what is a back boiler?

Question

I've been to view a property, and in the lounge there is an old gas fire and behind it in the chimney breast is the back boiler. Can it be easily replaced, or is it worth leaving as a cost effective method of heating the house.

Answer 1

A traditional back-boiler was a water-boiler unit fitted into the rear of the hearth of an open fire. It had no fuel source of its own, and relied on the fire being lit to provide hot water, and to provide heat to the rest of the house via the radiators.

When gas fires replaced open fires in many homes, the principle was retained. However in most cases the boiler will have its own burner, a pilot light and control system, and can be operated independently of the gas fire. Its just like the gas boiler in the kitchen of many houses, but in a different place.

Provided the boiler has been maintained, it should not be a problem. However a newer boiler may be slightly more efficient.
Personally, I would leave it in place until such times as either it fails and must be replace, or you are making significant changes to the plumbing or to the lounge, and it is a convenient opportunity to invest in something newer.

I rented a house with one of these boliers a few years ago, and it seemed to work well.

Answer 2

A back boiler is a tank of water that sits behind the back plate of the fireplace... directly behind the open fire. The fire heats the water for domestic use, fed to the taps by pipes.

In my day, this was heated by a coal fire, or a Rayburn fuelled by coke. And those coke scuttles (long narrow, deep buckets, with lip and handles) are bloomin' heavy to carry up from a cellar... I know... I've done it often!

I was lighting coal fires from the age of ten to make sure the water was hot enough for when my parents returned from work. And if there were no firelighters... cos cash was short, and no wood, I had to spread dripping onto newspaper and make my own firelighters... and sit with aching arms to 'draw' the flames around the coal for ages, to get the fire going. Many a time catching fire to the paper and having to stamp it out!

Ah memories:-(

We kids (five) also shared our bath water, because immersion heaters were new and way too expensive to use with a family of seven. And in my day, we didn't have showers.

Aint you a spoilt generation then?

Answer 3

A back boiler is just a normal boiler but in a different position. I would definitely get it changed for a new one as the new ones are much more efficient. You may be able to get a grant to help you replace it. Check the energy saving trust website.
the fire at the front would come with the new one.
Good luck

Answer 4

my old house had a back boiler which heated water when the fire was lit.(using coal)

I would ask if the gas is part of it or was it an old boiler being used with a coal fire as to me gas normally is a heating system heating radiators and water.

Answer 5

Department of no surprise, it's a boiler behind (usually) a gas fire, and used to provide central heating. Not used very much nowadays.

Answer 6

it is a boiler behind the fire, not very practical now days.You would be better with a gas combi boiler much more economical to run, but make sure it is fitted properly

Answer 7

When you put something on the back boiler... it means leave it for another day and concentrate on more important things...

As for your question mate I don't really know. The channel 4 website is pretty good for answering all your property related questions, in their homes section...

Good luck mate

Answer 8

Basically it won't work with the gas fire, it needs a real fire to heat it. You can still use, but check it's still plumbed in-it probably isn't.

Answer 9

It depends what it is, what condition it is in and whether you live in a smoke control area. You need to get some professional advice which can only be given after an inspection.