Unusual Noises

To some extent, noises are a normal occurrence in boilers due to the mechanisms they use to heat the water however, if you start hearing abnormally loud, banging, clunking or rumbling noises that do not stop within a few minutes, your boiler might be close to breakdown.

Abnormal boiler noises could be due to kittling; a limescale build up commonly found in hard water areas. Limescale and sludge can block the heat exchanger, reducing the water flow and causing the water to boil and steam in the same way as a kettle would do. Boiler noises might also be caused by a faulty thermostat, low water pressure or an accumulation of air in the system.

Frozen Pipes

The function of condensate pipes is to carry water away from the boiler. During periods of extremely cold weather, these pipes can easily freeze, especially if they are not insulated. Some common signs of frozen condensate pipes include receiving a D5 or EA error code or seeing a flashing red or blue light in your boiler.

Pressure Levels Too Low or Too High

In most modern boilers, the ideal pressure levels should range between 1 and 1,5. If you have not bled your radiators recently and notice unusually low pressure levels, you should suspect more serious problems such as water leaks, a broken pressure gauge,or a blockage in the heating system. If pressure levels go above 2.5, there might be a problem with the pressure release valve, the flow switch or with the expansion vessel.

The Boiler Does Not Stay Switched On

This could indicate a problem with the pressure valve, a broken thermostat or an issue with the water pump. Replacing or repairing any of these parts must be completed by a qualified plumber or boiler engineer.

At Aquaworks Plumbing and Heating we specialise in boiler maintenance and repairs. Our company is registered with Gas Safe and our staff are friendly and reliable, so don’t take your chances with your boiler this winter and give us a call today.

Here are some myths about solar panels alongside the real truths.

Solar panels do not work in overcast conditions

Solar panels work on UV light that the sun emits and not sunshine per se, so even in the cloudiest conditions, solar panels can work. Even in the UK where rain falls on a regular basis, solar panels will still work efficiently and effectively.

Solar panels are high maintenance

Many people believe that an extensive amount of time and money needs to be spent on maintaining solar panels, however this is not actually true. Solar panels are low maintenance and therefore hardly require any cleaning or looking after to function effectively. Typically, they come with a warranty of 25 years, which is sufficient to handle any problems if and when they arise.

Solar panels mar the beauty of a home with their bulk and size

In the early days, it can be said that solar panels were large and bulky, however this is not the case anymore. Today, it is possible to blend the panels seamlessly with slate, asphalt and metal roofing, so that they are hardly visible to onlookers.

Solar systems are not reliable and do not perform consistently

This is again a long way from the truth. In fact, it can be argued that solar systems are more reliable than the electricity that comes from the local power company. The panels have no moving parts or grids and, as a result, there is no worry about power outages. Today, solar power is used to power many important systems, such as crossings at railroads and navigational buoys.

So, if you have been contemplating installing a solar system in your home, now is the perfect time to call us here at Aquaworks Plumbing & Heating to experience the benefits that the introduction of solar panels can bring.

Spend When Your Bills Are Reduced

Our heating bills drop during the summer so it’s ideal to spend a little bit of our extra time and money giving our boilers some much needed attention, it can even help you spend less money when the chilly spells return. Older boilers tend to be much less efficient than newer models, this is reflected in your monthly gas bill so by upgrading your system with heating controls you will put money back in your pocket in the months to come.

Take Advantage Of Down Time

Summer tends to be a lull period for many suppliers and manufacturers, couple this with the fact that you’re in no hurry for heat so can spend some time shopping around and you have the perfect scenario for grabbing a great deal on a new system.

Adjust Your Settings And Check Everything’s In Order

Even if you have a modern system that’s running well you can still give it a few tweaks to increase efficiency in the summer. Your living habits change in the warmer months so adjust your controls accordingly to reflect your heating and hot water requirements.

Keep An Eye On Your Pumps

Remember that your boiler and central heating system is composed of moving parts, if you leave them static all summer long they’re more likely to seize up when you need them. A top tip is to turn up your thermostat at least once a month so your pipes get some much needed exercise.

Here at Aquaworks Plumbing & Heating Ltd our fully qualified and experienced heating engineers are on hand all summer long to provide you with second to none boiler maintenance. If you want to make sure your boiler will be there for you when you need it again get in touch with us today on:

Bedford: 01234 822 800
Milton Keynes: 01908 415 266
Luton: 01582 966 599
St Albans: 0127 568 147

or online, we’re here to help.

Utilising high proficiency boilers, and ultra-modern multi-layer pipes and ideal control systems, the modern-day underfloor heating systems are extremely comfortable, productive and well controllable. The systems are not only beneficial to the homeowners, but are also good for the environment. Though not comprehensive, the list of benefits outlined below will provide enough reasons for investing in underfloor heating systems for your property.

Comfort

Regular radiators are usually made to work at high temperatures, generally ranging from 65 to 70 degrees C, to heat one room intensely. However, underfloor heating systems operate at a controllable temperature of around 35 degrees C, and the warmth is distributed in an even manner from beneath the surface, thereby providing greater comfort to those in the vicinity.

Efficiency

As they operate at relatively low temperatures and distribute the produced heat evenly throughout the property, underfloor heating systems can be more efficient against traditional heating systems. Moreover, the inclusion of thermostat for controlling the temperature adds further positives to the efficiency of these systems.

Durability

Underfloor heating systems are extremely long-lasting in nature and require very little maintenance. Provided that they are manufactured and installed as per industry standards, they can guarantee a working life of 25-50 years, thereby eliminating the need for regular repairs and maintenance work.

Reduced Bills

Being more efficient in comparison to the traditional heating systems, underfloor heating devices have the potential to reduce energy bills considerable. Depending upon the home insulation and how often and at what temperature the system is used, homeowners can cut costs when it comes to household bills.

Space Savings

Being installed underground, underfloor heating systems can eliminate the need for extra space to install radiators, thereby saving a great deal of wall space.

In conclusion, underfloor heating systems can clearly offer a range of benefits to a setting, so get in touch with us here at Aquaworks to find out more about what we can do for you.

Regardless of the size of the property, the length of tenancy or the number of tenants, landlords are legally obliged to comply. Ignorance is not considered an excuse, and hefty fines can result from a failure to meet these requirements.

Here at Aquaworks, we can help with the process of getting your property certified with gas safety certificates, which are among the following key landlord certificates legally required to rent out a property.

Energy Performance Certificate (EPC)
This has been required since October 2008 and, once obtained, is valid for 10 years. Local councils check for these and can impose a £200 fine for failure to comply.

Gas Safety Certificate
Under the Gas Safety Regulations 1994, the landlord is required to arrange yearly safety checks by a qualified professional on all gas appliances from the time of installation.

A safety record must be kept, and all traders who carry out work on appliances must be Gas Safe registered.

Breach of regulations is a criminal offence that carries a fine of up to £25,000, can invalidate insurance cover and can lead to serious prosecution in the case of an accident.

Electrical Safety Certificate
Under the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 1994 and the Plugs and Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994, both of which fall under the Consumer Protection Act 1987, landlords are required to ensure equipment is safe, though they are not required to have professional checks done.

If you’re a landlord who is looking to rent out a property, or perhaps already renting out a property, then the significance and importance of having the necessary certification can’t be stressed enough. Thankfully, here at Aquaworks, we are fully accredited and able provide landlord certificates for gas safety for everything from the gas supply and appliances, to flow and ventilation.

If work needs to be carried out to make the property safe, then we can also undertake this – saving you time and money. For more information on our services, simply call us today on 01234 822 800 or contact us using our website’s online contact form.

Firstly, turn off the valve at each end of the radiator immediately. To do this you need to turn the plastic handle clockwise on one valve, on the other you will need to remove the plastic cap and by using a spanner you will be able to shut off the radiator.

If your radiator has a thermostatic valve then although you may already have turned off the radiator it may open automatically due to the cold temperatures that we are all too familiar with in Britain. The radiator may therefore still leak even when the valve has been turned off.

The next stage is a pretty simple one, grab a bucket. Use any type of water-collecting apparatus you wish but it is essential that you do this as soon as possible to avoid your floor being damaged or any more serious issues arising. The last thing you want as well as having to fix a radiator is having to replace part of your floor. It may help to place a plastic bag behind the radiator to direct the water into the bucket.

Finally, the best and most simple solution to solve your radiator problem is to call us at Aquaworks. We have a wealth of experience throughout our company in areas such as leaks, repairs, solar energy and also underfloor heating. We offer a 24 hour emergency plumbing service so whatever the time of day or night we are more than happy to help.

So to answer all your plumbing questions or to book a call out from one of our plumbers in Milton Keynes call us on 01908 415266 or contact us via our online form.

Step One: Get the Right Tools

Before you begin, you need to have all the right tools to hand to ensure that you are fully prepared before you starting bleeding your radiator. Below is list of items you will need;

- Radiator Key
- Bucket/Tub
- Old Towel/Cloth

Step Two: Turn the Heating Off

Before you try and bleed the radiator, make sure you turn the heating off and leave it a while to cool down. The last thing you want to do is try and bleed the radiator while the water is hot as this could burn you should any of the water escapes.

Step Three: Open the Valve

Before you open the valve, position the tub beneath the radiator and have the cloth to hand, then gently open the valve using the radiator key. When you do this you will hear a hiss as any trapped air is released – keep the valve open until water begins to come out. Don’t panic if the water comes out black as this is perfectly normal.

Once water begins to come out close the valve, wipe up any excess water and turn the heating back on to see if this has resolved the problem. If not, please get in touch for a plumber in Luton and call us today on 01908 415 266.

Is the Thermostat Turned Up?

It might be that because the weather has gone extremely cold, the thermostat needs turning up to compensate for the cold environment. To check if this is the case, try turning the thermostat on full and see if this makes a difference to the temperature of the house and/or water. You might be surprised.

Has the Pilot Light Gone Out?

It sounds too simple to be the case, but it’s surprising how many call-outs could be avoided with a simple check. This is more common with older appliances and will just need turning on if it has gone out.

Is the Water, Electrical and/or Gas Supply to the Appliance Turned On?

This should be the first thing you check – it’s very easy to turn of the supply to an appliance without knowing it. So double check and if it’s not then at least you can tick it of the list and tell the plumber when he comes out.

Has There Been a Power Cut?

If there has been a power cut then your clock may have returned to factory settings and need re-programming. This is easy to check and will save you from needlessly calling out a plumber.

Have Your Pipes Frozen?

With the weather taking an icy turn for the worst it could be that your pipes have frozen. If you think this is a possibility make sure click here to see our last post.

Turn it Off & On

The switch is normally located near the boiler and may reset the boiler and resolve the problem. Try this and if this doesn’t work than it may be time to pick up the phone and call in a plumber from Luton.

At Aquaworks Plumbing & Heating Ltd our plumbers have the expertise and the experience to identify and fix the problem with minimum fuss. To learn more telephone us on 01234 822 800.

The Cause

A frozen pipe will usually occur during long spells of cold weather, and will typically affects the pipe which carries condensation from the boiler to the drain outside; however it can affect all pipes which are exposed to the elements. The water inside the pipe can freeze, you’ll notice this because this will restrict the flow of water and in the worst case scenario the pipe will burst. In both instances you need to turn of the water.

A burst or frozen pipe will leave a home without heat or hot water, which isn’t an ideal situation in the height of winter.

The Solution

There are a few things you can try yourself, and these include;

- Holding a Hot Water Bottle to the Pipe
- Pour Hot, Not Boiling, Water Onto the Pipe
- Do Not Use a Blow Torch

Once you have tried one or both of these methods try switching on the boiler and seeing if this has worked. If it hasn’t, it may be worth trying this method a few more times but if the pipe still remains frozen make sure you call in a professional. At Aquaworks Plumbing & Heating Ltd we have a team of fully qualified plumbers in Luton who will be able to come and solve your problem. They will also give you some tip on how to prevent this from happening again, some of which have been listed below.

The Prevention

To prevent your pipes from freezing over please following the following tips;

- Insulate hot water tanks
- Insulate pipes
- Leave the heating on low continuously
- Leave loft doors and hatches open to allow heat to warm the pipes through

If you’re stuck call in the experts here at Aquaworks Plumbing & Heating Ltd on 0123 482 2800.

Our plumbers and heating engineers have a wealth of experience and have built up an extensive knowledge base over the 28 years in the industry. They have the experience to work on any type of boiler so whatever the age or brand of your boiler we’ll be able to help.

We have an emergency 24/7 plumbing service so if you do have an unexpected boiler problem we will be with you as soon as possible. We know it’s important for you to know exactly what work we need to carry out on your boiler and why as well as what parts we will need to complete the job which is why once our plumbers have assessed your boiler they will clearly explain to you what the problem is and what parts and work is required. We also make sure both parties understand what cost is involved so you can be rest assured there will be no nasty surprises.

Here at Aquaworks Plumbing & Heating Ltd we can also carry out boiler servicing as well as boiler installations. We recommend getting your boiler serviced annually to help alleviate the risk of suffering a complete boiler breakdown. Carrying out a service will outline any problems with your boiler allowing us to find a simple solution before it becomes a big problem. As the cold weather  begins to creep up on us it may be worth checking when your boiler was last serviced and getting one booked in before your boiler undergoes extensive use during those chilly winter months.

If you would like any information on any of our services then don’t hesitate to get in touch with us and an experienced member of staff will be happy to answer any queries you may have. Call 01234 822 800 or alternatively you can fill in an online enquiry form by clicking here.