On Mon, 18 Jan 2010 10:24:00 -0500, S Viemeister wrote:

Our out-dated, hard-to-control, inefficient heating system is due to be
replaced this year. Currently, we have an oil-fired Rayburn (converted
from solid fuel), _and_ a back-boiler in the livingroom fireplace.
The Rayburn is to be removed, and an externally mounted condensing
boiler will be installed.
The back boiler concerns me - it will, of course, be disconnected from
the heating system, but I wish to be able to continue to use the
fireplace. How does one safely decommission a back boiler? Can this be
done without wrecking the fireplace?

Exactly the same here - ex-council, by any chance?

When the CH was fitted I removed the pipes etc. (as no other part of the
system was still there) but have never done the last bit (dI don't use the
fire).
ISTR that the back boiler should be filled with sand, but never checked on
that.
--
Peter.
2x4 - thick plank; 4x4 - two of 'em.