Help & Advice

Many heating and plumbing issues can be prevented by following some simple advice. You should also be careful when hiring a tradesmen to do work for you. Follow these tips below to save money, and problems!

Be prepared

Clear of clutter

Keep your boiler/airing cupboard clean and free from clutter, it may save you a callout to fix something knocked out of place.

Feeling hot, hot, hot!

Turn your heating on regularly (only requires a minute or two) throughout the summer to avoid motorised valves or pumps seizing.

Get it serviced once a year

Have your boiler and heating controls serviced annually. This will spot costly issues before they can cause a lot of damage, and keep your heating running smoothly.

I can remind you every year when your service is due, so you don't have to remember!

Hit the manuals

Learn how your plumbing and heating systems work, they are generally quite basic and could save you an embarrassing emergency call-out. Knowing about the type, make, and model could also help an engineer diagnose faults over the phone. If you can't find the manual for your equipment, try searching online for downloabable copies.

Minimise damage

Know where your Stop Cock is! It's the first thing you should use in the case of a leak.

Turn them off?

Know how to shut off your water, gas and electricity in case of emergencies.

Winter holiday?

Remember to leave your heating on low to reduce the chances of burst pipes.

Calling in the professionals

Get estimates

Always obtain estimates in writing or email and always get 2 like-for-like comparisons.

Happy?

You should NOT pay for a service unless you are completely happy (unless the work has been agreed prior).

How were they?

Ask for recommendations before any major work is carried out, it’s the best way to see what you’re about to get.

Howdy Pardner!

Always ask for Identification and proof of Gas Safe or OFTEC membership.

Put the wallet away!

Never pay for any work up front, any decent businessshould have cash flow and / or trade accounts where materials will not be paid for until the end of the month.

Too good to be true?

There’s no such thing as a free lunch, if the deal is too good to be true, then it probably isn’t, run for the hills.

What a liability!

Ensure all workmen have public liability insurance, it only takes a small leak to ruin a house. We are covered up to £2 million for damage to your property.

Safety first

Carbon monoxide

Homes with fuel burning boilers should always have a working carbon monoxide dectector.

Do not touch!

Never touch or interfere with your gas or electric meters or supplies.