Blog
Plumbing and heating advice
Straight answers to the questions people ask before a boiler, bathroom or plumbing job, written for homeowners around Ashford.
Latest articles
Radiator cold at the top or bottom? What it means
Cold at the top usually means air. Cold at the bottom usually means sludge. What each pattern tells you, and the fixes you can try yourself first.
Hard water in Kent: protecting your boiler and shower
Ashford and Folkestone both have hard water. How limescale affects combi boilers, showers and taps, and what you can do to cut it down.
What happens during an annual boiler service?
What gets checked, why most warranties depend on it, how long it takes and what paperwork you should get. Plus why autumn is a good time to book.
Landlord gas safety checks: what the law requires
How often a gas safety check is needed, who can carry it out, when tenants must get a copy, how long to keep records, and the carbon monoxide alarm rules.
Combi or system boiler: which suits your home?
A combi is not always the right answer. How combi, system and conventional boilers differ, and the questions that decide which one suits your house.
How to stop your pipes freezing this winter
Lagging, a little heat, a stopcock that actually turns and a condensate pipe that can drain. What to do before the first hard frost, and how to thaw a frozen pipe safely.
Why does my boiler keep losing pressure?
If you are topping the boiler up every few weeks, water is leaving the system somewhere. The usual causes, how to repressurise safely, and when it needs a proper look.
How long does a boiler replacement take?
A straight swap is usually a day. Moving the boiler or converting to a combi takes longer. What happens on the day, the paperwork, and the signs it is time to replace.
How long does a bathroom installation take?
A typical bathroom refit takes around one to two weeks. The order of work, stage by stage, and the things that usually cause delays.