FAQ plumbing and central heating

• What will it cost to install a new boiler or central heating system?
• Does a boiler need to a have regular service?
• Why is my radiator hot at the top and cold at the bottom?
• Why are some of my radiators hotter than others?
• Why do I not get enough hot water from my combination boiler?
• What is a Thermostatic Radiator Valve?
• How much could I save on my heating bill?
• Is fitting a new central heating system very disruptive and messy?
• Are your engineers Gas Safe (formerly CORGI) registered?
• What is Gas Safe?
• What is Benchmark?
• What changes are coming into effect in regard to central heating installation?
• What if I don't comply and use a non registered installer?
• What type of condensing boiler do I need?
• What is a combi boiler?

What will it cost to install a new boiler or central heating system?

To make sure that you get the right boiler and central heating system for your home you can arrange for one of our engineers to visit. Our adviser will give you a free, detailed quotation, not an estimate, which is tailored specifically to your needs.

Does a boiler need to have a regular service?

We recommend that you have your boiler serviced each year. This will ensure that it is working at maximum performance and safety.

Why is my radiator hot at the top and cold at the bottom?

This usually means you have a sludge build up in the bottom of the radiator. This can be resolved by power flushing the system. However, before taking any action we recommend that you seek expert advice to identify the cause of the sludge first, for example you may have a water leak.

Why are some of my radiators hotter than others?

This usually means that your central heating system is incorrectly balanced. This results in the hot water not flowing evenly to each radiator. We suggest that you have an expert check your central heating system.

Why do I not get enough hot water from my combination boiler?

Older combination boilers often have a lower flow rate than newer models. This can be made worse by a build up of scale in the boiler over time. In this situation we suggest that you have an expert check your boiler and central heating system.

What is a Thermostatic Radiator Valve?

A Thermostatic Radiator Valve allows you to control the temperature in individual rooms around your home. It can also help you reduce your fuel bills by automatically adjusting the radiator temperature once your room has reached its desired level.

How much could I save on my heating bill?

You can save up to 40% on your heating bills but this depends on the size of your home, how often you use your heating system what insulation you have in your home and the type of boiler you have fitted.We offer free site surveys where we can assess your requirements and give you a more accurate idea of what you could save.

Is fitting a new central heating system very disruptive and messy?

The installation of a new system does involve new pipe work being fitted and heating controls being installed. We aim to ensure that disruption in your home is kept to a minimum, we will keep you updated on our progress at all times.

Are your engineers CORGI registered?

We employ our own team on highly skilled and fully qualified engineers, all of which have to be registered with CORGI.

What is Gas Safe?

Gas Safe Register replaced the CORGI gas register in Great Britain and the Isle of Man on 1 April 2009. Although CORGI will still be recognised as an accreditation for gas central heating engineers in the short term, Gas Safe is the official accreditation. It is run by Capita - the same company responsible for the congestion charge.

What is Benchmark?

Benchmark is an initiative launched to improve quality within the heating industry. All competent heating installers should be aware of benchmark standards. Virtually every boiler sold in the uk comes with its own log book which should be fully completed by the installer and handed to you once your new boiler has been installed and commissioned. This log book becomes your certificate of compliance with all relevant building regulations and also is your guarantee. No certificate no guarantee.

What changes are coming into effect in regard to central heating installation?

Quite a few changes will be taking place over the next 12 months, being corgi registered alone won't be enough. Planning permission for boiler and central heating installation will be required unless:

1) The company installing your central heating can self certify the installation.
2) Corgi will be notified of every boiler and central heating installation in England.
3) Corgi will send a certificate of compliance to you and also inform the building control body (the council).

What if I don't comply and use a non registered installer?

1) In 2007 the government brought in the home buyers pack to put all the responsibility on the seller of the house to provide certificates - ensuring gas and electric services all comply with current regulations and standards.
2) All boiler manufacturers will not provide warranty if the home owner does not have their letter of compliance from Corgi.
3) The installation may also be unsafe.

What type of condensing boiler do I need?

We can advise you on what boiler is suitable for your property. But to answer the question. . .

There are 3 different types of high-efficiency condensing boiler:

1.Combi
2.Regular
3.System

A regular boiler is often also referred to as a "traditional" or "conventional" boiler.

Each type delivers all the benefits of high-efficiency technology, but which one you choose will depend on several factors, including your property, your lifestyle and the professional advice of engineer.

What is a combi boiler?

The high efficiency condensing combi or combination boiler is an ingenious space-saving idea, and an increasingly popular choice in UK homes. In fact, combis now account for well over half of all the new domestic boilers installed in Britain every year.

The major difference between a combi and any other type of boiler is that a combi eliminates the need to store hot water -- so no hot water cylinder in the airing cupboard. It is both a high-efficiency water heater and central heating boiler, combined (hence the name) within one compact unit which usually sits in the kitchen or utility room, or sometimes in the airing cupboard. The space savings result from the fact there is no hot water storage cylinder, cold water storage cistern or other familiar components of a regular (conventional) heating system.

The further benefits of this are a significant saving on hot water costs, and the fact that hot water is delivered through your taps or shower at mains pressure. So you can enjoy powerful showering without the need for a pump. Another combi benefit is that it can generally save you money on installation time and costs -- no tanks in the roof space means less pipe work and a shorter installation time.

Our services

Gas heating services

 Central heating repair
 New boiler installer
 Boiler Service
 Gas safety certificates (for landlords etc.)
 Gas & central heating services

Plumbing services

 MagnaClean filter installation
 Power flushing
 Solar water heating
 Underfloor heating installer
 Megaflo repairs & install

Other Services

  Electrical services
   Commercial boilers

About us

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The Serviceteam Difference

FREE Quotations	Gas / plumbing services	Satisfaction guaranteed	Contact Us
We provide FREE quotations for boiler installation which are fully specified Our quotations are professionally produced, open and honest, and easy to follow - they come with no obligation to you.	We can undertake all plumbing and gas services, from new boiler installs, pipe work plumbing, gas safety certificates, boiler repair. We can also power flush to your radiators.	We guarantee all of our installations for 2 years and our repairs for 3 months. We're honest, reliable and our engineers are Gas Safe registered - we know you'll be satisfied!	If you'd like more information on the full range of plumbing and gas services that we provide then we'd love to hear from you: Please call us on 0844 567 6953 or contact us.