, s/he will sign it and then you will sign it and the engineer will then give you a copy.
The whole servicing process will take between 30 -60 minutes depending on how many gas appliances you have in your home. We hope this leaflet answers your questions about gas services. If you are not sure about anything or have some further questions then please talk to our staff.