subject: Top Tips When Your Boiler Breaks Down [print this page] When the boiler breaks down the best thing to do is switch it off. You can also switch off the water at the stop cock. Then quickly find an emergency plumber who deals with boiler breakdowns.
The quickest way to find an emergency plumber is online. Websites and directories will most likely give the call out charge. A call out charge is normal and can vary greatly however do be aware that some plumbers do not charge call out. Especially in this economic climate businesses will use incentives like this to gain business. It is nothing to worry about but something to be lucky enough to find an emergency gas engineer who does not charge for call out.
So let us imagine that the boiler and water are switched off and you have found someone. Two things to check before they come out.
Make sure in the UK that they are Gas Safe Registered and then ask their hourly rate. Many will charge by the hour, and a fraction of an hour, which may be just five minutes equals another hour. However some will charge by the hour and the extra minutes are calculated differently giving a better deal.
Whilst the gas engineer is on route to your home it is very easy to look up the Gas Safe number to check that he really is registered.
If you are not too flustered ask how long they expect the journey to take.
If you are reading this and you have not had an emergency please read on for some tips that you might need one day.
Some gas engineers specialize in particular brands of boiler. This means that they have the experience and sometimes are able to speedily get parts at good prices.
Google reviews are a good way to check out online reviews of plumbers and gas engineers. Not all of them will be listed because to be able to get reviewed you first of all need a Google Places account which many tradesmen will not be aware of.
Once you find a reliable and reasonably priced plumber the top tip is to keep his or her details handy. You never know when you might need them.
Last time I used someone he discovered on opening the relatively new boiler that a so called expert fitted a large sign saying remove this when fitted.
From that day on I kept that engineers card on my kitchen notice board. You never know when you might have an emergency.
The last tip of the article is that when you find a good guy or gal make sure you spread the word. Those that are deserving and do a great job surely deserve to have a good reputation.
