Re-Wire and Re-Plumb
Discussion
Is there an easy way of identifying whether or not a house needs rewiring and/or re-plumbing?
I guess you could look at the consumer unit, but presumably someone could just replace the consumer unit without actually replacing any of the other electrics?
Similarly you could look at the boiler, but this doesn't guarantee that the rest of the central heating has been replaced?
I guess you could look at the consumer unit, but presumably someone could just replace the consumer unit without actually replacing any of the other electrics?
Similarly you could look at the boiler, but this doesn't guarantee that the rest of the central heating has been replaced?
I think you have answered your own question there!
So many things to consider, size of house and type/age of build. The state of current wiring/pipes. I would expect the actual running of the new wires/pipes to be the biggest concern as opposed to the boiler of consumer unit. If the house is to undergo a major refurb then a rewire/re-plumb is probably a no-brainer.
So many things to consider, size of house and type/age of build. The state of current wiring/pipes. I would expect the actual running of the new wires/pipes to be the biggest concern as opposed to the boiler of consumer unit. If the house is to undergo a major refurb then a rewire/re-plumb is probably a no-brainer.
Look at the consumer unit. If it's relatively modern it should have a sticker on it stating the installation date and the date of it's next periodic inspection. If the installation is a mix of old and new wiring (pre-colour harmonisation) it will have a sticker stating that too. The colour change became compulsory in 2006. If in doubt get a spark to take a look and test the installation.
Yes an electrician could have just replaced the consumer unit but not without testing the entire system and upgrading where required.
Regarding the plumbing again, take a look at the boiler. More than likely will have a sticker dated with the installation and when the system was cleaned or inhibitor added. Look at the radiators. Are they relatively new - factory painted and modern or old and slathered in layer after layer of gloss. Even then it could just be rads and boiler swapped but with regards to the pipework, if it ain't broken why fix it anyway.
Yes an electrician could have just replaced the consumer unit but not without testing the entire system and upgrading where required.
Regarding the plumbing again, take a look at the boiler. More than likely will have a sticker dated with the installation and when the system was cleaned or inhibitor added. Look at the radiators. Are they relatively new - factory painted and modern or old and slathered in layer after layer of gloss. Even then it could just be rads and boiler swapped but with regards to the pipework, if it ain't broken why fix it anyway.
Edited by B17NNS on Monday 30th January 13:49
1960's bungalow. Previous owner had a new consumer unit fitted about 12 years ago (when a dormer conversion was done), but the downstairs lighting circuit doesn't have an earth, and the ring main is red and black stranded cable.
Much of this cabling will get replaced as each room is gutted and refurbished (new ceilings, etc.).
Much of this cabling will get replaced as each room is gutted and refurbished (new ceilings, etc.).
Sparks can do an EICR which is a comprehensive report. How much work are you doing, too many people think they can save $ by insisting on not rewiring but carry out so much alterations (gradually trickle fed to the spark) during reno's that by the end they might as well have started afresh and got a clean new guaranteed install, for no more than the 30+ year old added-on-and-bodged-around effort they end up with!
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