Hints/Tips

Why is my boiler making a noise?

This noise will increase in frequency and intensity as deposits of sludge and scale build up in what may be an unprotected boiler. The resolution - to Power flush your central heating system!

Why are some rooms in my home too hot and others too cold?

It can be quite difficult to get the balance right with a single room temperature (this is normally positioned in the hallway). In order to be able to adjust the temperatures for each room it’s recommended installing TRV’s which will allow you to set a different temperature in each room.

I have an overflowing toilet, what do I do?

There are two points where water can overflow; the bowl or the cistern.
If it’s the bowl it’s most likely to be a blockage.
If it’s the cistern it could be caused either by a faulty ball valve or the syphon not being set correctly.
You can check both of these by taking the lid off the cistern & visually checking.

An overflowing bowl:
Firstly, you will need to turn off the water at the valve under the toilet (if there is one normally it would be a ballerfix type valve).
If your toilet is overflowing due to too much toilet paper or other matter causing the stoppage, then you can dislodge using a plunger. The toilet might not be operating due to the sewer being blocked up, in which case the man hole needs to be opened (located outside the building) to relieve the blockage.

What is a TRV (Thermostatic Radiator Valve)

A Thermostatic Radiator Valve (TRV) is a self-regulating valve fitted to heating system radiators.
The TRV controls the temperature of a room by regulating the flow of hot water to the radiator.

TRVs are self-regulating devices, which control the temperature in the room based on an individually set temperature and heat load. TRVs can work together with outdoor temperature controls, supply flow temperature controls, pressure controls and time set-back devices.

TRVs are suitable for all kind of radiator systems, radiators, convectors and towel dryers.
Designs of the sensors can be tailored to suit the specific applications.
TRVs are cheap and easy solutions with a significant potential for energy savings and CO2 reductions from heating installations. In fact the replacement of a manual heating control with a TRV can save at least 100kg CO2 per year.

My radiator is not heating up fully. Its cold at the top and hot at the bottom. What do I need to do?

It’s likely there is air in your heating system and the radiator needs bleeding. You need to get a bleeding key which you can buy from most DIY shops and bleed the air out of the radiator, ensuring the system is turned off before doing so.

Are you worried about the amount of water you consume?
Then be wise with your water!
Our country is using more water than we have available

Here are some tips to help reduce your water consumption:

• Check your hot water thermostat isn’t too high
  If the hot water temperature is too high then the more cold water you will waste to cool it down
• Check those dripping taps - changing the washers can significantly cut your water bill
• Fix leaking taps and make sure they’re always turned off fully
• Have a dual flush system on your toilet cistern as ten half flushes saves enough water for a five minute shower
• Check your toilets aren’t overflowing
• Check the plumbing in your home for possible leaking pipes.
  You could be paying for thousands of litres of water that is just wasting away underground
• If you’re going on holiday or leaving your property for a long period then make sure you turn the water off at the mains
• Need to remove scale from your shower head? Then fill a plastic bag with vinegar and tie it round the shower head- this will dissolve mineral deposits!
• Got a blocked kitchen sink waste pipe? This can be easily cleared by flushing through with washing soda and very hot water You must do this regularly though to prevent blockages forming