The Almost Impartial Guide
Plumbing & Heating

Most people at some time or another will have an occasion where they require the services of a professional plumber. Whether it is simply fixing a leaking pipe or installing a new central heating system it’s imperative that you find the right person for the job.

Personal recommendation is always the best. Alternatively opening your local listing guide will present you with a vast array of businesses all promising you ‘expert advise’, ‘quality service’, ‘a firm you can trust’ and that old favourite ‘best value in town!’. Where do you start……….?

Finding a Plumber

• In an emergency you probably wont have the luxury of time to ring around for quotes and decide on the best man (or woman of course!) for the job. However, should you have the time remember that they are providing a service to you and you have the right to ask as many questions and get as much information as you need.Don’t feel obliged to book the first person you speak to. Do ring around for quotations and advice - you will be speaking to the experts so ask them for their expert advice. Remember to check for qualifications, are they Corgi registered and a member of the Institute of Plumbing? If you have any doubts ask to see their identification.

• At the end of the day though, the only real way to assess the reliability of anyone unless they have been personally recommended is to hire them….

Things you should know

• Make sure you know the location of the main valve to turn off your water supply. (If doing this remember to fill some containers with water so you can make that all important cup of tea whilst waiting for the plumber to arrive!)
Locate the isolating switch for the mains supply for your boiler and heating controls. (Normally found adjacent to the boiler or via the programmer/control panel.)

Simple precautions that could prevent that all expensive bill!

• Ensure that all pipes are properly insulated to prevent freezing in the winter months.
• Have boilers and other heating appliances serviced regularly by a qualified Corgi and/or ACS registered plumber.
• Regularly check your water tank for corrosion. Corrosion can lead to further more costly problems.
• For systems without a combination boiler or a pressurised system check movement of ball valve in expansion tank. This looks like a small ball float with an extension arm and valve, as you would find in a WC cistern.
• During the summer briefly turn on your central heating system to prevent the ceasing of the circulating pump. Don’t wait until the winter to find that you have a problem with your heating!
• When the colder British weather arrives vent all radiators of air before using your central heating system. This involves simply releasing any build up of air by slowly turning the valve at the side or rear of each of your radiators using a screwdriver or radiator key. Once all the excess air has been released you will see water trying to escape, just tighten the valve back up and you are ready to go!
• Keep an eye on any flexible pipes/hoses for your appliances.
• Regularly check taps or valves, if they start to leak, call your plumber to avoid them turning into larger problems.
• Remember, don’t try and mend anything that you are not certain of, you could do more damage ending in a very expensive bill!