
Commercial Gas-Fired Water Heater Replacement for Scottish Opera Production Studios, Glasgow
Sensible Building Services completed the replacement of a burst commercial gas-fired water heater for Scottish Opera in Glasgow.
The project involved removing the failed water heater and installing a new Andrews MAXXFLO EVO Lite SC45/201, along with alterations to the existing water pipework, a completely new flue system and associated hot-water components.
Due to the water heater’s location and restricted access, careful planning and coordination were required to remove the existing equipment and safely position the replacement unit.
The Existing Problem
The existing commercial water heater had burst and could no longer provide a safe or dependable hot-water supply.
Following an assessment of the installation, replacement was identified as the most practical solution. The project required more than a straightforward equipment change because the existing unit was installed in an area with restricted access.
The old water heater, associated connections and complete flue system had to be removed before the new equipment could be brought into position.
Planning the Replacement
Access was one of the main considerations during the project. Scottish Opera arranged for part of the surrounding wall to be temporarily removed, allowing the old water heater to be taken out through the side of the room.
A forklift was used to assist with the removal and positioning of the equipment. Sensible Building Services coordinated the mechanical work around these access arrangements to ensure the replacement could be completed safely and efficiently.
The new water heater and pipework arrangement were planned around the existing services while allowing suitable access for future operation and maintenance.


Our Solution
We installed a new Andrews MAXXFLO EVO Lite SC45/201 commercial gas-fired water heater to replace the failed unit.
The project included:
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Isolating and making safe the existing services
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Disconnecting and removing the failed water heater
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Removing redundant associated pipework
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Removing the complete existing flue system
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Coordinating the removal of the old unit
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Positioning the new water heater
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Installing the Andrews MAXXFLO EVO Lite SC45/201
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Altering the existing water pipework to suit
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Installing a new mains water kit
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Providing new isolation
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Relocating and reconnecting the existing secondary-return pump
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Connecting the condensate discharge to the existing condensate pump
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Installing a complete new flue system
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Routing the flue through the existing ceiling opening
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Installing and sealing a new roof terminal
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Filling the completed system
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Flushing the hot-water outlets
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Testing the installation
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Arranging manufacturer commissioning
New Flue Installation
The existing flue was removed completely as part of the replacement works.
A new flue system was installed from the Andrews water heater, following the existing route through the ceiling. A new terminal was taken through the roof and the penetration was resealed to maintain the weather integrity of the building.
The completed flue installation formed an essential part of ensuring the new gas-fired water heater could operate safely and reliably.
Pipework and Associated Components
The existing water services were altered to accommodate the connections and configuration of the new water heater.
A new mains water kit and suitable isolation were installed. The existing hot-water secondary-return pump remained serviceable and was therefore retained, relocated and reconnected to suit the revised arrangement.
The condensate discharge from the new water heater was connected to the existing condensate pump.
Testing and Commissioning
Once the mechanical installation was complete, the water heater was filled and the connected hot-water outlets were flushed to confirm clean running water.
The installation was checked for correct operation before the new unit was commissioned by the manufacturer.
This provided confirmation that the water heater and its controls were set up correctly and operating in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements.

Project Outcome
The replacement works were completed successfully and according to plan.
The failed water heater was removed, the new Andrews MAXXFLO unit was installed and the commercial hot-water supply was restored. The completed installation provides Scottish Opera with a modern and dependable hot-water system supported by manufacturer commissioning.
Careful coordination between Sensible Building Services, Scottish Opera and the lifting arrangements allowed the restricted-access replacement to be completed safely and efficiently.
Project Details
Client: Scottish Opera Production Studios
Location: Glasgow
Sector: Arts & Entertainment
Project type: Gas-Fired Water Heater Replacement
Equipment installed: Andrews MAXXFLO EVO Lite SC45/201
Project status: Completed
Equipment Installed
The Andrews MAXXFLO EVO Lite is a commercial gas-fired water heater designed for buildings requiring reliable hot-water generation.
The replacement unit provided an appropriate modern solution for the building while allowing the existing water services and secondary-return arrangement to be adapted and retained where practical.

If your commercial water heater has failed, become unreliable or reached the end of its serviceable life, Sensible Building Services can assess the installation and recommend an appropriate replacement.
Contact us to arrange a site survey or quotation for commercial water heater replacement anywhere in Scotland.
