Can A Boiler Be Fitted In A Bathroom?

A boiler is one of the must-have items in UK households. A boiler is necessary not only for heating rooms but also for providing hot water for taps and showers. Among many other considerations, the location of a boiler also matters for getting maximum output. In houses with ample space, it might not be so important, but in small residential units, such as flats, installing the boiler at an appropriate place is critical.

In any case, the ideal place to install a boiler is the one closest to the point of use. It may save a lot of energy and lower the upfront cost of pipes. On the other hand, the appropriate placement of a boiler also has another angle, the aesthetic sense. Although the latest boiler models are pretty compact and attractive, they may not fit well with a home's interior layout. In this context, the most frequently asked question —"Can a boiler be fitted in a bathroom?" — becomes even more relevant.

In this blog, we will explore every vital aspect of this critical issue, including adherence to safety regulations and other considerations.

Can A Boiler Be Fitted In A Bathroom?

A simple, straightforward answer to this common query is "Yes". There is no legal restriction on doing so. On the other hand, installing a boiler in a bathroom is subject to specific rules, regulations, and safety requirements. This might be a viable option if you comply with the relevant safety regulations. 

Reasons Behind the Increasing Trend of Installing a Boiler in Bathrooms 

In old houses, especially those having ample space, a boiler was traditionally installed away from bathrooms and living areas. The old boilers were quite large, which compelled the homeowners to install them in a reasonable location. Over the years, as new technologies have been introduced, boilers have become smaller and more compact.

Additionally, the smaller homes face space constraints, necessitating consideration of installing a boiler in the bathrooms. Some of the key factors behind the growing trend of installing a boiler in a bathroom are summarized here:

• Availability of Space – Usually, a bathroom has sufficient unused wall space for installing a boiler.
• Space Constraint – A smaller residential unit, such as a flat, may not have enough space to install a boiler. In this scenario, bathrooms are the ideal locations for them. 
• Lesser Chances of Noise Transmission – The boilers do generate a certain level of noise, which often creates a nuisance. Most bathrooms are located in isolated areas, separate from the living areas. Hence, the sound generated by the boiler may be prevented from transmitting to the living areas if it is installed in a bathroom, situated at a separate location. 
• Energy Saving – If a boiler is installed away from the point of use, such as taps and showers, the hot water has to travel through an extended pipe network, which causes heat loss. As a result, the boiler has to use more fuel to heat more water. Installing a boiler in the bathroom can save a lot of energy because hot water will be available instantly, without passing through an extended pipe network.
• Aesthetic Value – Since modern boilers are compact and reasonably small, they can easily fit inside a cabinet or in bathrooms. Hiding a boiler in a cupboard or cabinet can help keep the bathroom looking clutter-free, thereby increasing its aesthetic value.

IMPORTANT: Despite all the benefits, always consider Safety Regulations before installing a boiler in a bathroom.

Safety Regulations Governing the Installation of Boilers in Bathrooms

The installation of a gas boiler generally needs strict compliance with the gas safety regulations. However, when installing it in a bathroom, other laws, mostly those governing electrical appliances, also come into play, as modern boilers have several components that require electricity for operation, such as ignition systems, pumps, fans, electronic controls, and sensors. 

Accordingly, when installing a boiler in a bathroom, regulatory requirements must be complied with, as per the relevant provisions of the following Safety Regulations:

1. Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.
2. Building Regulations (Document G and Part P)
3. The IET Wiring Regulations (BS 7671)
4. Guidelines provided by Gas Safe Register and HSE

The above guidelines and regulations collectively define the correct installation of boilers, including:

• Where a boiler can be installed
• Where a boiler cannot be installed
• How a boiler should be installed for the safety of the building and its occupants

Bathrooms are Divided into Electrical Safety Zones

Under the above-referred regulations and guidelines, bathrooms in the UK are divided into various Electrical Safety Zones. When installing a boiler in the bathroom, homeowners must keep in mind these safety zones: 

• Zone 0 – This is the first electrical safety zone, comprising the inside of the bath and shower. As per rules and regulations, no electrical appliance, including gas boilers, should be installed in this zone. 
• Zone 1 – This is the area exactly above the bath and shower, up to a height of 2.25 meters. In this zone, only low-voltage electrical appliances, with proper IP ratings, can be installed.
• Zone 2 – This is the area up to 2.25 meters vertically and 0.6 meters horizontally, beyond the above two zones (Zone 0 and Zone 1). Homeowners are allowed to install some sealed electrical appliances provided they have a sufficient moisture protection system.
• Zone 3 and Beyond – All the areas, situated 0.6 meters away from water sources, such as sink, bath, and shower, and away from Zones 0, 1, and 2, are termed as Zone 3 or Beyond Restricted Zones. Homeowners are allowed to install a boiler anywhere in this zone, provided it is properly enclosed and meets Ingress Protection (IP) requirements.

Thumb Rule: In the above zoning system, a boiler can be installed anywhere in the bathroom, provided it is outside Zones 0, 1, and 2, and preferably enclosed in a ventilated cabinet or cupboard. 

Other Safety Considerations

In addition to the above, the following safety measures should also be considered while installing a boiler in a bathroom:

• If a boiler is intended for installation in a bathroom, make sure it is a Room-Sealed type, such as a modern combi boiler. A room-sealed boiler typically draws air directly from outside and simultaneously throws out combustion gases through an efficient flue. It means that such boilers do not use room air for combustion.
• Don’t install an open-flue boiler in the bathroom because it's likely to generate carbon monoxide while consuming oxygen, posing a serious health and safety threat.
• Always use a Gas Safe Registered Engineer to install a boiler in a bathroom.
• Ensure that the bathroom has an adequate ventilation system. 
• Flue must lead the gases directly outdoors, preferably through an external wall.
• All electrical wiring must be compliant with BS 7671 Wiring Regulations, ensuring that the thermostat, timer, or smart control devices are installed outside the bathroom.

Types of Boilers Best Suited for Fitting in Bathrooms

Theoretically, there are many types of boilers that can be installed in a bathroom, but not all are suitable for that purpose, especially when safety is a concern. Accordingly, the following types of boilers are highly recommended for installation in the bathrooms, while taking into consideration other essential aspects, as discussed above:

1. Combi Boilers – Ideal for small to medium households. A combi boiler is best for homes that need an instant hot water supply. A combi boiler meets this requirement, as it does not have a storage tank and heats water as and when required. 
2. System Boilers – System boilers are also suitable for installation in the bathroom. However, it may not be ideal for a home with limited bathroom space, as it requires a separate hot water cylinder, which requires reasonable space. 
3. Regular Boilers – These are the traditional boilers having tanks and cylinders. It requires a lot of space for installation; hence, it is rarely used for fitting in the bathroom. Moreover, they also need extra ventilation arrangements.

Conclusion

Installation of a boiler, an essential part of a home, especially in areas with severe cold, is often included in initial building plans. However, as time passes and circumstances change, one might consider relocating the boiler to meet current requirements better. While doing so, homeowners in the UK often ask whether they can install a boiler in the bathroom, given space constraints, especially in small houses.

While there is no legal restriction on doing so, one must consider other aspects, such as safety, ventilation, and so on. Generally, fitting a boiler in the bathroom is a feasible option, as it saves a lot of energy, resulting in lower energy bills, and it also saves space.