Gas Services

Should I get a plumbing and Heating survey when purchasing a property?

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It’s one thing getting a property survey but it’s a totally different kettle of fish having the plumbing and heating thoroughly checked. 

This is one of our favorite jobs at Flush. It involves a few hours of investigation into a plumbing and heating system. We will inspect how each part of the system performs and inform you what work may be required. This gives the potential purchaser a full understanding of the system and if any unexpected problems which may occur so they can be accounted for during the negotiation of the sale. In the past we have uncovered unsafe gas appliances, broken boilers and a huge list of plumbing nightmares. 

It’s advisable to have a plumbing and heating survey carried out if you’re unsure about any part of the installation, or if a surveyor has flagged anything concerning them.  

You should expect the drainage to be checked of all the appliances, toilets, basins, baths, showers, and sinks. The heating system will be checked throughout, checking the radiators heat up, and thermostatic radiator valves are operational. We’ll check showers function correctly and the condition and age of any taps. 

It’s also advisable to have a Gas safe certificate, this is a safety check of all the gas appliances in the property (Boiler, cooker, hob, fires, etc). This will check that the appliances are working efficiently, there’s no gas leaks and they have been correctly installed. A separate certificate will be provided for this and it should be carried out by an engineer who is Gas safe registered. 

We provide a 7 page document listing all the checks which have been carried out. Here’s a small example of what’s included. 

Or you can also see how we at Flush Plumbing and Heating carry out a survey here.

What’s the difference between a Gas Safe report and a Boiler service???

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A Gas Safe report is a document produced by a registered gas engineer after checking the safety of gas appliances in a property. It confirms that the gas appliances are safe to use and includes any defects found, remedial work required, and maintenance recommendations. It is important for complying with UK gas safety regulations and is needed as proof by landlords, letting agents, or insurers.

How is a gas safe report conducted 

  • The engineer examines the gas appliances, such as boilers, cookers, and fires, to make sure they are working safely and efficiently.
  • The engineer carries out a range of tests, such as checking for gas leaks, carbon monoxide emissions, and the functioning of safety devices, to ensure that the appliances are safe to use.
  • The engineer notes down any defects found during the inspection and provides recommendations for any remedial work that needs to be carried out to make the appliances safe.
  • The engineer produces a Gas Safe report that includes the details of the appliances tested, any defects found, and any remedial work required. The report also includes recommendations for future maintenance or replacement of the appliances.
  • The Gas Safe report is then provided to the property owner/ landlord or letting agent.

when should you get a gas safe certificate

  • For rental properties, a Gas Safe report is required annually by law. Landlords must provide a copy of the report to their tenants within 28 days of the inspection. Gas safe offers some flexibility on scheduling the tests, they can be carried out up to 2 months prior to expiry but keep the same expiry date the following year. 
  • For owner-occupied properties, there is no legal requirement to have an annual Gas Safe report. However, it is recommended to have a gas safety check carried out every 1-2 years to ensure that the appliances remain safe and efficient.
  • If any gas appliance shows signs of malfunction, such as a yellow flame instead of a blue one, or if there is a gas smell, it is important to call a Gas Safe registered engineer immediately, even if a Gas Safe report has been conducted recently.

What’s a boiler service 

A boiler service is a maintenance check that is carried out by a qualified engineer to ensure that the boiler is working safely and efficiently. During a boiler service, the engineer will typically do the following:

  • Inspect and clean the boiler’s components, such as the heat exchanger, burners, condensate trap, pressure sensors, bottle vents and heating filters
  • The engineer may also check the expansion vessel is charged and re charge it if not. 
  • Check that the boiler is working safely and that there are no leaks or damage to the gas valve.
  • Check the boiler’s controls to make sure the thermostat and programmer are working and the wiring is safe.
  • Carry out combustion tests to ensure that the boiler is burning fuel efficiently and not producing harmful emissions.
  • Identify any faults or potential issues with the boiler and provide recommendations for remedial work, if required.

How often should I get my boiler serviced

Having a boiler service carried out on an annual basis is recommended to ensure that the boiler remains safe and efficient and to help prevent breakdowns. It may also be a requirement of the manufacturer’s warranty or insurance policy.

What’s the difference between a boiler service and a gas safe report? 

A boiler service and a Gas Safe report are two different types of checks carried out by qualified engineers, although there is some overlap in the tasks performed during each type of inspection. Here are some key differences:

  • A boiler service is a maintenance check that focuses on the boiler itself, whereas a Gas Safe report is a wider inspection of all gas appliances in a property, including the boiler.
  • During a boiler service, the engineer will clean and inspect the components of the boiler, check its controls and safety devices, and carry out combustion tests to ensure it is working safely and efficiently. During a Gas Safe report, the engineer will also inspect other gas appliances, such as cookers and fires, to ensure they are working safely and efficiently.
  • A Gas Safe report includes details of any defects found in the appliances or the gas supply, as well as any remedial work required to make the appliances safe. A boiler service may also identify faults or issues with the boiler, but is focused primarily on maintenance rather than defect identification.
  • In the UK, a Gas Safe report is a legal requirement for rental properties, whereas a boiler service is not. However, it is recommended to have a boiler service carried out annually to ensure the boiler remains safe and efficient. It is also important to have you boiler service to validate it’s warranty 

In summary, a boiler service is a maintenance check specifically for the boiler, whereas a Gas Safe report is a wider inspection of all gas appliances in a property to ensure they are working safely and efficiently.

Watch our video explaining the differences here…

Why does my gas pipe need changing for a new boiler?

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Working Gas Pressure at a Boiler: Why it Matters

When it comes to ensuring that your boiler operates safely and efficiently, one of the most important factors to consider is the gas pressure. Gas pressure refers to the force with which gas flows through the pipes and into the boiler to fuel the combustion process. If the gas pressure is too low or too high, it can cause a range of problems that can impact the performance of your boiler and even pose a safety hazard.

In order for your boiler to operate properly, it needs to receive a consistent supply of gas at the correct pressure. This pressure can be affected by a number of factors, including the size and length of the gas pipe, as well as any restrictions or obstructions in the pipe that might impede the flow of gas. For example, pipe fittings, valves, and bends can all cause a reduction in gas pressure, which can affect the performance of your boiler.

If the gas pressure at your boiler is too low, it can cause incomplete combustion, which means that the fuel doesn’t burn as efficiently as it should. This can result in a range of problems, including the production of carbon monoxide, which is a toxic gas that can be lethal in high concentrations. In addition, low gas pressure can cause your boiler to operate inefficiently, which can increase your energy bills and potentially lead to costly repairs in the long run.

On the other hand, if the gas pressure is too high, it can put excessive strain on the boiler’s components, which can cause them to wear out more quickly than they should. This can also increase the risk of a gas leak, which can be dangerous and potentially explosive.

So what can you do to ensure that the gas pressure at your boiler is at the correct level? The best approach is to have your boiler serviced regularly by a qualified engineer. During a service, the engineer will check the gas pressure and make any necessary adjustments to ensure that your boiler is operating safely and efficiently.

In conclusion, the working gas pressure at your boiler is a critical factor that can impact its performance and safety. If you suspect that the gas pressure at your boiler is not correct, it’s important to have it checked by a qualified professional as soon as possible. By taking a proactive approach to boiler maintenance, you can help to ensure that your home stays warm and comfortable, while also keeping your family safe from potential gas hazards.

Please see our video here .

How to find a reliable Plumber?

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Having difficulties finding a trusted reputable company to install your boiler? 

We understand it can be difficult finding a company you can trust to carry out gas work in your home so we thought we would write a quick guide to help you make the right decision. 

It’s recommended you get multiple quotes so you can ensure you’re getting a fair deal. Here are some important tips to help you select the right company. 

Are they Gas Safe registered?

ALWAYS check the boiler company you select is Gas safe registered. Any engineer working on natural gas in your home should have been through a training program to understand the correct and safe working procedures when working with gas. When the engineer has qualified they can then register for Gas Safe membership, it’s essential in the industry so don’t be afraid to ask for their details. You can then cross reference it on the gas safe register here to make sure they’re legitimate. You would be surprised how many people are operating illegally in the UK. Our registration number is 546560. 

https://www.gassaferegister.co.uk/find-an-engineer/#checkabusiness

Good Reviews!!!

It’s important to check reviews online. If a trader or business doesn’t have an online presence you should be very careful. It’s incredibly easy to gain good reviews online so you should be able to do a quick Google search. There’s lots of paid and free platforms where tradesmen can have their work rated so you should do as much research here as possible. The most reliable are WhichTrustedTraders, Trust Pilot, Trustatrader and CheckATrade. You should also be able to get a good impression from multiple Google or Facebook reviews.  We would highly recommend not using a company with no online presence. 

Online presence

Have they got a good website? Although this is not essential it’s a good indicator to how established the business is whom you’re employing.  A good trade person or company will have invested in their own website and it will give you a good insight into how the company operates.

Compare apples with apples

Be sure you know what you’re paying for. Boilers vary so much in price so be sure to do a comparison online. Check the model of that particular boiler, is it the same as what another company has quoted for? Key things to look for on a combi boiler are Output (KW). The larger the output the better the hot water delivery. We generally don’t install Combi boilers less than 29KW as the hot water delivery rate can be disappointing in winter months. So compare your quote equally as a smaller boiler will cost a lot less. Make sure the company or individual has itemised the products they propose to install, this is standard in the industry. 

Make sure you know exactly how your boiler will be controlled. Will you have smart controls or a basic programmable room thermostat? Again ensure you have a link to the product so you don’t get ripped off, these vary so much in price.  Your controls should be upgraded to comply with new Boiler Plus regulations. Read more here:

https://www.vaillant.co.uk/homeowners/advice-and-knowledge/boiler-plus/what-is-boiler-plus/

Power or chemical flush?

Your system MUST be cleaned. This is essential to ensure the boiler manufacturer warranty remains in place. You should either be recommended a power flush or a chemical flush. They both do the same job but a power flush should be carried out if you’re having problems with your radiators. If they’re not heating up correctly, if they have cold spots then a power flush is recommended. This involves connecting a high-pressured pump to the heating system, flushing chemicals through the system to remove the dirt. It’s done before the new boiler is installed. A chemical flush also runs chemicals through the system but is done so with the new boiler in place. A chemical flush is acceptable when all radiators are working correctly. 

Paperwork!

Make sure you’re aware how the paperwork will be completed. It’s a legal requirement for the engineer to register the boiler installation. This can be called an installation certificate or a building regs notice. Be sure you know this will be done and how you will receive the paperwork. We complete our paperwork digitally and it’s emailed to the client directly before we request final payment. We also register the guarantee on the customer’s behalf, which is also emailed over before final payment is requested. 

Complaints??

You can check if the company has a correct complaint procedure in place. Sometimes if a fault occurs you want a piece of mind that it will be dealt with professionally. You would be amazed at how many traders don’t accept responsibility when there’s a fault. We respond to faults, which may have been caused by workmanship immediately. Although it’s unlikely to happen when it does we put it to the front of the queue. 

Where we cannot resolve any complaints using our own complaints procedure, as a Which? Trusted trader we use Dispute Resolution Ombudsman for dispute resolution. In the unlikely event of a complaint arising and you wish to refer the complaint to them please contact 0117 981 2929 or via their website www.disputeresolutionombudsman.org

Insurance

You’re in your right to ask about the company’s insurance policy. Is it up to date, it’s a legal requirement to have public liability insurance as a tradesperson so you can always request to see it if you’re unsure about the company. You can see ours here. 

When Flush was born

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Flush Company History

As soon as I completed my five-year apprenticeship, I had a burning desire to set up my own business, so Flush Plumbing first hit the road in 2008. I was very keen to use the acronym F.P.H. (Flush Plumbing & Heating) as it had been used since 1964 by my father Paul, and uncle Stephen, for their company Flockton Plant Hire.

So, all I had to do was find an attractive, prominent brand name beginning with the letter F…. after lots of head scratching and brainstorming we came up with the word ‘Flush’ (Thanks, our Chris!), which I still find amusing to this day. On top of that, I‘ve since been nicknamed Flush-man, which I like to believe is a superhero plumber who saves lives and makes dreams come true.

Over nine years Flush Plumbing and Heating has relocated from the glorious green fields of Yorkshire to service the buzzing capital city of London. Currently located in Archway, North London, we find ourselves providing servicing, maintenance, repair, and installation work all over the city.

In that time we’ve been through various face-lifts and re-branding exercises, but I still have the very first and very basic business card from our very first day. Nowadays we’ve just updated to a new and super cool, artistic and modern look which includes the famous London skyline we now know as home.