Central heating, from the boiler to the last radiator
The boiler is only part of the system. Ian fixes and improves the rest: radiators and valves, pumps, cylinders, pipework, motorised valves, controls and the system water itself, across Wolverhampton and the Black Country.
Prices are given on the phone, or after Ian has seen the job. Have your postcode ready.
Registrations
- Gas Safe
- 6061489
- OFTEC
- 11834
- Hours
- 7 days
- Base
- WV6
Cold radiators, hot boiler?
If the boiler runs but the house stays cold, the problem is usually in the system, not the boiler. Ring and describe which radiators are cold and where.
What goes wrong in the system
Most calls about "the heating" turn out to be one of these.
- Radiators cold at the bottomSludge. Bleeding won't help. The system water is tested and a power flush recommended only when the sludge is there.
- Radiators cold at the topAir. Bleeding fixes it, but if it keeps coming back, air is getting in somewhere or the system is corroding and making gas.
- Upstairs hot, downstairs coldOr the other way round. The system needs balancing, or a motorised valve or the pump is failing.
- Heating on when it shouldn't beA motorised valve stuck open, or a thermostat or programmer fault. Hot water on when only heating is called for is the same fault the other way.
- Noisy pipesBanging when the heating starts is usually expansion on a pipe that is clipped too tightly, or a pump running too fast. Kettling from the boiler is limescale.
- LeaksRadiator valves, compression joints under floors and the cylinder are the usual places. Small leaks show up as a pressure drop on a sealed system.
Making the system work better
Power flush
Clearing sludge out of the radiators and pipework, then dosing the system with inhibitor so it stays clean.
Radiators
Replacing tired ones, adding one to a cold room, or moving one for a new kitchen layout. Thermostatic valves on each so rooms can be set separately.
Controls
A smart thermostat, a programmer that people can understand, and zoning so the bedrooms aren't heated all day.
Cylinders
Replacing a vented cylinder, or fitting an unvented one for better shower pressure when the mains allows it.
And the water side
Ian is a plumber as well as a heating engineer, so leaks, taps, toilets, outside taps and the cold water side of the house are on the same number.
Because he is also NICEIC registered, the wiring for pumps, valves, thermostats and immersion heaters is done by the same person, without booking an electrician separately.
Ian is extremely efficient and knowledgeable. I cannot recommend him enough
David Joynson, Google review
Before you ring
Do I need a power flush?
Only if the system water shows it. Radiators cold at the bottom, black water when you bleed them, or a boiler that keeps overheating are the usual signs. Ian tests the water first and recommends a flush only when the sludge is there. Power flushing.
One radiator is cold. Do I need a new one?
Usually not. Cold at the top means air, which bleeding fixes. Cold at the bottom means sludge. Cold all over while the others are hot usually means the valve is stuck or the system needs balancing. A radiator only needs replacing when it leaks or is rusted through. Radiators.
What's the difference between a heating engineer and a plumber?
A heating engineer installs, repairs and services boilers and central heating. A plumber works on water supply, drainage, taps, toilets and bathrooms. Ian does both, but by law only a Gas Safe registered engineer can work on a gas boiler. Plumbing has its own page.
Which smart thermostat should I get?
On a Worcester Bosch boiler, Ian usually recommends Worcester's own controls, because they talk to the boiler directly. If you have a preference, Hive, Nest, Tado or another make, he fits that. Any of the main makes will let you control the heating from your phone and set a schedule. Smart thermostats.