Help and Advice
Many heating and plumbing issues can be prevented by following some simple advice. You should also be careful when hiring a tradesman 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 up.
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.
Call in the experts
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 OFTECmembership.
Put the wallet away!
Never pay for any work up front; any respectable business should 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.
Other places to get help and advice
Gas Safe offers a wealth of information for gas users, whether you are a home owner, or renting.
OFTEC publishes a series of guides for consumers with oil-fired heating.
Dull legal stuff about advice on this web site
The information provided here has been compiled for your convenience. Nick Parris Heating Services makes no warranties about the accuracy or completeness of any information contained on this web site. Nick Parris Heating Services, including its directors, affiliates, employees and contractors will not accept any liability for any loss, damage or other injury resulting from its use.