Boiler installation Dunbar: a clear, trade-led guide for homeowners
Replacing or installing a boiler is one of the biggest decisions for a home in Dunbar, East Lothian — especially in older stone-built cottages, semi-detached 1930s houses or modern new builds along the coast. This guide explains the options, the site checks your Gas Safe engineer will make, and the practical steps to get a reliable, efficient heating system installed.
Which boiler type suits your Dunbar home?
- Combi boilers: compact and great for flats or houses without a loft cylinder. Ideal if you want on-demand hot water and have good mains water pressure.
- System boilers: include a hot water cylinder but no cold-water tank. A strong choice for homes with more than one bathroom or higher simultaneous hot-water demand.
- Conventional (heat-only) boilers: suitable for older properties with existing tanks in the loft and multiple bathrooms.
If your property is rural or off-grid in the wider East Lothian/Borders area, ask about LPG-capable boilers — SJD Plumbing & Heating offer LPG services and installs tailored to those setups.
Key site checks before any quote
A professional installer will carry out a short survey before quoting. Expect checks for:
- Property type and layout: number of bathrooms, loft access and where the boiler can be sited.
- Heat loss and radiators: radiator size, age and whether a powerflush is needed to remove sludge.
- Flue position and ventilation: whether the flue can be routed to the outside without breaching building control rules.
- Gas supply and pipework condition: to confirm pipe sizes and any upgrades needed.
- Condensate drainage: necessary for modern condensing boilers, often requiring a suitable fall to an external drain.
These checks determine the right boiler size (kW), additional parts (cylinder, magnetic filter, TRVs), and whether radiators need upgrading.
Questions to ask your installer
- Are you Gas Safe registered? (SJD Plumbing & Heating operate under Gas Safe Reg. 570785.)
- Which boilers do you recommend for my property and why? Ask them to explain system vs combi in plain terms.
- Will the proposed position meet current building regulations and flue clearance rules?
- Is there a written warranty and will you register the warranty for me? As an Ideal Max and Ideal Accredited installer we can offer extended manufacturer warranties on qualifying Ideal boilers.
- Do you include commissioning, fault-free checks and a demonstration of the controls?
What happens on installation day
A typical domestic installation follows a clear sequence: strip out the old boiler (if present), locate and prepare the new siting, fit the new boiler and any cylinder, connect gas and hydraulics, fit the flue and condensate, commission and test the system. Most straightforward installs are completed within a few days, but complex jobs (new pipework, radiators, or chimney work) will take longer.
Your installer should:
- Isolate and safely remove the old appliance
- Fit new components with attention to pipe routing and accessible isolation valves
- Flush the system if required and fit filters to protect the new boiler
- Pressure-test gas and water connections, and carry out combustion checks
- Leave user manuals, a certificate of compliance and the commissioning paperwork
Practical tips for homeowners in Dunbar
- Choose the right location: a kitchen or utility-room siting is common in older Dunbar houses. Avoid cramped loft spaces where access for servicing will be difficult.
- Think about hot-water patterns: if two showers often run at once, a combi might struggle — consider a system boiler with a cylinder.
- Protect your radiators: a powerflush or magnetic filter will extend the life of a new boiler if your existing system is sludgy.
- Plan for future controls: smart thermostats and room stats deliver comfort and running-cost savings when installed correctly.
After installation — commissioning and maintenance
Make sure your installer leaves paperwork: a Gas Safe certificate and a commissioning checklist. Register any manufacturer warranty promptly. Book an annual service with a Gas Safe-registered engineer to keep the boiler running safely and efficiently.
SJD Plumbing & Heating are Worcester Bosch installers and Ideal Accredited, and we register warranties where applicable. We’ve been serving Dunbar and East Lothian for 18 years, with engineers who bring over 20 years’ industry experience.
Factors that affect the job and cost
Boiler size, existing pipework condition, whether you need a cylinder, flue routing complexity, access to the install location and whether radiators need upgrading all influence the scope and duration of the job. We never surprise customer with hidden charges — all costs are agreed before work starts.
Ready to talk about a new boiler in Dunbar?
If you’d like a free, no-obligation survey and a clear written quote, call Shaun at 07565 386622 or email sjdplumbing@aol.com. SJD Plumbing & Heating — Gas Safe Reg. 570785. Based at 29 Home Avenue, Dunbar EH42 1QE, serving Dunbar, East Lothian, Edinburgh and the Borders with accredited, reliable boiler installs and service.
