We know that replacing or buying a new boiler is a big investment for many and everyone is feeling the pinch with the current financial climate. The Energy Saving Trust suggest a saving of up to £490 per year on energy bills can be made with replacing an old boiler for a new model, so it really is a worthwhile investment.

Boilers have approximately a 10-year life span before you start to notice signs of wear and tear, typical signs include your water is not heating as hot as it used to. We understand that finding a new boiler that is right for your home is not an easy task, when you are not in the trade. Here we have outlined some of your most asked questions and explain the benefits of why you need a new boiler.

How often should I replace my boiler?

The general lifespan of a boiler is around 10 to 15 years. While this is an average, your boiler may last longer if you take care of it well. Signs that your boiler is not working as it should include radiators taking longer to heat, your energy bills are increasing, and your boiler might leak and make strange sounds. Be aware of any of these signs and get them checked, prevention and repair is cheaper than full replacement. A bit like your car; the better you treat and look after them the longer they last.

How often should I service my boiler?

We recommend servicing your boiler once a year, even if there are no signs of wear and tear, by doing so it will troubleshoot any potential problems, keep it running efficiently and it will prolong the life of your boiler.

Do you charge for an assessment?

We offer a free initial call out where we can pay a visit and advise you on the right boiler for your home and requirements.

Are you gas safe registered?

Yes, we are Gas Safe Registered. Did you know if you use an engineer who is unqualified or not accredited, it can invalidate your boiler protection insurance? We are also accredited to survey your property also.

Does your price include fitting?

Yes, we offer a full boiler package. We provide everything from start to finish, from the initial quote and sourcing the right boiler to high quality installation. Check out our reviews on mybuilder.com to see hundreds of delighted customers.

How Do I Choose between Different Boiler Brands?

Each brand offers their own advantages, we personally recommend the Glow Worm Energy Boiler as a good all-rounder.

Do you have any boiler offers?

Yes, we offer two excellent value offers!

We are happy to help with any questions you may have. We also offer a 24-hour emergency service, repairs and controls for heating systems and all aspects of plumbing installations.

Nettleton Plumbing & Heating can provide a wide range of new, replacement and combi boilers. All Gas Safe registered giving you peace of mind.

Give us a call today for a free assessment Tel: 07717 724 660

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With utility bills on the increase along with the cost of living, here are some simple tips to help reduce your water bill.

Fit a water-saving shower head

A typical family home will save approximately 2% off their bills, or about £35 a year on average for a typical home, remember every little helps. Many water companies offer free water saving devices, give them a call to see what’s available.

Switch Baths for Showers

Simply switching a bath for a shower will reduce your water usage and energy costs. For even savvier savings reducing the amount of time you spend in the shower, even a minute reduction per shower could save £75 in energy bills and £105 in water bills.

Consider installing a water meter

There are two ways your water is billed, either they are estimated so you pay a fixed amount on your homes size, or you have a water meter, and you pay for only what you use. Contact your water provider and ask for its calculator, as this is the prediction of whether you will save.

Flush and Save

Prevent excess pennies going down the toilet with a Flushsaver. Placed inside your toilet cistern each flush will use less water.

Upgrade to energy-efficient appliances

Upgrading household appliances, such as your washing machine and dishwasher, can save huge amounts of water and significantly reduce your water bill.  A high-efficiency washer can save 6,000 gallons of water per year, and therefore reduce your bills.

Looking to upgrade, we can install your appliances, showers, and boilers.

Get a Butt

Collect rainwater in a water butt, a great way to save water all year, you can purchase one at most garden or DIY centres for under £30 or second-hand options on Facebook marketplace.

Compost benefits

Add layers of bark or compost to flowerbeds to help retain moisture and reduce the need for watering.

Need help or advice? Nettleton Plumbing is a local plumber you can trust.

Fully Qualified City & Guilds apprentice trained plumber with additional specialist training skills, Nettleton Plumbing are your one stop shop when it comes to plumbing, installations and repairs. Working for both homeowners and businesses, including fitting catering equipment for pubs and restaurants, whatever your building needs, call today for your free quote 07717724660.

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With rising utility costs and increasing price tariffs it’s time to get smart this winter with a few savvy tips and tricks to keep your bills lower. Here are some of our tried and tested ways to reduce your utility bills.

Update your boiler
With around 60% of your energy bills being used to heat your home, boiler efficiency is vital. An older boiler will typically use more gas to heat your home than a newly installed boiler. Newer boilers require up to 43% less energy to produce the same output.

We offer huge savings on brand new boilers including installation!

Wrap up
Wrap up or as we prefer to call it Yorkshire Heating! The more layers you wear the less heating you need, wrap up in blankets to watch tv, and a winter duvet on your bed are all ways to keep warm during the winter months without increasing your energy bills.

Utilise the power of the sun
Heat rooms without using heating! Use the heat from the sun’s rays to heat up rooms, open curtains, and blinds to get the full benefit. Remember to close them at night for extra window insulation.

Turn your thermostat down
This is one of the easiest things to do on this list. For each degree you cut the thermostat, expect to cut bills by around 4%.

Set your thermostat on a timer
It’s a myth that leaving the heating on low all day is the cheapest way to heat your home. Having your heating on only when you need it is the best way to save energy and therefore money. The most efficient way is to program the timer on the thermostat to heat your home when you need it.

Use radiator thermostats
This is a particularly useful tip with so many of us now working at home, save money by heating the room you are using and not the whole house. Thermostatic radiator valves are an extra control which you can use to set the temperature of each individual room, when the temperature in that room rises above what’s set on the radiator valve, it will stop water flowing through that radiator – the boiler will still be on to heat other rooms, but it will use less energy.

Dodge the Draft
Keep warm and reduce your heating bill by 2% by using draft excluders seals, foams and tapes resulting in approximately £30 saving for an average home.

Working in Sheffield and the South Yorkshire area, Nettleton Plumbing cater to your plumbing, engineering, and general handyman needs. Whether you’re in need of a bathroom fitting, heating installation, draining, plumbing repairs or you have a leak that needs fixing quick, give Ben a call on 07717 724 660

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If you love DIYing to solve your plumbing problems, you might have found yourself doing one of the following mistakes.  

Have you tried to save money by doing it yourself and ended up paying way more than what was going to cost you in the first place?  

Here is a list of the most common mistakes we encounter on a regular basis: 

1. Overtightening connections  

You might think the tighter, the better. But that doesn’t always work. 

It can lead to the knob or lever breaking or cracking, and the whole valve stem can be damaged with it.  

The breakage might not happen instantly, but can however break it weeks later, causing flood and damage to your property.  

2. Use of chemical drain cleaner  

We have all been there, done that, bought the t-shirt.  

Our first reaction to a clogged drain is to run to the supermarket and grab the strongest drain cleaner.  

This might temporarily solve the problem, but it’s a terrible idea.  

Their corrosive nature can damage the pipes creating leaks that won’t improve the blockage situation.  

But not only that, if it doesn’t manage to clear the clog, your sink pipes will be filled with nasty corrosive chemicals, which will make it even more difficult to clean.  

The easiest way to fix sink clogs is to use a snake drain cleaning tool. It removes part of the waste without damaging your pipes.  

3. Forget to turn off the water supply 

If you are not looking to have an indoor swimming pool, this is highly advisable!  

Now jokes aside, even the most basic plumbing tasks needs the water supply turning off. And not doing it can lead into really expensive repairs.  

So, next time you undertake any plumbing DIY jobs around the house, remember to turn the water supply off!  

Make sure you know where it is before you need it! It might sound obvious, but many homeowners have no idea where their water shut-off valve is.  

4. Not having the right equipment  

One of the most common mistakes caused by plumbing DIY is using the wrong tools and parts.    

Watching your plumber doing it might make you think it’s an easy job. But no-no.  

The reason why it seems easy is because they know what they are doing, and they have the right tools and parts with them.  

5. Assemble parts incorrectly  

Forgetting how things go back together, or simply placing them in the wrong way, can lead into serious (and unpleasant) consequences that can go from a horrible smell coming up from the drains to a damaging leak.  

While these plumbing tasks can seem easy, they often comply the risk of complicated and costly consequences.  

If you’ve had enough with your DIY project, or the job requires a hand from a professional, don’t hesitate to contact us.  

The post 5 DIY plumbing mistakes – What not to do appeared first on Nettleton Plumbing & Heating.

Here are some tips that can help you get through the winter avoiding plumbing problems.

1. Insulate pipes

During the winter, these can freeze and lead to a blockage and burst pipes. In order to prevent this problem, look for pipes in un-insulated areas of the home, such as those in the home’s outer walls. These are more likely to freeze and should be insulated using towels, fibreglass or foam.

In the event of extreme temperatures, it is a good idea to let faucets drip slowly to allow water flow. Also, use warm interior air around the pipping to let air circulation to reduce the risk of frozen pipes, by opening drawers, cabinets or doors around the house.

Remember to disconnect and drain your hose during the cold weather if you are not using it. A water-filled hose left outside during the winter can freeze. If it is still connected to the tap, the ice can back up into the pipe inside your house and cause it to crack.

2. Drain your water heater

Your water heater is more important now than any other time of the year, so make sure it is running optimally. During the months when they are not being used, sediment can build up in the tank, which causes rust to develop inside. This rust can affect your water for showering, drinking and cooking.

This is why it is so important to drain your water heaters every year, especially if they haven’t been used in a while.

3. Avoid putting grease and oil down the drain

When the temperature is lower, grease and oil down the drain are more likely to clog up the waste pipes and lead to bad smells and backed-up pipes.

4. Keep an eye for water line leaks

During the winter months, a water leak can be a serious problem. The pipes in your home can be old, and by adding cold weather, the pipe can freeze. So, make sure to fix this problem before the cold days arrive. These leaks often get larger and more problematic, so be sure to repair them before it’s too late.

5. Book your boiler for an annual service

Your boiler needs an annual service to make sure it is operating to its optimum capacity and also to prevent any major breakdowns during the colder days. A poorly maintained boiler can be very dangerous and leave you without heating or hot water for a few days in the icy weather.

Remember. Don’t waste energy but don’t allow your home temperature to go too low!
If you are going away for the Christmas holidays, avoid turning down the heating completely, as it increases the risk of frozen and ruptured pipes. This damage will become worse if you are away for days, weeks or even months.

To prevent this, the home temperature should not be set lower than 7 degrees. This solution offers maximum savings in the long term while protecting against frozen pipes.

The post How to avoid plumbing problems during winter appeared first on Nettleton Plumbing & Heating.

Here are some simple things you can do to reduce your water usage and therefore the cost of your water bills:

1.     Consider using a washing up bowl

Washing up bowls are smaller than the sink, and they allow you to wash several dishes with the same water. Fill up the bowl with warm soapy water and rinse the dishes with running water. This will save a lot of water – and soap –.

2.     Only use your washing machine when it’s full

Cut down your water consumption by increasing your wash loads. Avoid using the washing machine for a half load. Even if your particular machine has a half load button, it will still use more than half the amount of water used in a full load.

In most cases, darks and lights are fine together as long as the temperature doesn’t go above 30°C. So, there is no excuse for not putting them together!

3.     Shorter showers

Having a shower instead of a bath is a great way of saving energy and water. However, this doesn’t apply if you tend to stand in the shower for more than 15 minutes. Try to keep your showers shorter by only using the water you actually need

4.     Use a water can instead of a hosepipe

Unless your garden really needs it, a hosepipe can lead to the waste of a lot of water. And there are other ways of watering your plants.

Think about fitting a water butt to collect rainwater. These usually store about 200 litres of water. The great news is that this water is better for watering your plants, as it comes untreated. So, you don’t only save huge amounts of water, but your garden will be also benefiting from pure, better quality water.

You can also use this water for indoors plants, instead of the one from the tap.

5.     Replace leaks in your taps

A leaky tap can waste an astounding amount of water, ruin your sink and increase your water bill. Not to mention how irksome this sound can be.

6.     Store your cold water in the fridge

How long do you leave the tap open when you want a fresh drink of water?

Especially during the warm months of the year, think about how much water you waste while waiting for the water to turn cold. Instead, try to keep a jug of water in the fridge. It will not only save water but it will also be colder!

7.     Turn off the taps while brushing your teeth

During the intervals where you don’t need the water to be running, try turning the taps off. Those two minutes that you are brushing your teeth can save a lot of water!

8.     Reduce your flush

Dual flush settings are quite effective for reducing the litres of water used in every flush. Toilets without this system use an average of about 13 litres of water every time they are used!

If your toilet doesn’t have a dual flush, you can try putting a plastic bottle filled with water inside the tank to reduce the amount of water used.

9.     Don’t fill up the kettle every time

Don’t boil more water than the one you actually need. This will not only save water but also energy and time too!

10.     Wash fruits and vegetables

Try to wash your fruits and vegetables in a bowl rather than in running water.

The post 10 water-saving tips to lower your monthly bill and reduce water waste appeared first on Nettleton Plumbing & Heating.

You don’t need a professional, you can bleed a radiator yourself at home. We’ve put together a step by step guide to help you out.

Before we start, you need to check that the reason you’re having trouble with your heater is because it definitely needs bleeding and not a problem that may need professional expertise.

The most common signs include; gurgling noises, taking longer to heat than usual, the top of the heater still feeling cooler than the rest of the radiator or even the whole heater feeling cold even though the heating is on.

Radiators usually only need bleeding once a year.

Once you’re sure your radiator needs bleeding, here’s the best way to do it:

1. Turn on your radiator
Allow your radiator to heat up and push out any unwanted air and built pressure. This step also helps to identify which of your heaters need bleeding by looking for the signs we outlined above.

2. Turn off the heating
Once you’ve identified which radiators you need to bleed, you need to make sure the heating is turned off in order to bleed them. This is because it may be too hot to touch, and you need to be aware of hot water spraying out at you.

3. Lay down some towels
Avoid ruining your carpet and flooring and lay down some old towels underneath the radiator. Start with your radiators on the ground floor and work your way up as the air rises up the system.

4. Open the radiator bleed valve
To do this, you will need a radiator bleed key. The valve is round with a square inside and is usually located on the side of the heater towards he top. When the key enters, they should lock together, and you should be able to turn the key anticlockwise.

Do this slowly and carefully, you should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes. Try not to get too close in case the air is hot.

5. Be Wary
The key won’t need to be turned much at all, be wary of turning it too much as water will come rushing out. Hold the key until air stops coming out and water begins to drip, this means the bleeding is complete and you can turn the key clockwise to lock the valve. Repeat steps 3, 4 and 5 to all the radiators that need it.

6. Check the Pressure
Lastly, you need to check the pressure of your heating system, if correct, the needle on the boiler will be facing green and if incorrect it will be facing yellow.

If yellow, you should locate the central filling loop connected to your boiler. It looks like a tap and is connected to your main water, adjust this until the needle points to green.

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1. Efficient Costs
Boilers usually last for around 10 years, before you start to see signs of wear and tear. According to the Seasonal Efficiency of Domestic Boilers Scheme, A – Rated boilers operate at 90% efficiency, compared to a G – Rated boiler (old models) that works at 70%.
Buying a new, reliable boiler will benefit you greatly, with it working more successfully compared to the original.

The Energy Saving Trust state that a person can save up to £490 per year, if they moved to a new boiler, helping you to cut down on your energy bills.

2. Capture the Gas
One of the dangers involving an old boiler is the potential of it leaking Carbon Monoxide.
A new boiler guarantees in built safety features that help to keep leaks, both water and gas, at bay

A condensing boiler produces fewer carbon emissions than the average boiler, compressing the gasses for further use without waste. Estimate figures show that new boilers save up to 1220kg of carbon dioxide every year, ultimately preventing any gas leaks.

3. Control of the Heating.
Having the heating on all day can be costly, but sometimes needed. Modern boilers are extremely helpful in letting a homeowner decide what temperature to set the heating. By simply setting the controls, not only do you choose which rooms need heating, but it saves you more money in doing so.

4. Buying in the Summer
Buying a new boiler in the summer is actually beneficial. With the warm weather, you’ll have plenty of time to decide which model to pick, and you won’t need to wait until the winter for a replacement. It’s a time where the engineers won’t be as busy when it comes to installation.

5. Service Plans
Whilst prices can vary for new boilers, with these expenses comes excellent service plans. New boilers, in general, come with a 5-year warranty, where the boiler is inspected and fixed without any hassle.

Again, there are numerous plans and warranties for new boilers (as well as terms and conditions), but it does provide your boiler with extra security in case of an emergency.

The post Why it’s time for a new Boiler appeared first on Nettleton Plumbing & Heating.

Whilst there are a variety of reasons your tap could be leaking, often the biggest task is not finding the problem, but fixing it. Whether it’s a damaged cartridge, mineral build ups or the O-Ring, we’ve identified what could be wrong with your tap, and how to fix it.

Things You Need:

• An adaptable spanner
• Screwdriver – Slot and cross-headed
• Replacement cartridges
• O – Rings to replace the one in your tap.
• Scissors

1. Turn the Water supply off

Before attempting to fix the tap, make sure you’ve turned the entire water supply off either at the stopcock or under the kitchen sink. Once you’ve turned the water off, keep the tap running until the water stops

2. Finding the Screw

The screw helps to hold the tap together. It is normally found underneath the cap at the top. Ideally, you will need to use a screwdriver (Cross-headed or slot-headed) to unscrew the cap, or if possible, you can unscrew it by hand.

3. Take the Tap apart

Including the head, the handle and the valve, which can be removed with the spanner. Unscrew the flange, then the tap bonnet and the spindle. Make sure that none of the parts has been damaged and then put them aside. You’ll need to remember what order you took them apart, as you’ll be building them back together once the job is done.

(It is worth noting that taps do differ in their designs. Please ensure that you search online for your specific tap and how to take it apart).

4. Substituting the O-Ring

If the tap is dripping where the spout meets the base of the tap, then usually a new set of O-Rings should fix the problem.

The O-Ring is a small rubber ring, installed at the bottom of the tap. Remove the ring with the screwdriver, or a pair of scissors, before replacing it with a new ring.
Tighten the screw on, and then put the tap back together and test it with the water supply on.
You will need to see if the replacement for the O-ring needs to be the exact same size as the original.

5. Swapping the Cartridge

If the problem involves a broken cartridge, this is what you’ll need to do.
Ceramic cartridges are located in the centre of the tap, below the valve. Use a spanner to grasp the valve until it’s moveable, and then put it with the other pieces so you can place the replacement cartridge inside.

Ensure that it’s fastened in and then reconstruct your tap to test it. It’s important that, when finding a replacement cartridge, you familiarize yourself with the name of the faucet’s manufacturer and model number.

6. Changing the Washer

Another problem could be the rubber washer, positioned beneath the ceramic disc. If this is the root of the leak, unscrew the valve, take out the broken washer, and replace with a new one. Reassemble the tap, turn the water back on and see if the problem has been solved.

Whilst working on fixing the tap, all parts will need cleaning. We recommend that you wash the tap with some limescale remover to prevent filth from breaking down the components. Other problems may come down to worn-out or broken parts, the pipes in your home or the water pressure.

If you can’t seem to identify the problem, or your tap just won’t stop leaking, enlist the help of a professional plumber.

If you’re in the Sheffield and South Yorkshire area, give us a call 07717724660.

The post How to fix a Leaky Tap appeared first on Nettleton Plumbing & Heating.

We’ve put together 5 of our top tips to keep your boiler working efficiently all year round.

1) Get to know your boiler. It may seem obvious, but spending time familiarising yourself with your boilers manual can ensure you’re getting the most out of it. Knowing your boiler also comes in handy in case any mishaps occur, you can take a look and try to fix the problem yourself, before calling in a professional.

Need a little help with your boiler? We cater to your plumbing, engineering and general handyman needs. Give us a call 07717724660

2) Check the pipe work. Many cracks and leaks in the pipework occur during winter. This is due to the cold weather freezing and expanding the pipes and can result in a potential flood.

3)Boiler Service. When was your boiler last serviced? It’s recommended that boilers should be serviced once every 1-2 years in order to prolong the boilers like and to make sure everything is running smoothly.

4) Insulate your Pipes. In Winter, pipes that aren’t insulated are prone to freeze the water inside, expand and then crack the pipe or seal. This can be devastating and costly. Have a look around your property to see if there are any exposed pipes that aren’t insulated. You can pick up insulation cheap at your local DIY store.

5) Bleed your radiator. During winter, when we start to put our boilers through its paces, air pockets can develop in your radiators. The air pockets can make it seem like your radiators aren’t working properly (hot at the bottom and cold at the top).

To fix this problem, you need to purchase a radiator key from your local DIY store and air out the heater.

Simply locate the valve at the top of the radiator and twist they key anti clockwise until you hear the air releasing (do this slowly and keep your hand on the key).

As soon as water starts to come through, tighten the valve clockwise.

You may want to have a small towel handy to wipe any excess water.

Boiler on the brink, or time for a new one? Nettleton Plumbing & Heating can provide a wide range of new, replacement and combi boilers. All Gas Safe registered giving you peace of mind.

The post 5 Tips to keep your Boiler working efficiently appeared first on Nettleton Plumbing & Heating.