FAQs

Are you wondering how we handle different scenarios? Review our repository of common questions to discover answers and expand your knowledge.

What is the typical pressure level a Megaflo emits?
What is the typical pressure level a Megaflo emits?

The cylinder itself has a pressure valve which gets used to ensure the maximum output does not get exceeded. On the inlet, you can expect pressure rates between 1.5 bar to 3.5 bar.

What issues typically get classed of plumbing emergencies?
What issues typically get classed of plumbing emergencies?

Plumbing systems are complicated beasts in themselves. Given this, a range of things can fail to work from time-to-time. Some issues that warrant an urgent call out include blocked and brimming toilers, clogged drains and sewers, dripping taps, split or frozen pipes and malfunctioning boilers.

If faced with any of these challenges you should reach out to our specialist emergency team for a solution.

In a situation of burst pipes, what should I do first?
In a situation of burst pipes, what should I do first?

First and foremost, get in touch with the team at PHG to start explaining the issue at hand. Once we get that quick diagnosis, we’ll likely advise you to turn off your water at the mains. It will mean locating your stop cock, and once switched off; it will stop the flow of water to your property. After this, open up all your taps to drain off any excess water floating in the system. Whilst we’re en route to your property, be safe and try to clear up any mess you possibly can.

Does your emergency service run day and night?
Does your emergency service run day and night?

Yes. It most certainly does. We operate 24 hours a day, 7 days a week and 365 days a year. There is no such thing as a holiday when it comes to an emergency. Our plumbers will be on site in the quickest time possible to remedy your problem.

Why must maintenance of my system be a top priority?
Why must maintenance of my system be a top priority?

One thing you don’t want to be stuck with is highly-priced repairs. A lot of the time, this comes down to an avoidance to carry out maintenance works and inspections regularly. Being vigilant of your system and its components will make it easier for you to identify issues before they grow into significant problems.

Most appliances and systems usually require an annual inspection, so arranging for this to occur at your premises is something you do to ensure everything is in working order.

If you do this, you put yourself in the best position to have your plumbing, heating, drainage and ventilation at performing at their best.

How can I prolong the life of my toilet?
How can I prolong the life of my toilet?

Your toilet is critical to the personal health and wellbeing of all its users. When it doesn’t function, as usual, some blockages occur, and it backs up with unpleasant waste, the cleanup operation can be costly.

What often gets missed is that separate to water, particular cleaning agents and biodegradable toilet paper, nothing else should enter your toilet bowl. One repeat offender when it comes to the clogging of toilets is the infamous wet wipe. Often advertised as flushable, refrain from disposing of these via your toilet, and place them in your bin.

Also, don’t get tempted to put sanitary pads, hair, and diapers in your toilet, as all are a recipe for disaster. These are objects that don’t have a home in any plumbing system, so don’t be guilty of engaging them with such.

Following these recommendations is always the best course of action, but also have a plunger nearby in case an issue with your flushing occurs. They are useful in preventing overflows and work in several instances. If on the off chance this doesn’t give a lasting solution, then reach out to our team for a more thorough investigation.

What are my legal obligations as a landlord?
What are my legal obligations as a landlord?

For this, your first point of reference is the 1985 Tenancy Act which explicitly states a duty to keep in repair and proper working order the installations in the dwelling-house for space heating and heating water.

Given this directive, one of the activities you should spearhead your care with is the statutory requirement to have any boilers at your premises serviced yearly. Extending on this, don’t try to cut corners, as you must ascertain that your appointed inspector is Gas Safe registered with the right level of qualification to deal with your appliances. When this is done, you should keep a record of the safety certificate, which should also be accessible and visible within the property itself.

Your Gas Safety Certificate should indicate:

  • results from the examinations conducted
  • actual testing of your apparatus occurred
  • if modifications or repairs should take place
  • your property address and show you as its landlord
  • who the engineer is by name and their contact info

As per knowing your engineer has done an excellent job pertaining to your boiler, you could look to them:

  • seeing all electrical connections are safe
  • observing if your combustion release and flue are clear
  • ascertaining your gas and water pressure levels are in order
  • notifying you that your boiler controls are working as expected
  • informing you as to the extent of any damages, wear and tear
What pre-plumbing tenancy plumbing checks can you help me conduct?
What pre-plumbing tenancy plumbing checks can you help me conduct?

Knowing your property is in great shape before you rent it out will save you from unexpected repair and maintenance costs down the line. Besides obtaining warranties for work carried out before a tenant moves in, you must ensure that it’s safe to live. If you try to dodge this, don’t be surprised to find a local council chasing you with an enforcement order.

Before issuing your next tenancy agreement, consider having the following examined:

Pipework
An inspection to ensure any corrosion, leaks or loose fittings get replaced.

Sinks + Toilets
Making sure water passes through these fixtures without delay or interruption.

Taps
Looking and making sure no drips or extended leakage is occurring.

Boilers + Cylinders
Getting all statutory gas checks done promptly as well as ensuring your appliances are performing as expected.

Drains
Conducting cleaning procedures in advance of housing tenants, so any pre-existing obstructions are removed.

Disabled Access
Reviewing if sections of your place need to be adjusted to accommodate users with disabilities.

Showers + Baths
Doing what is needed to eradicate any signs of deteriorated seals which might invite damp if necessary.

Radiators
Seeing to it all are running at their optimal level without heat loss and sufficient controls.

Do you service the unvented Megaflo system?
Do you service the unvented Megaflo system?

Yes, most certainly. The process will involve looking at its safety mechanisms and testing them, examining the thermostat and valves as well as carrying out a clean of its filters. Also, we’ll look at the wiring of the device and how well it’s performing in general. It is crucial to have this done if you’re hoping to uphold the manufacturer’s warranty. The servicing should occur on an annual basis and is useful in keeping the appliance in good shape and identifying issues that may arise from wear and tear.

Where can I have my Megaflo installed?
Where can I have my Megaflo installed?

Because unvented cylinders like the Megaflo work off of pressure, they can put pretty much anywhere. Some familiar places include lofts, garages, basements and cupboard spaces. The critical concern is safety installing its safety discharge pipe, and for lower regions like the basement an accompanying pump, as well as a sump, might be needed. In making determinations, a site survey sometimes needs to be completed.

When will you be able to start my bathroom project?
When will you be able to start my bathroom project?

Once approval on your design and products we’ll be using is received, it typically takes approximately two weeks to get work underway. Our administrators will make every effort to get started and if this possible in your case we will notify you. You’ll be made aware of your start date at the soonest time. We can also offer flexibility if you need us to move times around to accommodate your schedule.

How many workers will be carrying out my bathroom installation?
How many workers will be carrying out my bathroom installation?

Most bathroom fit-outs will take one to two installers dependent upon the size of the job. Should you have a larger space we may opt for more bodies on the job. It would be only in severe situations (or with extremely small projects) that we’d have a single workman on-site for each day of your project. We want to complete your work under the most sensible and practical conditions.

Will hot and cold water be available whilst you install my bathroom?
Will hot and cold water be available whilst you install my bathroom?

For our bathroom installs, your wall supply will be entirely operational. There will however be a period when we’ll need to cut it, such as when connecting pipework, and when adjusting, modifying or removing tanks and cylinders. In most instances, this will take a couple of minutes at any given time, and you will receive advance notification.

What does a boiler installation entail?
What does a boiler installation entail?

Typically the process will fall into two categories, namely a replacement or a system conversion. If it’s merely putting in place a new boiler, in most instances this can be executed in a day. Where a system conversion is in play, you’ll be looking at somewhere between 2-3 days.

The installation itself is carried out by a Gas Safe registered technician which is a statutory requirement, a level of qualification all our engineers possess. Alongside this, all electrical elements of the job are conducted by an electrician on the NICEIC register.

When the work kicks off, you’ll be walked through the project by your assigned engineer, and also have the opportunity to raise any concerns you might have. In getting started, we’ll move to protect your entire property making the environment and all your surfaces safe.

On completion of your new boiler installation, we will proceed with conducting all mandatory tests and certifying your system as ready to use. In knowing all boilers have their unique operations, we’ll walk you through its controls and set up your appliance to match your everyday use requirements. Separate to our clearing-up activities to ensure we return your space to the state we entered in. We will also talk you through our extended care packages (should they be of interest). You will also receive your operating manual and information for registering your product warranty.

Which boiler types do your deal with?
Which boiler types do your deal with?

With boilers, most will fall into one of the following categories:

  • Combi (Combination) Boilers which possess the ability to generate instant hot water.
  • Regular Boilers which heat water, store it in a header tank located in a loft, which in turn feeds water to a hot water cylinder. Alongside this, your property’s radiators have to maintain a level of water.
  • System Boilers which albeit similar to a regular boiler, only require the boiler itself and cylinder, meaning it takes up less space.

Separate to the different types of operation (described above), the next level of differentiation exists in their fueling. Dependent on your property and local energy grid, it may be powered by gas, oil or LPG. Also, it could be that they are condensing, meaning slightly higher efficiencies.

What comes after my boiler installation is done?
What comes after my boiler installation is done?

Typically the process will fall into two categories, namely a replacement or a system conversion. If it’s merely putting in place a new boiler, in most instances this can be executed in a day. Where a system conversion is in play, you’ll be looking at somewhere between 2-3 days.

The installation itself is carried out by a Gas Safe registered technician which is a statutory requirement, a level of qualification all our engineers possess. Alongside this, all electrical elements of the job are conducted by an electrician on the NICEIC register.

When the work kicks off, you’ll be walked through the project by your assigned engineer, and also have the opportunity to raise any concerns you might have. In getting started, we’ll move to protect your entire property making the environment and all your surfaces safe.

On completion of your new boiler installation, we will proceed with conducting all mandatory tests and certifying your system as ready to use. In knowing all boilers have their unique operations, we’ll walk you through its controls and set up your appliance to match your everyday use requirements. Separate to our clearing-up activities to ensure we return your space to the state we entered in. We will also talk you through our extended care packages (should they be of interest). You will also receive your operating manual and information for registering your product warranty.

How do I determine the best sized Megaflo cylinder for me?
How do I determine the best sized Megaflo cylinder for me?

The range of Megaflow cylinders on the market is diverse. Given the multiple selections, concluding what’s the best might seems confusing at first.

One thing you should note is the size range that’s available, which starts at around 70 litres and pushes up to 2,500 litres. If you’re looking into having one installed at your home, it typically won’t exceed 250L in size.

Some factors to take into consideration are the:

  • size of property
  • amount of time spent showering
  • number of baths at your place
  • periods of peak demand
  • total number of sinks in use
  • spacing out of your pipework

No two premises and the desired usages of their end-users are the same, but some rough out layers about water usage:

  • the average shower make use of circa 35 litres of water (at around 40°C)
  • bathtubs will use in and around 100 litres of water (at about 40°C)
  • kitchen sinks will utilise somewhere between 10-15 litres of water
  • a washbasin will take somewhere in the region of 5 litres of water

With this in mind, it’s critical to note that it is highly unlikely that all two of these fixtures would be in use at the same time. However, it could well be the case that consecutive showers or baths may be occurring at set periods of the day.

Similarly, when it comes to taking a shower or you’ll be using a mix of both hot and cold water. Most cylinders get set to a temperature around 60 -65°C. So, what you’re likely to use is perhaps 65-70 litres of hot water for a bath and around 25-30 litres of hot water for a shower.

Once we attain this info, we’ll calculate the optimal and peak usage amounts, against the number of fitting and the number of residents at our building.

The other measure our experts will conduct is that of kilowatts (Kw), since the amount provided extends with the size of the hot water cylinder. The greater the number, the faster the recovery time of the unit.

What's an unvented Megaflo System?
What's an unvented Megaflo System?

An unvented Megaflo system is where highly pressurised hot water gets provided at your property. The reason why is that the cold water supply from where the water gets heated comes directly from the mains. It is considered as an improvement on traditional vented systems which depend on gravity and the height of the water tank to achieve a decent pressure level. With this setup you’ll achieve receiving high-pressured fresh water, and as a gage, the speed is similar to that found on an outdoor tap.

What are the most common places a water leak might spring up?
What are the most common places a water leak might spring up?

There are a few places where you’re likely to see water leaks popping up within your property. Without the need for any special devices, in most instances you should notice:

Boilers + Water Tanks where the giveaway is with the valves which transport the water itself. Signs you may be undergoing difficulties if the water isn’t obviously escaping include wet patches and watermarks on the floor below, or hearing a whistling sound.

Taps + Showerheads which tend to be signalled either by lower pressure caused by wear and tear or potential clogging.

Toilets which despite high frequent usage undeterred can at one point or another go if you’re unlucky. On occasion, it might be as simple as replacing a washer, but don’t underestimate ‘the power of the bowl’ in causing more damage.

Will I get coverage for leaks under my home insurance?
Will I get coverage for leaks under my home insurance?

We can’t say this is the case for certain since every policy differs. However, what we are aware of is that many home insurance policies contain ‘trace and access’ which is designed to cover the cost of finding and fixing leaks.

Should you have this, find out from them if you can recover the costs spent on leak detection, as we’re beyond delighted to work with all UK insurers, no matter who your policy has been issued by.

We can assist with all claims, issuing reports to feedback to your insurer and saving you the hassle of running about sourcing info and typing up documents.

What advice can you provide on drying my property following a leak being fix?
What advice can you provide on drying my property following a leak being fix?

An important part of the leak repair process is the drying process. Dependent on the severity of your leak and the damage it’s caused, we’ll be able to advise on whether you’ll need to undergo a natural drying process, or if apparatuses such as dehumidifiers need to be introduced.

Should the latter be required and a full-forced drying program have to be introduced, know we’ve got the expertise and access to the types of equipment need to assist.

There is also a possibility that this may be covered under your buildings insurance, so check with your policy provider for coverage of these costs. Our admin team and technicians are jointly happy to assist where we can.

When am I as a property owner or tenant responsible for a leak?
When am I as a property owner or tenant responsible for a leak?

Property owners often ignore the fact that they’re responsible for the water supply pipe which stretches from their building boundary into the premises itself. What this also happens to include are all the internal pipes and accompanying fittings.

Regardless of if you’re the owner or a tenant, you need to get the matter addressed immediately.

We are happy to work with you, even if you’re covered by insurance and are happy to negotiate on your behalf. Also, if you are not looking to make a claim, we’re a cost-effective option for you.

What course of action should I take if I notice a leak?
What course of action should I take if I notice a leak?

If you discover a leak at your property, reach out to us right await. Our leak detection specialists will be able to give an initial diagnosis of the problem at hand and recommend the best course of action thereon in.

We understand it’s important to remedy the issue at hand. So if something simple can be done up to the point of us arriving, we’ll make you aware and remain on call up to our arrival.

This is truly an emergency that you don’t want lingering any longer than it has to.

What is underfloor heating and how does it work?
What is underfloor heating and how does it work?

The name underfloor heating is pretty much a giveaway. What happens is the floor transforms into a giant radiator that transmits heat. The upside is that you can achieve this at much lower temperatures. It, therefore, works out a lot cheaper to run than today’s conventional systems.

Albeit a little more complex, in ‘wet’ systems, hot water is circulated via pipes that are plastered in under your floor. A rival to water-based (i.e. ‘wet systems’) is electric (or dry system’s), where a cable runs under your flooring, and heat is emitted by the current being spread.

How likely is it to get a leak on my underfloor heating pipe?
How likely is it to get a leak on my underfloor heating pipe?

You’ll be happy to know that the chances of a leak occurring with your underfloor heating are extremely low. On the rare occasion that damage occurs, it usually happens during the time of the installation. One of the main culprits is damage to the pipes where it may be cut unintentionally. It is for this reason you need a professional installer who’s familiar with the systems they use, and that also users the most robust pipes on the market. We ensure that pressure tests are performed at all applicable points of an install. If on the off chance, you either have a system in place and it happens to be accidentally drilled into via a ceiling or floor, rest assured we can apply a fix.

What is an underfloor heating manifold and where is it placed?
What is an underfloor heating manifold and where is it placed?

In dealing with this in two parts, an underfloor heating manifold is a system that helps spread warm water to each of your zones (i.e. room or space you want to be heated). They are the interlink between your pipework and your heat source which distributes water either via a heat pump or your boiler (accompanied by a blending valve).

Where we’d likely position a manifold in your property is somewhere central and accessible, but out of the way for residents. In residential properties, we may look at areas such as cupboards, under the stairs and garages. On the commercial side of things, we’ll review the building requirements.

What is pipefreezing?
What is pipefreezing?

In the simplest of terms, it’s a non-intrusive process whereby pipelines are isolated using liquid nitrogen (or a cryogenic substance). It intends to freeze a section of pipe to draw out any heat it contains until a temperature below freezing point is met. What this eventually results in is the forming of an internal ice plug.

This procedure is carried out to allow a ‘break in’ to a piping system without shutting it down entirely or draining the whole system. For businesses and building owners, the minimal interruption this causes allows for much cost savings compared to other methods that may be applied.

What types of materials do pipes need to be made of to undergo pipefreezing?
What types of materials do pipes need to be made of to undergo pipefreezing?

Pipelines that can handle cryogenic temperatures tend to be formed from:

Carbon Steel
Cast Iron
Aluminium
Ductile Iron
Titanium
Stainless Steel
Epoxy Coated
Lined Piping
Nickel
Lead
Copper

If you are uncertain or know your pipe is constructed of a different material, still reach out as we’d love to inspect it and see if pipefreezing or any other associated methods can remedy your situation.

How long does the pipefreezing process last?
How long does the pipefreezing process last?

The reality here is we can maintain for as long as is necessary. After that, factors such as the pipe diameter come into play, alongside the number of modifications that need to occur once it is safe to access.

There are many instances where all that is required up to an hour. We find this a lot when the freeze plug is created around a 3-inch diameter pipe. The reason is that it gives enough time to change valves or to extend onto the existing infrastructure. If it’s a slightly or significantly larger pipe, the timings may adjust, and we’ll hold the plug in place longer to accommodate this.

What are some indications I may be experiencing a leak?
What are some indications I may be experiencing a leak?

A quick checklist of things you might notice when it comes to a water mains leaks are:

– cracks on pathways to your property
– damp patches on your grounds during the dry season
– decreasing water pressure at your outlets
– grit, dirt and air in your water supply
– sinkholes wither inside or outside of your premises
– higher meter readings than you’re accustomed to

When is it that my boiler should be serviced?
When is it that my boiler should be serviced?

You should ensure that your boiler is serviced on an annual basis. It’s the only way of safeguarding your manufacturer warranty as to the health and wellbeing of your building’s residents. Alongside this, it will ensure the boiler itself runs at its optimal level.

Our advice is that you have your servicing done in the summertime when it’s usage isn’t maximised. It is an excellent means of preparing for the winter months where temperatures drop, and you’ll need to heat both your home and the water. Another upside is you’ll lock in one of our engineers before the uplift of work in the latter months of the year.

Even if it’s not yet time for your servicing, if you know or suspect something’s not right with your boiler, call in one of our qualified engineers to ensure everything’s safe.

What is rising damp?
What is rising damp?

Commonly visible to the naked eye or sensed when touch, rising damp is usually detected via high-water marks and blemishes on walls. What this is composed of is the water itself as well as the deposited salt minerals it contains.

You’ll notice a discolouration of a darker hue when this process is in play, and when felt the wetness will still be present. Don’t be fooled if it’s dry, as that could just as well inform you of previous works not carried out to a good standard.

If your wall plaster is crumbling or feeling like paste, your wallpaper is independently stripping back or your skirting boards are rotting away with their attached nails and screws rusting, you could be suffering from rising damp.

One other thing you should do is use your mouse to see if their are unpleasant smells present at your property.

What is lateral damp?
What is lateral damp?

The characteristics of lateral damp are similar to those of rising damp with the key differentiator being the disruption coming from external parts of your property such as cracked pipes, missing roof tiles and splits to external walls. Alongside this, where the damp occurs can be literally anywhere on the corresponding surface.

Given this, keep an eye out for darkened damp spots on your floors and ceiling, as well as derelict woodwork being taken over by mold and mildew and crumbling plasterwork.

Are you able to fix any boiler type?
Are you able to fix any boiler type?

If what sits in your property is a system, combi or conventional boiler, you’ve come to the right place. We can work with any brand, getting to the root of the issue at hand and providing a lasting fix. Whether you’re in a domestic or commercial space, we have engineers who possess the expertise to install, repair and fix these boiler types without hesitation.

One type of boiler we don’t work with en masse is oil boilers. Based on demand, we might not always have the hands-on deck to address issues linked to this specialist category. If you have needs for this, do contact us still as we should be able to refer a trusted partner who can take up the job.

What can I expect with a boiler servicing contract?
What can I expect with a boiler servicing contract?

First and foremost, at the bare minimum one annual visit to your specified property. In this, our technicians will inspect the system as a whole, your boiler and any other gas-operated appliances to ensure they are in functioning well.

The duties they’ll be sure to undertake include (and in no way are limited to):

  • conducting a thorough check of your boiler components through removing its cover
  • having a flue test done to ensure the boiler isn’t emitting anything deemed hazardous
  • examing whether leaks are being discharged from your boiler
  • giving all components within your boiler a thorough clean
  • placing casing of your boiler (and any other gas appliances) back safely without any levels of looseness
  • seeing what levels of corrosion may be actively taking place within your boiler
  • reading your gas pressure level and ensuring it’s safe for your property’s inhabitants

On departure, our expert engineer will provide you with a checklist of what they’ve done, any recommendations and all essential details about your boiler.

What if my boiler is beyond repair?
What if my boiler is beyond repair?

There is nothing to be worried about if your boiler cannot be repaired. The simple fact one exists in your property is the strongest indicator it can be replaced.

You should also factor in that partially remedying a severe issue today will likely cost you dearly in the long run. Fortunately, or unfortunately, some problems are not worthwhile having for extended periods.

We’ll be honest with you about what to do, and if its a new installation or complete overhaul of your system (e.g. system to combi or vice versa) we’ll present options which are relevant to your current needs.

You’ll also be able to view low, mid and high range offerings (in most cases), alongside the benefits of each. We love giving you the customer options to match your budget.

What does a boiler service entail?
What does a boiler service entail?

First and foremost, a gas boiler service requires a Gas Safe registered engineer to conduct it. If it’s an oil boiler, then your technician will need to be registered with OFTEC. Be sure you ask to see and check the ID of your engineer when they turn up to carry out their work.

Once you’ve arranged a time and date for a visit itself, your technician will conduct a series of tests, checking your boiler’s efficiency and overall safety.

In terms of standard conventions, you can expect this to include a:

  • Visual Examination – where the boiler is inspected to ensure it meets the current criteria and is without leaks or corrosion.
  • Flue Check – which involves ensuring there aren’t any objects blocking your flue terminal, that it’s securely fitted and is without splits and cracks.
  • Gas Pressure Review – that ensures your boiler runs at the correct pressure level
  • Firing Up – to detect the boiler runs without any faults
  • Boiler Uncasing – where the cover is taken off your boiler, and each internal component (which include the main injector, spark probe, heat exchanger and burner) of your boiler is cleaned and working correctly.

They’ll examine, clean and review your boilers key components. The aim will be to ensure safe operation of the boiler itself, its different parts and overall functionality.”

What's the duration of a boiler service?
What's the duration of a boiler service?

A well-conducted boiler service should take at least 30 minutes. Albeit we give this as a rough time, it may vary and take longer when consideration is given to the boiler brand, range and model.

On completion, you’ll receive a report of everything your engineer has done concerning your boiler. With this, don’t hesitate to ask questions around what is recorded and any other concerns you may have. We’re more than happy to expand on our explanations and any recommendations provided.

When should I consider taking up your boiler cover and service plans?
When should I consider taking up your boiler cover and service plans?

We can offer this at any phase throughout your boiler ownership, even if you’re outside of your manufacturer’s warranty. You can breakdown costs into monthly instalments which will ensure your boiler is serviced annually and protect against exceedingly high repair costs should an issue unexpectedly arise.

What is hot tapping?
What is hot tapping?

Hot tapping (or pressure tapping) is a means by which a pipeline or pressure vessel can be accessed via drilling or cutting. Its upside is that it eliminates the need to remove any piping or tanks from being in operation. Alongside this, environmental risks caused by the release of harmful chemicals into either the surrounding space or atmosphere are significantly reduced.

This process is carried out when a connection needs to be made to an existing set of pipes, allowing additional links to be welded to any current framework. Where either mechanical damage or corrosion has taken centre system, this cost-effective exercise can help bring things back to normality in next to no time.

Can you provide any recommendations?
Can you provide any recommendations?

You most certainly can. If you hop on over to the testimonials section of our website, you can read our many highly rated reviews.

In addition, we’re more than happy for you to speak to one of our former clients and brand ambassadors about the work we carried out for them.

What should I do when I have a leak?
What should I do when I have a leak?

Damage limitation has to be your first concern. You want to make sure the least amount of space in your property is affected. To do this, locate your stopcock in order to turn off your water supply.

Once this is done, contact us right away so we can get one of our technicians to visit your property right away. We want to get this repaired as quickly as possible so that you can return to enjoying your property.

Why must my boiler be serviced?
Why must my boiler be serviced?

Regular inspection of your boiler and gas appliances are crucial to the safety of your residence. Alongside this, if you want these fittings to be running effectively, annual servicing heightens the likelihood of detecting any faults at an early stage. This means instantly alleviating any problems that exist whilst saving you money in the long term.

Can you explain what a powerflush is?
Can you explain what a powerflush is?

This is a procedure whereby a high flow of water is pumped at low pressure into your central heating system, churning much water through it at a quick speed. This process, accompanied by chemicals will break up any unwanted material, sludge and limescale that is accumulating in the system, leaving it to operate at full efficiency.

When might I need a powerflush?
When might I need a powerflush?

A sign that your central heating system is underperforming can be detected in your radiators. If they happen to have cold spots or are taking longer than usual to heat up, then the chances are they’ll benefit from a powerflush.

Reach out to our team if you think you’re facing this predicament, and we’ll feedback on what can be done.

Does a powerflush reduce your energy bills?
Does a powerflush reduce your energy bills?

Yes, it certainly does.

When cold spots on your radiator, blockages and restricted water flow exist in your central heating system, it has to do a significant amount of work to heat up your home. Also, retaining a consistent temperature becomes difficult, or impossible in extreme cases.

These factors mean that an increased amount of fuel is utilised and in turn more money being spent to preserve it.

However, once a powerflush is conducted, your central heating system runs much more efficiently and doesn’t require as much energy or fuel to keep it operational as when compared to before.

 

How will a magnetic filter benefit my system?
How will a magnetic filter benefit my system?

Filters are amazing when it comes to assisting with the cleaning of your system.

Those which fall into the magnetic category are great at attracting dirt, sludge and debris that’s metallic in nature.

By having this device you’ll help remove this unwanted matter from your system before it has a chance to damage your boiler and its control mechanisms.

We, therefore, advise having one and fit them with our installations.

Am I able to bring my own materials?
Am I able to bring my own materials?

In most cases, we’d refrain from accepting items we haven’t purchased. This is because we can’t vouch for their associated warranties, and we have great relationships with the suppliers that we work with.

We also have a series of market-leading products and manufacturers that we tend to work use, based on their quality and reliability. They’ve been through internal tests on our part, hence why we place absolute confidence in them.

For you the customer, our direct links to many trusted suppliers throughout the trade ensures we source items at lower rates than those charged at retail. This means greater overall savings and the opportunity to benefit from extended warranties that might otherwise not be available.

What guarantee do you offer?
What guarantee do you offer?

Our labour comes with a 12-month warranty. Alongside this, the materials, components and appliances we install will hold their related supplier warranties.

Are you able to install washing machines and dishwashers?
Are you able to install washing machines and dishwashers?

Yes, we certainly can.

Our plumbers will ensure each pipe is connected to the right outlet so that all leaks are prevented from occurring. We will help ensure that you have efficient running devices that perform to their optimum level in terms of energy efficiency and adequate water flow.

Are you able to install gas appliances (i.e. cookers, ovens, fireplaces)?
Are you able to install gas appliances (i.e. cookers, ovens, fireplaces)?

Yes, we carry out these works both on a domestic and commercial scale.

Our Gas Safe registered engineers are both qualified and authorised to fit these appliances. They will ensure everything is properly connected so that the residents of your property are in a safe and hazard-free environment whenever gas flows within it.

How much will it cost?
How much will it cost?

When it comes to pricing, we do offer a degree of flexibility. This, however, depends on the nature of the task at hand.

For works, the associated fee will fall into one of the following categories:

  1. Fixed Price Work
  2. Hourly Rate Tasks
  3. Scoped Scheduled Works

Fixed Price Work

A range of small jobs we conduct happen to have their own pre-determined costs. This means you’ll be provided with a fixed rate before our engineer shows up.

In these cases, we’ll likely have the tools, instruments and materials readily available to carry out any tests or repairs. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Gas Safety Records + Certificates (CP12)
  • Pre-Purchase Surveys
  • Home Buyer Reports
  • Landlord Safety Certificates
  • Legionella Risk Assessments
  • Power Flushes
  • Boiler Service Checks

Hourly Rate Tasks

These rates apply when we’re able to get out and resolve your problem without sending an estimator.

In this instance, we should be able to diagnose the problem and quickly start resolving it. This call-out or maintenance work can be conducted without the need to price materials and labour costs, or extended analysis from an estimator. This includes, but is not limited to:

  • Drainage + Blockages (e.g. toilets, sinks, drains)
  • Leak Detection
  • Damp Treatments
  • Central Heating Adjustments
  • Appliance Repairs

We are very transparent with our rates, which are:

  • £70 per hour (Weekdays: Monday to Friday from 7am to 5pm)
  • £90 per hour (Weekdays: Monday to Friday from 5pm – 9pm and Weekends: Saturday and Sunday: from 7am – 9pm)
  • £130 per hour (Emergency: As in you can’t wait or during unsocial hours which are Monday to Sunday: 9pm – 7am)

It is key to note that the time we spend investigating your issue is absorbed into the hourly rate if we go on to apply the fix. If it’s the case you choose not to go ahead with the work, you’ll be charged for the time taken to diagnose the problem.

Scoped Scheduled Works

For larger jobs, where further work is required, we’ll give a fixed cost before getting started. Here is where you’ll receive a quote for the work we intend on carrying out, alongside a planned schedule for getting the job done.

With us, we will stick to our promised price. This means what you will only pay what we originally quoted for carrying out the work, even if the time needed increases or extra materials need to be brought on board. The only instance where the price will be adjusted is of the agreed scope of the work happens to change.

Many clients love this because it means they know what is coming down the line. Expectations are set and met, and all costs and payment schedules are agreed to upfront.

What credentials do you hold?
What credentials do you hold?

We have registrations and certifications with a number of a number of recognised trade bodies which include:

  • Gas Safe Register
  • JIB ECS (Electrotechnical Certification Scheme by Job Industry Board)
  • CSCS(Construction Skills Certification Scheme)
  • PASMA (Prefabricated Access Suppliers’ & Manufacturers’ Association)
  • IPAF (International Powered Access Federation)
  • SSSTS (Site Supervision Safety Training Scheme
  • FAW (First Aiders at Work)

Alongside this, we are also Vaillant and Nest Pro accredited installers.

What payment methods are available?
What payment methods are available?

We have multiple payment methods available including cash, bank transfers, credit and debit cards and Paypal.

Is a call-out fee charged?
Is a call-out fee charged?

Not a call-out fee, but an hourly rate. If your issue is diagnosed in this time period (i.e. 1 hour), and can be repaired without the need for additional time or materials, you’ll only pay for this amount of time. If it takes longer, you will pay for this and the additional time (hours) it takes to resolve the issue.

Please note that upon identifying the problem, if you choose not to pursue going ahead with the work, you’ll be charged for the time spent to reach this point.

Will I be charged VAT?
Will I be charged VAT?

Yes, you will be charged VAT on all work that we carry out. Our VAT registration number is GB 286981244.

Are boiler faults examined for free?
Are boiler faults examined for free?

Because we’ll need to visit your premises to examine the issue in full, our hourly rate kicks in.

We’ll endeavour to keep your costs to the bare minimum, by attempting to apply a fix in the shortest timespan possible. If the repair can be done without the need for additional materials, and in the space on 1 hour, that’s all you’ll pay for.

Please note that upon identifying the problem, if you choose not to pursue going ahead with the work, you’ll be charged for the time spent to reach this point.

When will my engineer or technician arrive?
When will my engineer or technician arrive?

When your appointment is agreed, we’ll once again confirm the date and time with you. Alongside this, we’ll make you aware of the particular team member(s) who’ll be turning up for your scheduled booking.

We always endeavour to arrive before time, and have an outstanding punctuality record. On the off-chance of a hold up en route, you’ll be informed the way in advance and be provided with an expected time of arrival

Can I reschedule my booking?
Can I reschedule my booking?

Yes, if you simply give us a call, a friendly member of our team will address your concern. Together, we’ll agree on a new time that’s more convenient for you

What should be done if I smell gas (or my carbon monoxide alarm goes off)?
What should be done if I smell gas (or my carbon monoxide alarm goes off)?

First and foremost, you should open your doors and windows to maintain good ventilation, and don’t touch the on/off switch of any electrical appliances.

Next, you should immediately get in contact with the National Grid, who can be reached on 0800 111 999. This is their emergency line, and it’s free to dial. In response, they’ll send an engineer to your property, absolutely free of charge. This specialist will ensure your space is made safe, typically disengaging the gas supply until a professional firm like ourselves can arrive on-site to carry out the necessary repairs.

When our team are called out, we’ll visit, review the problem, and in conjunction with the repairs, conduct various tests many times over to ensure your health, wellbeing and safety are restored.

Once we’re in a position to reactivate the supply of gas, one of our qualified Gas Safe engineers will be in attendance to ensure it’s done correctly.

Do you provide gas safety certificates for landlords?
Do you provide gas safety certificates for landlords?

Yes, given it’s your requirements as a landlord to have to ensure that all gas appliances throughout your properties are completely safe. This, by law, must occur every 12 months and when we’ve carried out these checks you’ll be issued a gas safety certificate that you must retain for 2 years.

Are you able to redesign bathrooms?
Are you able to redesign bathrooms?

Bathroom installations are a central part of our business, and we are renowned for remodelling spaces of all sizes and giving them a new lease of life. From design, through to supply and fit, we can increase both the monetary and sentimental value of your property, for all those who engage with it.

What's a landlord responsibilities concerning gas safety?
What's a landlord responsibilities concerning gas safety?

Under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998, as a landlord you must ensure the safety of all gas appliances, flues, chimneys (and other related fittings, accessible to your tenants. This extends to a range of dwellings including hotels and other styles of accommodation in this category, holiday lets and rental properties.

There are 3 fundamental things you must ensure (by law) when it comes to providing properties with gas appliances:

  1. Upkeep: You have a requirement to keep you stacks, chimneys, flue, gas pipework and appliances in safe working order. The servicing of your gas appliances must occur in line with the recommendations provided by their respective manufacturers. Should you be unable to access these details you must revert to annual check-ups and servicing, unless you’ve been advised differently by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Even if you (as the landlord) are not the owner of a gas-related appliance and your tenant is, as long as it’s connected to the pipework or flue, you remain responsible. Only in instances where this is not the case, and most importantly the tenant is the owner of the apparatus in question, does the liability fall on them.
  2. Gas Safety Inspections: A Gas Safe registered engineer has to check the safety of your gas appliances and flues on an annual basis. As a landlord, guidelines introduced in April 2018 grant you permission to have a gas safety check conducted every 10-12 months following the previous review, with the expiry date of your valid existing report remaining intact. Should you be late on having a check done, this is not good as you’re technically breaking the law and the consequences of something going wrong can be extremely heavy. However, the annual clock for getting your next Gas Safety check (i.e. in 10-12 months) is reset.
  3. Report: A recorded report of your annual gas safety inspections need to be provided to your tenants in a 28-day period, or instantly if it’s someone commencing a new tenancy at your property. If the space that your letting is for a period of less than 28-days, you must make the gas safety report fully visible in a central space of your property. All gas safety reports must be retained for a minimum of 2 years, and should you fall under the new regulations for flexible gas safety inspections, your report must be stored until a further 2 gas safety reviews are conducted.

Beyond these recommendations, you should also go and notify your tenants where the mechanism for switching off the gas to the premises is located. This should hopefully keep them safe if and when an emergency arises.

Again, we must stress for you to utilise a Gas Safe registered engineer, like those here at PHG Mechanical Services. Anything short of this is unlawful, and you put your tenants in danger should you not comply with these recommendations.

 

 

Why must I have a Legionella Risk Assessment conducted?
Why must I have a Legionella Risk Assessment conducted?

As a landlord, building agent or property manager, the last thing you will want to be held liable for is the breakout of legionnaires’ disease in your owned or rented space.

Legionnaires Disease is a form of pneumonia, whose bacteria when contracted can be fatal to any of its recipients. The way it enters a human is through the inhalation of misty water from washroom and bathing facilities.

Under the law, you are compelled as the owner or operator of any commercial spaces to quell the risk of this bacteria spreading in any property you’re responsible for. Enshrined in the Control of Substances Hazardous to Health (COSHH) Regulations, you must be concerned with the controlling legionella in evaporative cooling systems, hot and cold water systems and other risk situations including human contact.

If you require this service, we’ll personally appoint assessor from our team of experts, to carry tests and manage risk on an ongoing basis. For you, they’ll ensure they identify the required remedies, put in place steps for getting them applied, and retain records of all solutions.

Why is there a significant increase in my water bills?
Why is there a significant increase in my water bills?

We have noted a number of different reasons why individuals, families and  businesses experience higher water bills which include:

  • Cracked Pipework: This is not always visible to the eye, as it may be occurring underground with the lines connected to your meter. Common irritants are tree roots, vermin and shifts in the composite structure.
  • Living Adjustments: Your water usage can change with the weather, due to different activities occurring within your household at different times of the year. Areas, where you may see heightened usage, include the filling of swimming pools, additional washing of clothes, sprinkler and hosepipe usage for irrigating lawns and cleaning patios.
  • Inefficient Appliances: Have you looked at the energy efficiency rating on your dishwasher, washing machine and other water-fed appliances in the house? Even outdated fixtures like toilets, sinks and showerheads in a lot of cases don’t compare to those built with the latest technologies.
  • Leaks: You may have a leaking toilet or tap, and the amount of water wasted through excessive dripping and spillage will cause your many litres of wasted water usage. You’ll want to address this because most water released through your property will be through these fittings.
  • Disregarded Waste: Are you leaving the water running whilst soaping your skin during a bath, or the dishes whilst washing? Alongside this, you may be applying too much water to your lawn whilst gardening, or adding an amount of laundry to your washing machine that’s way below its stated drum capacity. t

Should you need to update any of your fittings, or to rectify any of these issues, do consult with us around sensible choices and installations.

 

Why should a plumber fix my leak?
Why should a plumber fix my leak?

In certain circumstances, you may be able to apply a fix yourself, however, we’d advise getting one of our plumbers on board. Leaking pipes may initially seem simple to repair, but what you’ll want to prevent is further problems springing up in the future. Incorrectly fixed, you may find yourself subjecting your property to damp, mould, and damage to your building’s structure.

What purpose does an extractor fan serve?
What purpose does an extractor fan serve?

An extractor fan is a mechanical device which removes smoke, steam, oil and undesirable scents from your kitchen or other common spaces like bathrooms.

Cooker hoods (kitchen extractors) are a form of extractor fan that’s typically positioned above stoves.

The way in which extractor fans work is to channel the air it extrapolates, before discharging it through an outside vent.

What types of mechanical plumbing services do you offer commercial outfits?
What types of mechanical plumbing services do you offer commercial outfits?
What is a Mechanical Engineering Contractor?
What is a Mechanical Engineering Contractor?
Why should I consider a Service Maintenance Agreement?
Why should I consider a Service Maintenance Agreement?
What could be the cause of my leak?
What could be the cause of my leak?

When it comes to reasons why you may be experiencing leaks at your property, the reasons are innumerable. Even though this is the case, a few common reasons which we see constantly propping up are erosion, bad work from former tradesmen, subsidence, and wreckage brought about from drilling after construction works.

What signals that I might have a leak?
What signals that I might have a leak?

One thing about leaks is that they can’t always be seen by the naked eye. A few ways in which they can be identified are as follows:

  • patches of dampness on your walls, ceilings and floors
  • tremendously high water bills
  • failures, faults and a slow running boiler
  • subsidence of your property
  • unpleasant smells throughout your home
Can you provide any recommedations?
Can you provide any recommedations?
What's causing the water stains on my walls?
What's causing the water stains on my walls?

When you happen to have water stains against your walls, the likelihood is that your property is subject to drainage issues. When they are high in nature and covering a large space, the root cause most probably is an overflowing gutter or water running off in close proximity to your building foundations.

Should you happen to have a basement and the water line is at pretty much a consistent height, then it’s the consequence of a high water table in a majority of instances.

If you realise this, get in touch with our drainage technicians today, so we can consult and get on-site to lessen the impact of this unwanted water throughout your space.

Why are the walls of my property very wet?
Why are the walls of my property very wet?

If the exterior walls of your home or business property seem very wet, it could be the result of very closely fitted downpipes. If you don’t address this, it could lead to very serious problems down the line and have a bad impact on the inside areas of your living and working space.

When you notice this, get one of our experts to visit your property and review the current damage. We can fit gutters which run away from your building, depositing water a decent distance away from the building. This will ensure that your foundations aren’t destroyed and water doesn’t run into your rooms.

What's causing mud spatter and peeling paintwork on my building?
What's causing mud spatter and peeling paintwork on my building?

If your gutters struggle to deal with incoming rainwater, the likelihood is that they are blocked with debris. When this occurs brown stains, shredding paintwork and splurges of mud will appear on the exterior of your property.

To solve these matters, your gutters need to be cleared. In aggravated scenarios, they may need to be repitched or replaced.

Get in touch with us, if you are facing this issue. We’ll get all blockages removed and debris cleared from your gutters with our professionals who hold many years of experience in this field.

How comes I have puddles outside my building?
How comes I have puddles outside my building?

Whether it’s your garden or yard space, the last thing you’ll desire is for water in these areas to run in the direction of your property.

Should you happen to be facing a poor runoff, it is a signal that your drainage system is in a poor state and needs maintenance work or replacing. Our engineers can ensure you have an excellent flowing system in place with water streaming to sensible spaces where it can be deposited.

How can I identify if my sewage drain is blocked?
How can I identify if my sewage drain is blocked?

When you start hearing bizarre murmuring sounds from your toilet, or water begins rising out of your shower when either the dishwasher or washing machine is in operation, here are signs that your sewage lines are blocked.

These constitute bad piping issues and are indicators of obstructions in your primary sewer channels. Beyond affecting your entire property, it can cause unwanted waste to back up out of your drains.

To get these matters resolved right away, you can get one of our specialists at your premises to deal with this right away. We know that no one can cope with this for a lengthy period of time.

 

 

Why would my sewage drain be blocked?
Why would my sewage drain be blocked?

A majority of the times, especially with older properties, the roots of trees can tamper with your sewage system and prevent it from running smoothly. Tree roots tend to gravitate towards sewage lines due to humidity, manoeuvring their way into splits in pipes. When this happens, roots are actually being housed in an environment where they are being fed with nutrient-rich deposits and, in turn, grow causing blockages. This then becomes a horrible mix when toilet paper and other associated waste gets caught up in these roots and water is unable to travel through your main sewage drain line.

Another key thing to note is that when paper towels, female sanitary products, facial wipes are flushed down your toilet, you heighten the chances of clogging your sewage. However, if these can be broken down well in advance, and your pipes have a wide enough diameter, it’s harder for these items to cause a blockage because they’d have to reaccumulate in their loose form to something quite sizeable.

If you want to overcome and/or prevent the likelihood of this occurring, you should contact us for an examination of your system. Our plumbers can review and apply the necessary fixes with minor disruption to you premises.

How will I know a leak exists?
How will I know a leak exists?

A few different ways exist for discovering if you have a leak, and the initial test you can conduct is switching off your stop cock. This will prevent the flow of water into and throughout your property. Once you’ve done this, travel over to your water meter to see if it’s still ticking, and if so, then this may highlight a leak at your property.

It may not always be easy to locate your stop cock, so ensure you note where its positioned and never forget. For domestic residences, common areas where they can be found are below kitchen sinks or under your stairs.

Beyond this, another indicator is when damp patches are visible throughout your building.