What Separates an Average Plumbing and Heating Company from a Leading One?

This is the question that I always go back to when changes are afoot in my business; whether that’s when we’ve expanded or when new services have been offered. It’s the question that keeps me, and my whole team, on our toes.

The differences can be the obvious ones such as all your work being carried out by an experienced tradesman who is fully qualified and registered as Gas Safe. With this in mind you know that your job will be professionally undertaken and you’ll have a high first time fix rate, saving you time and getting you back on track.

Sometimes though, it’s not the obvious things that make a service a leader. When you call our free number at Bates Heating and Plumbing you will talk to a knowledgeable engineer and not an automated machine. We have no call out charge and all our quotes are clearly written so that there are no hidden extras or nasty surprises. Our engineers are reliable and punctual and all our work is guaranteed. We have a quick response time and we always provide long-term solutions over quick fixes.

Having a fleet of reliable tradespeople all under one roof helps keep us one step ahead of the competition too. I’ve spent a lot of time listening to feed-back from my customers and know that having all the tradespeople you need to keep your home running smoothly in one place, and all with the same high standards as me really makes us stand out.

So what does separate the average company from the leading one? Call Bates today on 020 8924 3558 and see the difference for yourself.

Plumbing - Why Do it Yourself when We Can Do it For You?

With another bank holiday approaching, thoughts of DIY are probably creeping in and you could be thinking you’ll get another round in before the year is out. Maybe you’ll attempt to sort out that blocked sink or you’ll try and see what’s stopping your toilet from flushing properly.

Whilst there is nothing wrong with having a go, the simple fact of the matter is that in most cases you’ll be able to fix the problem temporarily, but in a week’s time you’ll just be facing the same issue again, and maybe this time it’ll be worse than it was before. Instead of going round in circles, why not get a professional London plumber in to fix it permanently?

Plus, by calling in a London plumber, you can avoid some of the most common DIY plumbing disasters we see, like instead of unblocking the sink flooding the kitchen, or damaging the pipes whilst trying to fix the toilet.

Avoid undertaking any plumbing work if you are not qualified. Many homeowners think they can save a few quid by having a go themselves. But at the end of the day, just think about how much more it will cost to call out an emergency London plumber to deal with disasters.

Here at Bates my team uses specialist equipment to identify underlying problems, most of which can be fixed there and then on the spot – safely – and permanently. We always go for the long term fix which is far more cost effective.

So forget the DIY this next bank holiday, and call in a London plumber instead. Why spend time slogging away under the sink when you could be sitting in the garden enjoying the last long weekend of the year?

For reliable London plumbers, call Bates on 020 8924 3558.

Summer Heating and Plumbing Advice

The good thing about summer is that it gives your poor old heating system a bit of rest. The past few years have seen some of the harshest winters the country has ever had, so the chances are your boiler, radiators and pipes will have had quite a load placed on them.

Now that the weather is nice and sunny though, I suggest you give a 24 hour London plumber here at Bates a call so we can give your whole system the once over and leave it in tip top condition for the coming winter. You may be thinking that your heating system and pipes have been fine for years. But wouldn’t you rather know NOW if there is a fault and get it fixed instead of waiting for it to pack up just as things turn a bit chilly? Surely it would be better to have no heating for a day in August than it would be for two hours in December?

Pipes cause absolute nightmares if they burst or crack. With all the harsh weather of the last year, your pipes may have significantly weakened. Another frost could tip them over the edge and before you know it you could be facing a hefty bill for their replacement. This is a big and often complex job that will eat into your Christmas savings. I’d recommend you call a Bates heating engineer now to be on the safe side.

My team are skilled in spotting problems before they actually start causing you trouble. It could be that everything is fine – but at least you’ll know one way or the other. What is there to lose?

How Healthy are your Pipes?

You don’t need me to tell you that the past few months have been extraordinarily cold, and with snow and ice covering the whole of the country for a good few weeks, your pipes will have taken quite a battering.

But what’s surprising is that if damage has occurred, it will not become apparent until the thaw sets in. So with temperatures nowhere near as bitter as they were in December, now is a good time to check your pipes for damage.

There are a number of things you can do. You could wrap any external pipes in foam to protect them from the effects of a sudden thaw, or visually inspect them for signs of damage.

If there are any clear signs of splits, then call a 24 hour plumber. At Bates we regularly check pipes for damage and I encourage you to do the same. What’s more, I’ll put a few preventative measures in place to protect your pipes from the effects of any further cold snaps that can easily creep up just as you think spring is setting in.

Use this relatively mild weather time wisely. It could save you serious money in the long run. Otherwise you might find yourself calling me up in the middle of the night as the frost sets in, complaining about a burst pipe.

How to Prevent a Burst Pipe from Ruining Your Home

No matter how well maintained your pipes are, whether they are new or old, the chances are your home is just as susceptible to a burst water pipe as any other. If you notice a burst water pipe it must be treated as an emergency to prevent severe damage to your home and belongings, which could cost thousands to rectify.

But why do pipes burst and is there anything that can be done to help prevent such a disaster? What should you do when faced with a burst water pipe?

Why do pipes burst?

Water pipes generally burst when water freezes inside them. The water expands and puts additional pressure onto the pipe. Whether the material of the pipe is lead or PVC, or any other material, all are at risk. Some pipes can withstand the odd frozen day; but if it happens continually the pipe will weaken and eventually burst.

A Water Pipe Has Burst in my Home – What Should I Do?

If you are faced with a burst pipe the first thing to do is to shut off the water supply via the main stopcock which is usually located under the kitchen sink. Knowing in advance where this stopcock is located will save valuable time and prevent unnecessary damage if faced with a burst pipe emergency. Let the pipe drain out the water by turning on all cold taps. All leaks should stop once there is no more water running from the taps.

Whilst this is being performed, call a professional plumber. They will be able to fix the problem, and will be aided if you perform the above actions. If you do not know where your stopcock is located or do not feel confident in getting involved, leave it to a professional plumber.

Professional Help

A 24 hour emergency plumber will be able to locate, fix and replace a broken or burst pipe. Whilst many people try to fix a water pipe themselves, it is best left to a professional who has the experience, tools and qualifications to do so. Many homes are left with thousands of pounds worth of damage after a burst water pipe incident. The only way to prevent this from reoccurring is to utilise the expertise of a local plumbing and heating engineer.

With winter approaching, the risk of a burst water pipe will increase. Make sure you identify a reputable plumber and have their number to hand in case the worst does happen. It could save you precious time and money.

How a Power Flush Could Save you Thousands

No matter how well maintained your pipes are, whether they are new or old, the chances are your home is just as susceptible to a burst water pipe as any other. If you notice a burst water pipe it must be treated as an emergency to prevent severe damage to your home and belongings, which could cost thousands to rectify.

But why do pipes burst and is there anything that can be done to help prevent such a disaster? What should you do when faced with a burst water pipe?

Why do pipes burst?

Water pipes generally burst when water freezes inside them. The water expands and puts additional pressure onto the pipe. Whether the material of the pipe is lead or PVC, or any other material, all are at risk. Some pipes can withstand the odd frozen day; but if it happens continually the pipe will weaken and eventually burst.

A Water Pipe Has Burst in my Home – What Should I Do?

If you are faced with a burst pipe the first thing to do is to shut off the water supply via the main stopcock which is usually located under the kitchen sink. Knowing in advance where this stopcock is located will save valuable time and prevent unnecessary damage if faced with a burst pipe emergency. Let the pipe drain out the water by turning on all cold taps. All leaks should stop once there is no more water running from the taps.

Whilst this is being performed, call a professional plumber. They will be able to fix the problem, and will be aided if you perform the above actions. If you do not know where your stopcock is located or do not feel confident in getting involved, leave it to a professional plumber.

Professional Help

A 24 hour emergency plumber will be able to locate, fix and replace a broken or burst pipe. Whilst many people try to fix a water pipe themselves, it is best left to a professional who has the experience, tools and qualifications to do so. Many homes are left with thousands of pounds worth of damage after a burst water pipe incident. The only way to prevent this from reoccurring is to utilise the expertise of a local plumbing and heating engineer.

With winter approaching, the risk of a burst water pipe will increase. Make sure you identify a reputable plumber and have their number to hand in case the worst does happen. It could save you precious time and money.

What is the Best Type of Boiler for Your Home?

Knowing that your home is being heated efficiently and effectively always gives peace of mind. There are a number of heating systems and boilers that can be installed by Gas Safe registered heating engineers, all of which have advantages and disadvantages.

But what is the best boiler for your home? What are the different systems available and what are the pros and cons of each?

Combination Boilers

Combi boilers as they are known can provide almost instant hot water and heat to the home. These types of boilers are very popular in smaller properties as they do not take up much room, thanks to not requiring any additional tanks or components.

However, one drawback of a combination boiler is that for homes with two or more bathrooms, simultaneously running taps results in reduced water pressure and the combination boiler will not be able to heat the home at the same time. Although for the majority of homes where bathroom usage is not constant or where there is a maximum of two bathrooms, this will not be much of a problem.

Not all gas and heating companies can supply a combination boiler installation service. Make sure you identify a reputable heating engineer who is qualified to do the job.

System Boiler

A system boiler bears all the hallmarks of a low water content system, just with extra components fitted to allow a fully pumped system to be built in. They are cheap to run and relatively reliable, and also enjoy a long lifespan. However they take up more room than a combination boiler and can be expensive to replace and install.

Speak to a professional central heating installation company about system boilers in more detail before deciding whether this is the best option for your home.

Conventional Boilers

Also known as regular boilers, these systems allow for a better hot water flow than that associated with combination boilers, as the hot water is stored within the hot water cylinder ready for use rather than being heated on demand. However the installation and running costs can be high when compared to other boilers which could add up to a lot in the long run.

Boilers can be complex. Only a fully trained and Gas Safe registered heating engineer will know the best option for your home. Remember, boilers that are not installed by a reputable heating and gas engineer could have catastrophic consequences. Only use someone you can trust and always ask for evidence of their Gas Safe status before agreeing to the work.

Not all Heating Companies are the same: be Careful who you Choose!

It’s a fact of life for anyone who owns or rents their own home in the capital that at some point in time they will need a plumber. Whether it’s to deal with an emergency such as a burst pipe, or perhaps a major task such as a central heating installation, you’ll need a plumber in London at some point.

When that day comes, be careful who you choose, for they’re not all the same. Recommended plumbers in London are always in demand, because the general public likes to deal with professionals they can trust.

A 24-hour plumber in London can deal with the most demanding situations, such as leaking pipes and emergency boiler repairs, of course, so always make sure you have the number for a reputable company to hand.

If you’re from London, plumbing companies can handle everything from an annual central heating service to complex industrial heating installations. Engaging the services of a local plumber with an excellent reputation is vital.

A good plumber in London knows he has plenty of competition out there, so will always be happy to go the extra mile. Whether you have a boiler breakdown that’s left you shivering in the cold or you just want some advice about arranging a central heating service, give the experts a call today.

How to get the Most from your Gas Central Heating Systems

Like most people in the UK, you may well have been feeling the pinch in the last year or two. Keeping an eye on the family budget has become a fact of life for millions, so it’s imperative that you get the most from your money when it comes to gas central heating systems. Thankfully, London plumbers can help.

An annual boiler service is imperative, because it can save you a significant sum in the long run. A plumber in London can carry out central heating servicing and deal with any minor issues before they become major problems. If boiler systems are running inefficiently, they are costing you money every day.

A quick call to a local registered plumber in London is all it takes, and in no time a qualified heating engineer can come to your home and advise on your best course of action. Prevention is better than cure, of course, so an annual central heating service will ensure you always get the best from your system.

And if, during the check, they find a fault, a boiler repair may be recommended. In that case, a heating engineer can carry out the job. Replacement boilers aren’t cheap, of course, so if it can be fixed before it breaks down altogether, you will have saved yourself a significant amount.

An annual central heating service doesn’t take long, and it won’t cost the Earth. In London, plumbing companies can be found all over the city, and can deal with all your plumbing and heating needs, including boiler breakdown, burst pipes, leaking pipes and even a full central heating installation. Give one of them a call today for peace of mind.

How to Ensure Peace of Mind with Central Heating Maintenance

If you ever need a central heating repair, you’ll be aware that it can be expensive, and if the system has stopped working altogether, it can also be very upsetting. In winter months, especially, the absence of a heat source in the home will soon be felt. A plumber in London can rectify the fault, of course, but it may have been avoidable if you’d had a regular central heating service.

Many people arrange an annual check on their gas central heating systems, thereby saving themselves from any future upheaval. A heating engineer, employed by one of the local London plumbing companies, will come to your home every year and carry out exhaustive tests on your central heating installation, including a check on whether you need a boiler service.

The whole thing can give you peace of mind, and may even save you a small fortune in the long run. If you live in the capital, you’ll find there are London plumbing companies which can deal with boiler repairs, central heating maintenance and can perform a gas safety check, as well as undertaking other tasks such as repairing burst pipes and fixing problems with underfloor heating.

And if you’re planning on a complete overhaul, you need the experts when it comes to central heating installation and boiler replacement. Your registered plumbers in London will handle the job with a minimum of fuss.

And once it’s completed, for a more secure future, make sure you have a central heating service carried out by London plumbers every year. Give your local registered plumbers a call today to start the ball rolling.