Fitting a kitchen splashback
A splashback is the strip of tiles, glass or other panel on the wall behind the worktop, the sink and the hob.
Behind and around it sit the hob, the sockets and the cables in the wall, and each one shapes the choice.
Behind the hob
Check the hob's installation instructions for the space it needs at the back and sides before choosing what goes on the wall behind it.
Refitting a built-in gas hob counts as gas work. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) says anyone paid to work on gas appliances in a home must be a Gas Safe registered engineer. It strongly advises that all gas appliances are installed by one.
HSE says a free-standing gas cooker on a flexible bayonet connector is different. It can be moved for a short time, for example to clean the space it stands in, and that is not treated as gas work.
An engineer's ID card shows which kinds of appliance they are qualified to work on. The engineer or the business can be checked on the Gas Safe Register website.
Around the sockets and switches
Electrical Safety First suggests that sockets and switches sit at a safe distance from the sink, at least 30cm away sideways where possible.
Where a fridge, dishwasher or washing machine sits under the worktop, its socket can be hard to reach. The charity suggests a switch above the worktop for each one, so it can be turned off easily.
Moving a socket is electrical work. The charity says any electrical work should be left to competent professionals.
Fixing it to the wall
Electrical Safety First asked electricians about DIY projects they had fixed. Drilling into wiring was one of the most common mistakes they reported. The charity gives this advice.
- Cables buried in a wall are meant to run straight up, down or across from a socket or a switch.
- A cable detector can help find them before any drilling starts.
- For DIY close to wiring, switch the power off at the fuse board and use battery tools where possible.
- Plug in an appliance, or try the lights, to check the power is off.
Keeping it clean
London Fire Brigade warns that fat and grease build up near the cooker and can catch fire. It suggests cleaning the oven, hob, cooker hood, extractor fan and grill regularly.
It also suggests keeping tea towels and cloths away from the cooker and hob, and not leaning over a hot hob.
When the building rules apply
The Planning Portal says that in England, refitting a kitchen with new units and fittings doesn't generally need building regulations approval. Drainage or electrical work done as part of the refit may need it.
Local Authority Building Control (LABC) says that changing fixed electrical equipment in a kitchen in England is not usually notifiable unless a new circuit is added. The work still has to meet the rules and be certified. In Wales, extending a circuit in a kitchen is notifiable.
LABC adds that fitting a new gas appliance comes under the building regulations in England and Wales.
Useful links
- Gas safety in the home, frequently asked questions (Health and Safety Executive)
- Building regulations for kitchens and bathrooms (Planning Portal)
- When a replacement kitchen needs approval (LABC)
- Electrical safety in the kitchen (Electrical Safety First)
- Advice for DIYers (Electrical Safety First)
- Find a registered electrician (Registered Competent Person Electrical)
- Cooking safely (London Fire Brigade)