Boiler Installed in Breach of UK Safety Regulations
Harris Plumbing Services installed a boiler for my 90-year-old father. From day one it wasn’t working properly, repeatedly cutting out and displaying error codes. They returned twice but still left it not functioning correctly.
We eventually contacted Vaillant directly, who identified multiple issues:
- Incorrect programming
- Unsafe flue with missing support brackets (a legal requirement)
- Non-compliant electrical connection (plug socket instead of fused spur, against Building Regs Part P and BS 7671)
Vaillant placed a “Do Not Use” safety sticker on the boiler during their inspection.
The company later returned to make changes, but only to preserve the manufacturer warranty, not because they accepted any fault. On the phone, they downplayed Vaillant’s findings and even admitted that Vaillant had raised similar concerns with them before, which suggests they were already aware of the safety requirements they failed to meet.
Months later, after mostly relying on the immersion heater, we consulted another boiler company. They suspected that Harris Plumbing Services had not removed the 24v link from the boiler so it could communicate with our Honeywell controllers. An electrician confirmed this and fixed it immediately. This oversight confirmed yet again that the installers had failed to complete even basic requirements.
Harris Plumbing Services never accepted accountability or apologised, although they did reimburse our electrician’s invoice. This was a highly stressful and unacceptable experience for my elderly father over several months.
This installation clearly breached building regulations and basic safety standards. I would strongly advise others to avoid this company.