My Boiler Installation in Aigburth. What Actually Happened from Start to Finish
- 2 days ago
- 12 min read
DD Wilson Gas And Heating Engineers asked a customer to keep a diary of the day's events from his perspective, and below are the results. I had my boiler replaced two weeks ago at my home in Aigburth, and I wanted to write about the whole experience because, before it happened, I spent ages searching online trying to find out what the process actually involves. Most of what I found was either vague sales copy or overly technical. None of it told me what it was really like from a homeowner’s perspective.
So here is what happened, from the first phone call to DD Wilson Gas and Heating Engineers, right through to living with the new boiler. If you are in Aigburth or South Liverpool and thinking about getting your boiler replaced, this should give you a realistic picture of what to expect.
Why I Needed a New Boiler / Boiler Installation in Aigburth
My old boiler was over 15 years old. It still worked, technically, but it had become unreliable. It would cut out on cold mornings, the hot water took ages to come through, and I could hear it labouring away in the cupboard every time the heating kicked in. The gas bills were creeping up year on year despite not changing how we used the heating. I had been putting it off for a while because nobody looks forward to spending that kind of money. But when I sat down and worked out what the old boiler was costing in inefficiency and repair callouts, replacing it started to make more financial sense than nursing it along for another winter.
Getting in Touch and the Initial Conversation
I contacted DD Wilson through their quick quote page on the website. I had heard of them through a neighbour on our street who had used them a couple of years back for a bathroom installation and rated them highly.
They got back to me quickly, and the initial conversation was straightforward. They asked about my current setup, what was going wrong with it, and whether I had any preference on what I wanted to replace it with. I did not have strong opinions on brands at that stage, so they suggested booking a survey so an engineer could see the property and recommend the right boiler for the house.
The Home Survey; What They Actually Checked
The survey was one of the things I found most reassuring about the whole process. The engineer who came round was thorough. He did not just glance at the old boiler and quote a number. He spent enough time looking at the whole system.
In Aigburth, the housing stock is quite mixed. My place is a typical L17 property, and like a lot of homes around Aigburth Road, Aigburth Vale, and the streets running between Lark Lane and Sefton Park, it has its own quirks when it comes to heating. The engineer checked the existing pipework sizes, looked at where the flue would go, assessed whether the gas supply was adequate, and counted the radiators on the system.
He also checked things I would not have thought of. The route from the front door to where the boiler sits, to make sure they could get the new unit in without problems. The condensate drain routing. Whether the electrical supply near the boiler was suitable. He even looked at the wall thickness where the flue needed to go through, which matters in these older Aigburth properties where you often have solid brick rather than cavity walls.
After the survey, he sat down and talked me through the options. He recommended a specific model based on the size of the house, the number of radiators, and how we use hot water. He explained why that particular boiler was a good fit rather than just quoting the most expensive one on the list. The written quote arrived the same day by email, fully itemised, with no ambiguity about what was included.
Choosing the Boiler
For our house, a combi-to-combi swap was the recommendation. We had a combi before, and it suited the property. DD Wilson are Vaillant Advance Master Tech installers, and the Vaillant range was what the engineer recommended based on our setup. They also fit ATAG, Alpha, and Worcester Bosch, so there were alternatives if I had wanted to go a different route.
If you have a larger Aigburth property, something like the big Victorian houses along Aigburth Hall Avenue or Brodie Avenue with three or four bathrooms, the engineer explained that a system boiler with an unvented hot water cylinder might be the better option. For our two-bathroom setup, the combi was the right call.
The finance options were discussed as well. DD Wilson offers monthly payment plans (they are FCA registered, number 1017595), which is useful if you do not want to pay the full amount upfront. We went ahead and booked the installation for a couple of weeks later.
Preparing the House the Night Before
DD Wilson sent a confirmation with a short list of things to do before installation day. None of it was complicated. Clear the area around the existing boiler. Make sure there is a clear path from the front door. Think about parking, which in Aigburth can be a challenge on some of the busier roads around Aigburth Road and Lark Lane, though our street was fine.
I cleared out the cupboard where the old boiler sat, moved a few things out of the way in the kitchen, and filled a couple of flasks with hot water since we would be without it for most of the day. I also put the dog in the back room with a baby gate, which turned out to be a good decision because there was quite a bit of coming and going through the front door.
One thing worth mentioning: you will be without heating and hot water for the duration of the install. If you are having this done in winter and you have young children or elderly family members, it is worth planning around that. We had ours done on a milder day, so it was not an issue.
Installation Day: What Actually Happened, Hour by Hour
This is the part I could not find good information about when I was researching, so I am going to be specific.
9:30 AM: Arrival and Setup
The DD Wilson team arrived at 9:30. Two engineers, both friendly and professional. First thing they did was lay down dust sheets along the hallway and into the kitchen where the boiler is. They covered the floor properly and put protective sheeting where they would be working. Our house has original tiled floors in the hallway, and I was glad to see them taking care of that without being asked.
They confirmed the plan for the day, showed me the new boiler still in its packaging, and got started.
Draining the System and Removing the Old Boiler
The first job was draining the heating system. They connected a hose to the drain valve on the lowest radiator and ran the water outside. While that was happening, they disconnected the gas, water, and electrical supplies from the old boiler.
Watching the old boiler come off the wall was quite satisfying, honestly. It was a bulky unit that had been taking up most of the cupboard space for years. Out it came, straight into the van for disposal.
Preparing for the New Boiler
This is where the engineer’s survey work paid off. They already knew exactly what pipework modifications were needed, where the new flue would go, and how the connections would line up. There was some work adjusting the pipework to match the new boiler’s connection points, and they drilled through the wall for the flue. In our case, the wall is solid brick, which is common across this part of Aigburth, so it took a bit longer than it would through a cavity wall, but nothing dramatic.
The condensate drain was routed neatly into the existing waste pipe. The gas supply did not need upgrading, which the engineer had confirmed during the survey.
Fitting the New Boiler
The new boiler went up on a mounting bracket. Watching it go onto the wall, the first thing that struck me was the size difference. It is noticeably smaller and more compact than the old one. I have genuinely gained usable cupboard space, which I was not expecting to be as pleased about as I am.
All the connections were made: gas, heating flow and return, hot and cold water, condensate, and flue. The engineers checked every single connection for leaks using detection fluid on the gas joints and pressurising the water connections.
Commissioning and Testing
Once everything was connected, the system was filled with water, pressurised, and a chemical inhibitor was added to protect against corrosion and sludge. If your system needs a power flush, that would typically be done before the new boiler is connected. Ours did not need one, but the engineer checked and confirmed the water was clean.
The commissioning process was thorough. They checked the gas pressure at the meter and at the boiler, tested the burner pressure against the manufacturer’s specification, ran a flue gas analysis, tested all the safety devices, and ran the system through a full heating cycle. This is not a quick check. It is a formal Gas Safe requirement, and it also validates the manufacturer’s warranty. DD Wilson gave me a copy of the full commissioning checklist.
2:30 PM: Handover and Done
By 2:30 in the afternoon, everything was finished. Five hours from start to finish for a complete boiler installation. The engineer walked me through how to operate the controls, how to adjust the heating and hot water temperatures (they have a useful guide to Vaillant ecoTEC Pro temperature settings on their website too), how to read the pressure gauge, and what to do if the boiler shows an error code.
He also explained the importance of annual boiler servicing to keep the warranty valid. DD Wilson handles the Building Regulations notification to the local authority on your behalf, so there is nothing extra to arrange on that front.
Before they left, they cleaned up everything. Dust sheets removed, any mess vacuumed, all packaging and the old boiler taken away. The kitchen looked exactly as it did that morning, just with a much better boiler in the cupboard.
Two Weeks Later: The Results
This is the bit that has genuinely impressed me. I have been keeping an eye on my smart meter since the new boiler went in, and my daily gas consumption has dropped by 25%. Twenty-five percent. Same house, same thermostat settings, same routine. The only thing that changed is the boiler. Over a full year, that reduction is going to add up to a significant saving on our energy bills.
I also received all the paperwork through the post. DD Wilson registered the boiler with the manufacturer, so I now have a 10-year warranty without having to chase anything up myself. The gas safety certification came through as well, confirming the installation meets all the required standards. Everything I needed for my records was there. That kind of thing matters because some companies leave you to sort the registration out yourself, and if you forget or do not realise you need to do it, you can end up with no warranty cover when you actually need it.
The hot water is noticeably better. The flow from the taps and shower is stronger than it was with the old boiler, and the water reaches a temperature faster. No more waiting around for the shower to warm up in the morning.
The heating is more responsive too. When the thermostat calls for heat, the radiators are hot within minutes. With the old boiler, there was always a lag before you felt the house warming up. Now it is almost immediate. The heating system just works better in every way.
And then there is the space. The new boiler is physically smaller than the old one, and I have reclaimed a good chunk of cupboard space previously occupied by the old unit. It sounds like a small thing, but in an Aigburth house where storage is always at a premium, it makes a difference.
The boiler itself is quieter, too. The old one used to fire up with a noticeable whoosh, and you could hear it cycling on and off throughout the day. The new one is almost silent.
What I Wish I Had Known Before Getting My Boiler Replaced
A few things I would tell anyone in Aigburth thinking about getting their boiler done.
The survey matters more than you think. It is tempting to just get a price over the phone and go with the cheapest quote. But the engineer who surveyed my property spotted things that affected the installation plan. If they had just turned up on the day without doing a proper survey, there could have been delays and additional costs. The survey is what makes the actual installation day run smoothly.
Do not put it off until your boiler breaks down completely. I nearly made this mistake. If your boiler fails in the middle of winter, you are looking at an emergency replacement under pressure, probably at a higher cost, and you will be without heating in the coldest weather. Getting it done on your own terms means you can plan, compare quotes, and choose a day that works. DD Wilson does offer emergency boiler replacements if you do end up in that situation, but planned is always better.
Ask about the full cost upfront. One thing I appreciated about DD Wilson is that the quoted price was the final price. No extras on the day. Some companies add charges for removing the old boiler, fitting the flue, or registering the warranty. With DD Wilson, it was all included. You can check their current boiler deals too.
Keep an eye on the pressure gauge in the first week. The engineer told me this, and he was right. The pressure dropped very slightly in the first few days as the system settled, which is completely normal. I topped it up once, and it has been rock solid since. If the pressure keeps dropping, that is a different story, and you should call them.
Check that your radiators are heating evenly. After the installation, one of my upstairs radiators had a cold spot at the top. I bled it using a radiator key, and it was fine. A tiny bit of air gets trapped during the system fill and drain, and bleeding it out takes about 30 seconds per radiator.
Why I Went with DD Wilson
I got three quotes in total. DD Wilson was not the cheapest, and they were not the most expensive. What made me choose them was the thoroughness of the survey, the clarity of the quote, and the reputation.
They have been established since 1998, they are Gas Safe registered (583586), and they have over 3,000 five-star reviews on Trustatrader, Google, Yell and other platforms. Their engineers are employed directly, not subcontracted, which I liked because it means accountability. If something goes wrong, you know exactly who to call.
They cover all of Aigburth and the wider South Liverpool area, including Allerton, Mossley Hill, Garston, Grassendale, Cressington, Sefton Park, and across to the Wirral. If you are anywhere in L17 or the surrounding postcodes, they are worth getting a quote from.
For what it is worth, I have already recommended them to two people on our street. Both are in the same position I was, nursing an old boiler and wondering whether to take the plunge. If you are reading this and in the same position, I would say stop wondering and book the survey. The difference in our gas bills alone means the new boiler is already paying for itself.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does a boiler installation take in Aigburth?
Mine took five hours, from 9:30 in the morning to 2:30 in the afternoon. That was a combi-to-combi swap. More complex installations, like converting from a conventional system with tanks in the loft, can take one to two days. DD Wilson will give you a realistic timescale after the survey.
How much does a boiler installation cost in Aigburth?
Costs vary depending on the boiler model and any additional work needed. A combi-to-combi swap typically costs around £1,800 to £2,800 for a quality, branded boiler, fully installed with a warranty. DD Wilson offers finance options to spread the cost. The quote is fully itemised with no hidden charges.
Do I need to be home for the whole installation?
You need to be there at the start to let the engineers in, and at the end for the handover when they show you how everything works. You do not need to stand over them all day, but someone does need to be in the property throughout.
Will I be without heating and hot water all day?
Yes, for the duration of the installation. In my case, that was about five hours. Fill a flask, have a backup plan if it is cold, and it will be over before you know it.
What about parking for the engineers?
They arrive in a van with the new boiler and all their tools. If you are on a street with restricted or limited parking, like some of the busier roads around Aigburth Road or Lark Lane, let DD Wilson know when you book so they can plan ahead.
Does DD Wilson handle the Building Regulations notification?
Yes. As a Gas Safe registered installer, they submit the notification to the local authority on your behalf. You get a certificate confirming compliance, and there is no extra charge for this.
How do I book a boiler installation with DD Wilson in Aigburth?
You can book online, call them on 0151 739 8945, or submit a quick quote request. They will arrange a survey at a time that suits you and provide a written quote with no obligation.
Ready to Book Your Boiler Installation in Aigburth?
DD Wilson Gas And Heating Engineers Ltd have been keeping Liverpool homes warm since 1998. Gas Safe registered (583586), Vaillant Advance Master Tech accredited, and backed by over 3,000 five-star reviews. Free, no-obligation surveys and written quotes for all boiler installations in Aigburth and across the North West.
Call us: 0151 739 8945
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