FAQs
Frequent questions and answers
Check out some frequently asked plumbing questions on this page, or try out the Housewarm Helper AI bot for unlimited knowledge of heating and plumbing with a twist of humour.
The boiler is the heart of a central heating system and boilers are built to last between 10 – 15 years.
A heating system is typically made up of steel or iron radiators, and either copper or plastic pipes, and these will last a lot longer than boilers.
If your central heating system is not providing enough heat then you might need to upgrade the boiler or the radiators.
You will know which by feeling the radiators when the heating is on. They should be untouchably hot when the heating temperature control on the boiler is on maximum. If the radiators are really hot to touch, you will need to fit bigger radiators in the cold rooms, or install additional radiators.
It is recommended to get your boiler serviced every year to keep your central heating system working efficiently and can help to protect against problems and breakdowns.
If your central heating boiler is still under warranty, then you will need to get it serviced every year to keep the warranty vaild.
Where should a magnetic filter be installed?
A magnetic filter should be installed on the heating return pipe, right next to the boiler. This is the perfect location to stop any sludge before it goes into the boiler.
However, the perfect location isn’t always possible, but having a magnetic filter anywhere on your system is much better than not having one.
They can be fitted on the flow pipe or in the hot water cylinder cupboard if need be.
How often does the magnetic filter need to be cleaned?
In my experience, most of the time a magnetic filter never really needs to be cleaned unless you been having problems with a dirty heating system.
The vast majority I have cleaned have had very little dirt on to clean off which means it’s a clean heating system.
If you have a dirty filter and keep needing to clean it, then you should clean it as often as possible to get as much dirt out the system as possible, or maybe you should flush the system.
What are the benefits of using a magnetic filter?
The benefits include improved system efficiency, extended lifespan of components, reduced maintenance costs, and enhanced overall central heating performance.
Do you provide any warranties or guarantees on your work?
Yes, I can guarantee all work carried out by Housewarm for a full 12 months and I will fix any problems caused by the installation or work done.
Brand new parts typically come with 12 month warranties from the supplier but sometimes second hand boiler parts are the best or only option and might not have a warranty.
What should I do in case of a plumbing emergency?
Shut off the main water stopcock valve to stop water flow immediately and call a plumber. You should have a stopcock inside the property, and one outside in the street or back lane.
If it’s a gas-related issue, turn off the gas supply. Then, contact a registered gas engineer for assistance.
How do I know if I have a leak?
Assuming there’s no obvious signs of water, you can tell if you have a leak by your water bill if you are on a meter, you will see a spike in the bill amount.
You can check if you have a water leak by making sure no water is being used in the property, then record the water meter readings, then go back an hour later and see if the number has increased at all, if it has then you have a leak.
You could have a leak on a pipe under the floor, or, you could potentially have the old leaky water supply pipe from the street, connected to the new water main supply.
How can I get around Newcastle?
Newcastle has an efficient public transportation system, including buses and the Tyne and Wear Metro. The city is also pedestrian-friendly, and many attractions are within walking distance.
What is a Gas Safety Certificate, and when is it required?
A Gas Safety Certificate is a document issued by a qualified gas engineer after inspecting and testing gas appliances and systems.
Landlords are required to provide a Gas Safety Certificate annually to their tenants, ensuring the safety of the gas installations.
What should I do in case of a gas emergency?
In the event of a gas emergency, such as a smell of gas or appliance malfunction, immediately evacuate the premises, turn the gas off at the gas meter, call the gas emergency number, and contact a registered gas engineer to assess and rectify the issue.
Do you provide any warranties or guarantees on your work?
Yes, I can guarantee all work carried out by Housewarm for a full 12 months and I will fix any problems caused by the installation or work done.
Brand new parts typically come with 12 month warranties from the supplier, but sometimes second hand boiler parts are the best (or only) option, and might not have a warranty.