Plumbing Questions and Answers

Here we answer some of your more common questions about the work we do and the type of problems we often encounter.

What areas of London do you cover?
We cover most of Central and South London, including Balham, Clapham, Battersea, Tooting, Earlsfield, Southfields and Wandsworth.

Do you do complete bathroom renovations?
Yes, as well as plumbing and tiling, I can provide electricians, and even builders if more complex designs are required.

How long will the job take?
It all depends on how intricate the job is: A complete bathroom renovation usually takes between 1 and 2 weeks.

Do you give free quotes?
Yes, all quotations are free of charge.

Is there a call out charge?
No - we will view the work and either give you an estimate or charge at an hourly rate, depending on the job (whatever the size).

I live in a one/two bedroom flat - how much will it cost to replace my combination boiler?
I would say, depending on the make of the boiler, you would be looking between £1200 and £1550 + VAT. The proximity of the boiler location to a waste pipe and gulley, for the condensing pipe, would have to be taken into consideration too. If the water in the central heating system is dirty, a powerflush may be required, which would be an additional cost (around £250 + VAT). A Magnaclean would be recommended to protect the boiler if a powerflush is not required (£80 + VAT). Generally, a guide can be given but a visit to the property is essential to give an accurate quotation.

Do you provide a guarantee with your work?
Yes, all work is guaranteed for 6 months

Can you provide a warranty with the boiler?
Yes, all boilers are registered with CORGI, along with the boiler serial number. This, in turn registers them with the manufacturers and the standard 2 year warranty. Optional bonus year warranties are offered by different manufacturers.

I'm renting my property and require a landlord certificate. Can you provide these and how much do you charge?
Yes, CP60's or landlord safety certificates are essential for rental properties and we provide them. The standard cost for a property with 2 appliances (ie boiler and hob) is £60 + VAT

I want to install a Megaflow system in my house - how do i go about this?
The main factors to look for when installing a Megaflow system, when a gravity system currently exists, is to take a flow rate reading and a working pressure test on the incoming mains water. If there is 20 litres/minute and a working pressure of at least 1.5 bar the system can be put in without going to the street connection. Going to the street means the water authority charging up to £1500 to increase the pressure. A 22mm mains feed pipe coming into the property is also a minimum requirement, to avoid any potential water starvation occurrences. The location of the boiler and Megaflow in the property can then be designed/implemented.

My boiler is making strange noises when the central heating is on - how do I rectify this?
Depending on what sort of noise it is making - the first look out would be air in the system which means bleeding the radiators/pump/vent connections. If the noise persists, I would then recommend powerflushing the system.

I want a quote for a new boiler - do I need a powerflush?
The manufacturers would say yes so as to not invalidate your 2 year warranty. The fact is though, this can add up to £350 + VAT to a quote. In our opinion, the decision can be based on the state of the water once the system is drained. With a ppm water gauge. If it is above a certain level we would recommend a powerflush. If not, a Magnaclean system protector on the central heating return pipe would be recommended.

I've got a leak coming from upstairs at my property - can you sort it?
Yes, we undertake all plumbing work. If a leak is not clear as to it's origin, an engineer will need to visit the property to view the situation. Advice on how to fix the leak and the cost can then be given.

90 Ritherdon Road Balham SW17 8QG
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Copyright Flush Heating + Plumbing Ltd 2009