Boxing in above a boiler…..

[sevenfourate]

New boiler went in last week. This is what we’re left with uptop.

As far as I understand - in terms of servicing: access to the filter and top (?) of the flue (To probe / take readings) will be required. So a removable panel of some sort would be required….if boxing in goes full height to ceiling / can’t be accessed from above.

How would you go about getting rid of this unsightly affair…….?

 

[raleighnut]

That looks a bit of a 'pigs ear'..................that black thing sticks out beyond the edge of the boiler but I suppose it could be rotated.
Whatever goes up there will need to be removable/hinged as access will probably be needed at some point.

 

[sevenfourate]

That looks a bit of a 'pigs ear'..................that black thing sticks out beyond the edge of the boiler but I suppose it could be rotated.
Whatever goes up there will need to be removable/hinged as access will probably be needed at some point.

Exisisting pipework heading downwards and through the architrave - was at a different width to the new boiler fittings. I'm imagining without a huge amount of effort / floors and carpets coming up to re-do the house pipework - the only choice was to crank / step at some point. Hence why the filter is on the angle - as its cut in and mounts onto a flange. However - the filter would have been showing either way....so having to box in further across to the right isn't much extra effort and where i'm at either way.....

 

[raleighnut]

Exisisting pipework heading downwards and through the architrave - was at a different width to the new boiler fittings. I'm imagining without a huge amount of effort / floors and carpets coming up to re-do the house pipework - the only choice was to crank / step at some point. Hence why the filter is on the angle - as its cut in and mounts onto a flange. However - the filter would have been showing either way....so having to box in further across to the right isn't much extra effort and where i'm at either way.....

The filter could have been fitted vertically and the 'crank/step' above it, my plumber would not get paid if he left it like that, very poor work IMHO

 

[sevenfourate]

The filter could have been fitted vertically and the 'crank/step' above it, my plumber would not get paid if he left it like that, very poor work IMHO

I’m not the happiest customer ever. I agree he could have thought about the pipe work widths and filter positioning before he made any cuts. To end up with the crank above; the then upright and inboard filter. 🙄

However - I’d still need to box in.

 

[PeteXXX]

The kitchen units look like a door or two could be sourced. Maybe continue with the run with a false cupboard, hinged for access?

 

[Alex H]

How about a nice curtain?

 

[Beebo]

Paint the pipes the same colour as the wall and hang a hat over the black box.

 

[Sterlo]

Had a similar issue in my old house. I built a frame and used MDF panels held in place by magnetic catches. Easy to remove if needed.

 

[Bazzer]

Firstly I would see if the filter can be brought inboard more. Has the plumber left the installation instructions, then you can see if they state distance specifications for the filter from the main pipe.
As to the boxing in, my first inclination would be a wooden frame, with panels on both sides. Get some neodymium magnets and epoxy them into the frame. Make your panels to suit the adjoining furniture and epoxy magnets into the panels. Add decorative handles to match.
Just remember when trial fitting to have something you can pull the panel off with. Even small neodymium magnets can be difficult to separate.
With a magnet in each corner I would have thought a total of sixteeen 10mm magnets from Amazon should be sufficient for the job, but it will depend upon the weight of the panel and if the panel is being supported by the boiler.

 

[Lookrider]

I know you cannot do this now as it's installed
But incase others are in your situation in near future
Source your existing bricks and buy 4 or 5
Get the heating engineer to bore out new core hole ( he should have the core drill anyways )
You can re brick and point old hole a decent match up
too which you won't see it as much as the insides

 

[Beebo]

Really easy solution for a lazy man.
get an empty box of corn flakes. Cut the back out and place it in front the black filter.
It will just look like you have a box of cornflakes on your boiler.

 

[si_c]

We paid a guy (Mrs C insisted) to come in and box it ours, he used cheap ply and we painted it, it looks OK, but not great. He did put a door in the middle and then screwed a piece above and below. Sadly they need to be removed to do the annual boiler service so having a single panel which can be removed easily is likely better.

If I was doing it properly I'd secure some battens to the the wall to support the boxing and then cut some 18mm MDF to make the side, front and top and then assemble it and paint it - two layers of acrylic primer then 3 coats of acrylic top coat. To secure the front panel, I'd embed some magnets (10mm neodynium) into the front and side panels - for the sides, glue some tabs to them and fit the magnets to that.

Five magnets either side should hold the face panel to the sides with the weight resting on the surface, they're just there to stop it falling away and are plenty strong enough for that. To remove the face panel you'll be able to pull it away.

 

[CXRAndy]

That looks a bit of a 'pigs ear'..................that black thing sticks out beyond the edge of the boiler but I suppose it could be rotated.
Whatever goes up there will need to be removable/hinged as access will probably be needed at some point.

What's with the cock eyed filter. Why didn't the plumber re route, giving you are boxing in the void above.

Just make sure you can dismantle incase of flue service or issues

 

[presta]

Drain valve over the top of the boiler? There's a recipe for a boiler full of water if ever I saw one.