Deciding on the Right Boiler for Your Home There are primarily three types of boilers available: the combi boiler, heat-only boiler, and system boiler. Heat-only boilers, often known as conventional or regular boilers, work in cooperation with a cylinder situated in your airing cupboard. System boilers, favoured in modern residences, are distinguished by the use of an 'unvented' hot water cylinder. In contrast, combi boilers provide hot water on demand, instantly. This guide will assist you in understanding what each boiler type offers, including their advantages and disadvantages. This information can be crucial when considering whether to retain your current boiler or explore a new type. Boiler types explained Below: Understanding the Combi Boiler A combi boiler types is an all-inclusive unit catering to the heating and hot water demands of a home. This system operates without necessitating hot water tanks. At DDWilson, we provide a like for like combi swap service starting from £1,999. The Heat-Only (Regular) Boiler: An Overview Heat-only boilers are solely responsible for heating. They operate with a hot water cylinder, and typically, you may find water tanks housed in the loft. Our services for a similar replacement utilizing a 15kw heat-only boiler commence from approximately £1,299. Getting to Know the System Boiler A system boiler contains all components of a combi boiler apart from hot water production facilities. It uses either a steel hot water cylinder or an unvented g3 cylinder. With DDWilson, you can get this installation starting from £1,399 with a 15kw system boiler. Our Customers' Favourite: The Combi Boiler How does a combi boiler function? This combined furnace and water heater warms water directly from the cold mains via an integral heat exchanger, delivering hot water instantly. This technology deviates from traditional systems, which store hot water in tanks for future use. Combi boilers do not require a hot water cylinder or additional loft tanks, integrating all operations through a single, typically wall-hung unit. Advantages of a Combi Boiler: Frees up space by eliminating old hot water tanks Lowers maintenance costs as the integral heating and hot water mechanism fall under the boiler manufacturer's warranty/guarantee Provides hot water without significant wait times Disadvantages of a Combi Boiler: Hot water flow rates may decrease when supplying hot water to multiple outlets at once, although this issue primarily affects households with two or more showers For guidance through the selection process, contact us at 01517398945, option 1. An Overview of the Heat-Only Boiler Regularly called a 'regular' or 'conventional' boiler, a heat-only boiler supplies heat directly to the radiators while working with a cylinder to deliver hot water. They usually function on an open-vented heating system, meaning there is a Feed and Expansion tank in the loft, though they can also work with a 'sealed' system. The Back Boiler: A Consideration A back boiler, located within a chimney breast with a fire on the front, is a heat-only boiler. It's currently unfeasible to replace a back boiler at the exact location. If you need to replace an existing back boiler, opt for a wall-hung heat-only boiler or consider a combi boiler at a different location in the house. Advantages of a Heat-Only Boiler: Compatible with older radiator systems susceptible to leaking due to high water pressure from system or combi boilers Low replacement cost due to its relative affordability Disadvantages of a Heat-Only Boiler: Only the boiler is under the manufacturer's warranty/guarantee, while other system components may require replacement or break down A combi boiler generally offers the best advantages if your home benefits from good water pressure. The Functioning of a System Boiler Although system boilers work with a hot water cylinder like regular boilers, the setup doesn't use an open-vented system, meaning there are no tanks in the loft. Additionally, all components outside a heat-only boiler (pumps, valves, etc.) are integrated within the boiler, representing a modernized version of the regular boiler. Advantages of a System Boiler: Ideal for properties with high hot water demand, as the unvented tank can deliver substantial hot water flow rates to multiple outlets at the same time The manufacturer warranty/guarantee thoroughly covers the majority of the system's components Disadvantages of a System Boiler: Substantial hot water flow rates are reliant on solid incoming mains water pressure Requires more space than a combi boiler, thus needing a suitable location for the hot water cylinder if replacing a combi boiler Factors to consider: Families taking concurrent showers, tight budgets favouring like-for-like boiler swaps (starting from £1,299), low maintenance costs preferring combi boilers with a 10-year manufacturer's warranty/guarantee or property extensions adding bathrooms (should consider a system boiler with unvented hot water tank). This is why it's essential to explain boiler types. Boiler types explained (we hope). If not, we will cover different boilers types in future blogs. With thousands of five-star reviews, DD Wilson Gas Engineers is ready to meet your boiler and heating system needs to the highest standard. Whether you're updating or considering a new installation, we're here to advise. Please get to know us more at ddwilson.com.

Today, the Team worked hard to get A local family’s heating and hot water Sorted on the Barret Saxon Way estate in l33 Kirkby. We hate to see anybody without heating or hot water. It causes havoc to a family’s life with children. So we needed to resolve this quickly for some of the nicest genuine local people you could meet. We got to work and got this upgrade fitted fast with 5-star results. There are still hundreds of these pro max boilers on the Barret housing estate. Over the past five years, these boilers have come to the end of their lives. We are very fluent with this type of conversion to a combi on this particular estate, as we have converted close to a hundred. There are big monster boilers to manoeuvre, replace, and upgrade, but we have it off to an Art now. Our prices are Fair. We only use high quality. As our customers today experienced. Thank you to The Ellis Family for looking after our Team so well If you need your heating brought into the current times You know, the one Visit DDWilson.com

The Kelly family, cherished patrons, friends, and fellow dog lovers, found a new home in Staffordshire, moving from Liverpool due to professional obligations. We at DDWilson have shared a vision with this warm and genuine family - to create a stellar, comfortable residence, a vision we've been eager to help realize. Mission: Overcome Heating Challenges When the Kellys made Staffordshire their permanent abode, we were delighted to assist them with their long-planned heating system upgrade—a project marked with inherent challenges we were more than ready to face. Our primary challenge was the existing heating system - an overkill boiler designed for a space twice as ample, alongside a miniature hot water cylinder befitting a small bedsit, representing absolute inefficiency. Compounding matters, the heating system was laden with building waste and plaster from the uncovered loft tanks, resulting in an arctic home even with the heating blasted to the max due to the system obstruction. But there was a silver lining. A third of the challenge was already solved—the heating circuit, appropriately sized for the dwelling, required no alteration, easing the upgrade process. Crafting Tailored Heating Solution For the Kelly Family’s 2-bathroom property, we proposed the '938' - an optimal solution that eschewed oversized hot water cylinders. Our master craftspeople, Sean and Paul, spent two days transforming their heat system to ensure the home was primed to deliver a robust hot water flow rate and swift heating via a reliable boiler. The industry-leading Vaillant 938—offering hot water storage and a combined combi boiler in a single unit—was the chosen ally in our battle against the freezing Staffordshire winters. This boiler, known for delivering instant hot water at a staggering rate of 20 litres per minute, was a game-changer. Transformation: From Inefficient To Stellar We undertook a comprehensive system flush to eradicate congestion caused by plaster, cement, and other residues—restoring the heating efficiency. An advanced Vaillant magnetic protection filter was subsequently installed. The Kellys’ old hot water tanks were removed, and the utility room was prepared for installing new appliances. Shoddy plastic plumbing gave way to a robust copper replacement in the downstairs toilet. Our committed team used top-quality materials, backed by a full 10-year guarantee to overdeliver on the Kelly family's expectations. Just as their journey has led them to Staffordshire, we will continue with them, maintaining their system, ensuring our promises are upheld and letting time be the testimony to our committed service. Thank you, Ry and Kirsty, and the whole Kelly family - for the faith you've put into us, from our families to yours. We're profoundly grateful. The journey was challenging, but the look on your faces upon seeing your transformed heating system? Simply priceless. You know the one. We are DDWILSON.COM.

It's that time of year again, guys' winter is coming in, and your all turning the heating up (well, everyone but Dad - "who's been messing with the thermostat?!?!!"). This blog will give you all a few quick, handy tips that will help keep that precious heat from being wasted due to inefficiencies around the home, meaning that the eye-watering energy bills at the end of the month might be a little less. To help you this winter, we've pulled together our top tips from our very own Darren Willson and the team from DDWilson to keep your home warm throughout the chilly months ranging from practical advice to home efficiency renovations. Wrap up Warm Well, I know it's not rocket science, but this simple tip from the British Heart Foundation could save you from notching up the degrees in the house. Dress in layers and wear a hat, gloves and scarf. Clothes made from wool, cotton or fleecy fabrics are warmest. When you're indoors, wear warm socks and slippers to keep your feet cosy. Close your doors around the house Close doors and use a keyhole cover to block draughts. Buy thermal linings for curtains to keep the heat from being lost. Check your heating Make sure you have your heating system regularly serviced to make sure all is in working order. Having your heating systems checked is essential as, over the summer months, lack of use or improper use can make your boilers incur errors, or even your pipes might start leaking due to the temperature change. Over the years, we have seen many customers turn the heating back on for prolonged usage over the winter only to find these issues. So, please have your boiler serviced. Install Programmable Room Thermostats Are you looking for ways to improve your home's energy efficiency? One suggestion we can offer is to add a programmable thermostat to your home. Programmable thermostats are so named because they let you automatically control your home's temperature. A programmable thermostat can give you much more control over your home's temperature and save you time and money in the long run. Learn how a programmable thermostat can improve your home's energy efficiency. Install TRVs Thermostatic Radiator Valves (TRVs) are installed on the side of the radiator and allow you to control the temperature in different rooms. You can reduce your overall energy bills by turning down or switching off the heating in rooms that are not in use. Consider Pipe Lagging Pipe lagging is fitting foam tubes around your hot water pipes, which makes them more efficient and protects them against the cold. You can pick up pipe lagging at most DIY shops cheaply. Alternatively, our engineers will fit pipe lagging, brilliant winter warmer tips. Get Your Boiler Serviced Having your boiler serviced annually ensures that it runs as efficiently as possible. It also prevents an unexpected breakdown at the worst time of year! Please read more here about ddwilson's boiler service. Is Your Boiler Efficient Enough? Don't let an inefficient boiler ruin all your efforts; a new A-rated boiler could save you hundreds each year. If you notice any of the following with your boiler, it's probably time for a service or upgrades: No hot water or water takes a long time to warm up. No heating or heating takes a while to come on. Energy bills have increased despite no extra use. Unusual noises are coming from the boiler. Cold spots on your radiators. Water leaks from the system. Please find out more about our boiler upgrades You Know The One! ddwilson.com

Are you looking to elevate your home's aesthetics with floating radiators but unsure how to achieve the perfect finish? In this blog post, we'll walk you through a recent installation in Wedge Avenue, St Helens, carried out by our skilled team and collaborating with other high-quality companies. Discover the step-by-step process that results in a flawless floating radiator installation. The Process: Floating Radiator Installation Achieving a stunning floating radiator finish requires a combination of expert craftsmanship, high-quality materials, and collaboration with other skilled tradespeople. Here's the process we followed for our installation in St Helens: Free Face-to-Face Survey: One of our surveyors visits your home for a 30-minute consultation, assessing your space and discussing your requirements for the installation. 1st Fix Central Heating Pipe Work: Our team, led by Kieth and Sean, completes the first fix on the installation, including central heating pipework, concealing pipework in chases within the walls, draining the system, and performing a mechanical flush with the addition of inhibitor. High-Quality Plasterer Consultation: We collaborate with an experienced plasterer to repair and fill the walls where the pipework has been concealed, ensuring a smooth, seamless finish. Wall Painting: The customer or a professional painter paints the walls, preparing the space for the final phase of the installation. Final Phase: Our team at DD Wilson returns to install the designer radiators, flush the system, balance all the radiators, and insert protection solution, resulting in a stunning floating radiator installation. Collaboration for Exceptional Results For this particular installation, we partnered with The Fireplace Centre St Helens and Liverpool Damp proofing—three top-quality companies coming together to achieve fantastic results. Interested in a Floating Radiator Installation Done the Right Way? If you're ready to transform your home with a floating radiator installation carried out by expert craftsmen and high-quality materials, don't hesitate to contact us: Call 0151 739 8945 option 1 Visit DDWILSON.COM Collaborating with: Liverpool Damproofing The Fireplace Centre St Helens Achieving a stunning floating radiator installation requires expertise, collaboration, and attention to detail. By following a meticulous process and working with skilled tradespeople, you can enjoy a flawless finish that elevates your home's aesthetics. Contact us today to get started on your floating radiator installation journey.

DIY work can often be a fulfilling and cost-effective solution for many aspects of home improvement. However, regarding gas appliances, especially boilers, the risks associated with DIY far outweigh any potential savings. Spending money on professional boiler repairs or investing in a new boiler proves to be a safer and more cost-effective alternative. Experts from Gas Safe Register highlight the importance of not attempting to 'fix, fit, or move appliances like your boiler or cooker yourself', pointing out the risks of gas leaks, fires, explosions, and carbon monoxide poisoning<1>. It's clear that, in the case of gas appliances, your safety and your family's safety is contingent on professional installation and maintenance. Why is DIY on Gas Appliances Dangerous? It's imperative to remember that working with gas can have severe consequences if not handled properly. As law mandates, competent professionals must install and service gas appliances. Badly fitted or poorly maintained gas appliances pose significant risks, including leaks and potentially deadly carbon monoxide poisoning<2>. In building work, ensure your contractor is qualified and aware of the location of gas pipes to prevent accidental hits during the DIY work<3>. Don't ever attempt to block or cover air vents and flues, as they are vital for the safe operation of gas appliances<4>. The Legal Aspects It's worth noting that it's dangerous and illegal for anyone unqualified to work on gas infrastructure<5>. Both you and the person carrying out the unlawful work could be prosecuted. Professionals registered with Gas Safe are competent and have the legal authorization to carry out the work<6>. The Cost of Safety While the temptation to save money with a DIY approach can sometimes be great, a botched job's direct and indirect costs can be far more significant. From emergency repair costs to medical bills resulting from leaks or fires, the accurate price of a DIY disaster can be astronomical – not to mention the potential risk to life. Tapping into the expertise of a Gas Safe registered engineer doesn't just offer peace of mind, but it will also ensure your appliances run efficiently. Well-maintained appliances consume less energy, saving you money in the long run. Furthermore, engineers can spot minor issues before they become expensive problems. When it comes to gas, DIY isn't worth the risk. Invest in a professional, and invest in your safety. Sources: Gas Safe Register - Home Improvements - Don't DIY when it comes to gas appliances. Gas Safe Register - Home Improvements. Don't DIY when it comes to gas appliances. Gas Safe Register. Regarding gas appliances. Gas appliances.

Just one of the many jobs we’ve been on lately, swapping out corroded radiators. In our quest for a comfortable, cosy home, heating plays a significant role. But efficient heating isn't just about having a heat source. We must understand several factors to ensure we get the most from our heating systems. One of these essential variables is BTU. It's time to unravel the mystery of the BTU and why it matters in your heating decisions. Ask the DDWilson experts for a full room by room survey to better understand your heating needs What is BTU? BTU, short for British Thermal Unit, is the traditional heat unit. It's defined as the amount of heat required to increase the temperature of one pound of water by one degree Fahrenheit. The BTU standard helps us understand the energy capacity of heat-generating sources, such as radiators or heaters, thus making it an invaluable tool when selecting the best heating solutions for our homes or workplaces. BTU and Your Radiator: The Connection How does BTU tie into heating and, more importantly, your radiator choice? The BTU rating of a radiator measures how much heat the device can emanate and, thereby, how effectively it can warm up your space. Therefore, a room’s BTU requirement is the first determinant of what size and type of radiator it would need to be comfortably heated. Remember that it’s advisable to err on the larger side when considering radiator size. Remember, you can always down-regulate a powerful radiator, but an underpowered one will leave your space feeling chilly. However, size isn't the only deciding factor when choosing the correct radiator. https://www.ddwilson.com/quick-quote How to Calculate BTUs for Your Room Determining the BTU needs of your room isn't as complicated as it might sound to someone new to the concept. While professional help is always helpful for precision, resources like BTU calculators provide an excellent preliminary assessment. These tools factor in significant parameters like room dimensions, window size, wall material, room location, and insulation quality to arrive at an estimated BTU requirement. Having such tools at one's disposal not only aids in making informed decisions but also takes out the guesswork and ensures maximum efficiency and harmony between your room and the heating solution. Why Correct BTU Calculation Matters Armed with accurate BTU requirements, you can select a heating system that best caters to your room's needs. Underestimating these needs might leave your room inadequately heated, while overestimating could lead to unnecessary expenses. Moreover, combining radiators to meet the required BTU level is always possible. This might be especially relevant for larger rooms requiring more than one radiator to be adequately heated. The Roundup Efficient heating is a combination of the right tools and an understanding of a space's needs. By accurately calculating your BTU requirements using a BTU calculator, you can ensure that your living or working space is always comfortable, warm, and inviting. With all that being said, you could always ask us to give your home a survey. As they say, knowledge is power, but in this case, it's warm, cosy power for your home or office.

Selecting the right gas boiler for your home is essential for maintaining a comfortable living environment, especially during colder months. The right boiler can provide efficient heating, save you money on energy bills, and reduce your carbon footprint. In this blog post, we'll guide you through the process of choosing the perfect gas boiler for your home, taking into consideration factors like size, fuel type, efficiency rating, and more. Factors to Consider When choosing a gas boiler for your home, there are several key factors to consider: Size of your home: The size and layout of your home will determine the heating requirements and, consequently, the appropriate boiler size. Larger homes may require more powerful boilers, while smaller homes can benefit from compact, energy-efficient models. Efficiency rating: A boiler's efficiency rating measures how effectively it converts fuel into heat. Higher efficiency ratings mean lower energy bills and a reduced carbon footprint. Budget: Gas boilers vary significantly in price, so consider your budget when deciding. Remember that investing in a high-efficiency boiler may result in long-term savings on energy bills. Types of Gas Boilers There are three main types of gas boilers available on the market: Combi boilers: Combination boilers, or combi boilers, provide both heating and hot water on demand. This makes them ideal for smaller homes with limited space, as they do not require a separate hot water storage tank. However, they may struggle to meet high hot water demands in larger households. Conventional boilers: Also known as regular or traditional boilers, these systems require a separate hot and cold water storage tank in the attic. Conventional boilers suit larger homes with multiple bathrooms and higher hot water demands. System boilers: Similar to conventional boilers, system boilers require a hot water storage cylinder but do not need a separate cold water storage tank. This makes them more compact and easier to install while providing ample hot water for larger homes. Efficiency Ratings: Efficiency ratings are crucial in determining your home's most energy-efficient gas boiler. Boilers are rated on a scale from A to G, with A-rated boilers being the most efficient. When comparing models, look for boilers with an A or A+ rating to ensure you get the most energy-efficient option. Installation and Maintenance Selecting a reputable installer is vital for your gas boiler's safe and efficient operation. Ask for recommendations from friends and family, or search online for local installers with positive reviews. Always check for proper licensing and certification to ensure you work with a qualified professional. Regular maintenance is crucial for keeping your gas boiler running efficiently and safely. Schedule an annual service with a qualified technician to inspect, clean, and adjust your boiler's components. Additional Considerations When choosing a gas boiler, you may also want to consider the following factors: Local regulations: Some areas may have specific rules regarding gas boiler installations, such as required permits or safety inspections. Be sure to familiarize yourself with these requirements before making a decision. Warranty: Look for boilers with a comprehensive warranty to protect your investment and ensure peace of mind. Energy-saving features: Some gas boilers have additional features, such as smart thermostats or weather compensation, which can help further reduce energy bills. Conclusion Selecting the right gas boiler for your home is a crucial decision that can impact your comfort, energy bills, and environmental footprint. By considering factors such as the size of your home, fuel type, efficiency rating, and budget, you can make an informed decision that best suits your needs and circumstances. Don't forget to consult a professional installer and stay on top of regular maintenance to ensure optimal performance and safety. Happy heating! Get A Quick Quote

Where To Start When Bleeding A Radiator If your home has two floors, you should begin bleeding the downstairs radiators first. It's also advisable to start with the radiator, which is furthest away from the boiler. Once you've bled all the downstairs radiators, you move on to the upstairs, beginning with the radiator, which is furthest from the boiler. Don't forget to make sure you have the central heating system switched off before you start the process of bleeding a radiator. Switching off your boiler is very important because some boilers depending on how they work – can actually suck more air into the radiator and consequently the heating system if the radiators are on while you open the bleed valve. How to Bleed a Radiator You will need a radiator key, dry cloth or towel and a container to catch any water from the radiator. If you don't have a radiator key, you can find keys in any DIY shop, and they tend to cost between £2 and £3. Pliers may also work, but there's a chance you could damage the valve, so a proper key is a must. Before you begin, make sure that your central heating is off. Having the central heating on while bleeding radiators is very dangerous. The last thing you want is boiling water bursting out of the pipes. You should see a square' bleed screw' at the top of the radiator. The 'bleed screw' is the part you'll need to turn to release the air and water from the radiator. You'll want to put your container on the floor beneath this area to catch any water. Turn the bleed screw anti-clockwise: Use the key to turn the bleed screw anti-clockwise. The cloth will help with gripping. You should hear a hissing sound as the air escapes. Use the cloth to catch any water. You'll know when the radiators fully bled when the hissing air stops, and there's a steady trickle of water. Use the key to tighten the bleed screw but don't do this too tightly as you could damage the valve. Wipe down any water on the radiator to avoid rusting, then move on to the next radiator, repeating the previous steps. Once the radiators have finished bleeding, you can turn the heating back on. It's a good idea to check the boiler pressure gauge on the boiler to make sure it's at the optimum level (around 1.5 when the radiator water is cold). Turn on the heating and check that the radiators are heating evenly and there's no sign of leaking. It may be necessary to bleed some radiators more than once. If this doesn't fix the problem, you may need a professional engineer to inspect the system. An engineer may recommend that you replace some of your radiators, which could improve the comfort of your home and reduce your heating bills.

No household is immune from suffering a blocked sink. With the amount of use it gets through the year it is inevitable that it requires a degree of maintenance to uphold its integrity. So here we thought we would enlighten you with some useful tips and measures that you can put into place to unblock your sink when you spot an issue. That way you can save yourself a little bit of money when you can avoid having to call out an experienced plumber when you know the most effective ways to unblock small blockages yourself. Read our top tips below to see how you can prepare yourself to effectively unblock a sink! 1. Use A Plunger To Unblock A Sink Everyone has heard of a plunger. But not everyone may know how to effectively use it to unclog a sink. There are a number of simple steps that you need to take before using the plunger to get the most effective use out of it. Clear the Drain – Firstly you must ensure that all lying water in the sink has been removed, along with the possible food or hair debris. Adorn the rubber gloves and a cup and bail out the standing water so that the basin is then relatively water-free. Make sure that you also plug up the overflow with an old cloth or towel. Clear the Plug – Ensure that the plughole has also been cleaned and cleared. Remove the debris that you can get a hold of and then do a test to see if this has helped the water to drain away. Just run your tap quickly to see if the water now drains away. Grab the Plunger – Once you have followed the above steps, it is time to grab the plunger. Place the plunger around the sinkhole and then fill up a small amount of water in the basin (around an inch should do). Now firmly press the plunger up and down, ensuring to not be too aggressive with the motion. This will create a suction that should dislodge any minor blockages that are stopping your sink from draining. If this does not work, you may have to consider another method (explained below) or call out an experienced plumber to help! 2. Use DIY Tools To Unclog Your Sink There are also a number of helpful aids that you can buy that will help you to clear stubborn sink blockages. We have gathered a list here. Drain Snake – A drain snake is a helpful tool to have in every homeowner’s arsenal. It is a long flexible tool that can bend through your pipework and be used to dislodge stubborn blockages in your plumbing system. They are cheap and easy to use, requiring no force used. All you need to do is rotate the handle back and forth, letting the head of the tool do the legwork for you. You can pick one of these up at your local hardware stores or online at places like Amazon. Wire – Now this is a DIY version of a drain snake but can be used as a quick alternative should you not have the tool to hand. Simply straighten a coat hanger and gently push it down your sinkhole. With a small application of pressure, this can be helpful and effective at unblocking your sink. DIY Drain Jet – Now this will not always work, but it is harmless to give a try. All you need is two empty bottles and some hot water. Fill up the bottles with the hot water, place them at the opening of the sink and squeeze the water down forcefully. This may work as a weaker version of a drain jet, that can dislodge blockages and flush them down your pipe-works. 3. The Use of Drain Blockers To Unblock A Sink Now this is a controversial one, but the use of certain chemicals can be effective in dislodging small blockages without having to make the call to a plumber. Sink unblocker chemicals work by dissolving the blockage and passing it down your drain pipe. You will pour an entire bottle of the chemical down your pipes and follow the application instructions that the product has on the bottle. Once done you will need to flush hot water down your drains and this can be a great way to keep your drain clear from everyday blockages that can occur from day to day use. It is recommended though that this is not done on a regular basis. Most chemicals are harmful to the environment and if they are regularly used can corrode away at your pipes causing bigger plumbing issues that you will then need to remedy. 4. Call an Experienced Plumber As alluded to earlier, there are some blockages that require professional solutions in order to remedy. You need to know when to hang your DIY hat up and call up a plumber to resolve the sink blockage effectively. A plumber has access to higher spec equipment than what you can pick up from a hardware store. They have investigative equipment also that can diagnose your issue and allow them to pick the best solution. Whether they jet your drain with their high-powered equipment or use their drain rods to get to places that your small drain snake could not reach, they will be better equipped to deal with the more complicated blockages that you cannot unclog. So, it is important that you know when the limitations of your abilities and signal for professional help instead of forcing your DIY fixes. To Conclude Hopefully from this blog, you have been able to add a few drain clearing methods to your arsenal next time you notice the water has stopped draining down the sink. Not all blockages require you to immediately dial for a professional. There are actions that you can take yourself, that require little more than a bit of perseverance to carry out. But if you are ever in any doubt or uncomfortable trying to clear the drain yourself, give the professional a call. That is what they are there for after all!

Does your heating keep failing, make unusual sounds, or is your hot water unreliable? Are you looking to reduce your bills? We install our boilers to the highest standards to ensure quiet heating and hot water comfort for your home so replace your heating. They are so efficient, that they can help you reduce your bills and energy use by 30%. The benefits of a new Vaillant or an Alpha boiler; Reduce your heating costs by up to 30% Manufactured to the highest standards to ensure reliable heating and hot water supply Vaillant boilers are exceptionally quiet Controllable by your smartphone* Extended guarantees when you choose DDWilson Gas Safe certified installers ensure compliance with the strictest safety standards Which is the right boiler for my home when Replacing your heating Combi Boilers Combi boilers are best suited for smaller homes, where heating and hot water demands aren't extremely high. Hot water is only generated when it is required and doesn't require a water storage tank. Combi boilers are compact in size, meaning you are free to fit the boiler almost anywhere that is safe in the house and can also be cupboard fit. System Boilers System boilers are better suited with homes that have more than 1 bathroom and a higher heating and hot water demand than a home with a combi boiler. The high demand for hot water is met with a constant supply which is stored in a water cylinder. Regular (Open Vent) Boilers Regular boilers are best suited for homes with multiple bathrooms that are prone to be used at the same time. You can also fit a regular boiler with renewable solutions such as heat pumps and solar water systems.

Expert tips to reduce your energy bills with simple and cost-effective upgrades with DD Wilson: We all want our heating to keep our homes cosy and warm, but it would be lovely if it didn’t cost an arm and a leg. Your central heating system is likely to be the biggest contributor to your household bills. Reduce your heating bills This means there is potential for some big savings. Follow our top tips to get the best from your heating system – from boiler and radiator maintenance to boiler controls - to find simple ways to cut your energy use and achieve cheaper energy bills. How to cut your energy costs - reducing heating bills isn't the only way to save money. Heating and hot water cost Heating and hot water account for about 55% of a household's energy bills, according to the Energy Saving Trust (April 2020). With the average home's energy bill set to increase by £693 from 1st April 2022, an even bigger chunk of money is set to be spent every year heating your home. It's easy to see how small improvements to your heating efficiency can lead to serious pounds and pence saved. Additionally, heating accounts for the highest proportion of UK household carbon emissions – higher than transport and aviation! Yearly carbon dioxide emissions in kilograms Heating - 2,745kg Transport - 2,376 kg Diet/Agriculture - 1,591 kg Aviation - 1,027 kg Electricity - 755 kg Waste - 305 kg Data from Energy Saving Trust, based on household emissions in 2017 As we head towards a more sustainable net-zero future, reducing our energy use is a win-win: not only will it save us money, but help save the planet from the impact of climate change as well. 1. Update your boiler and heating controls. Old boilers can cost more to run than new ones – but given that buying a new boiler and having it installed can cost up to £4,000, replacing it is not always cost-effective unless you go with DD Wilson; we’ve boiler deals from £1,499 to go higher spec for £1,899 both eco-pro energy efficient. If you decide to replace your boiler with DDWilson, we can walk you through every step of the process, helping keep the price down and installing new heating controls – newer heating controls are much more accurate and will help keep your heating bills down. Based on a typical three-bed semi-detached house, there is a potential saving of £75 a year by installing a thermostat, programmer and thermostatic radiator valves (Energy Saving Trust, May 2020). Not only that, but it could reduce your home's carbon output by 320kg every year. Types of heating control The type of heating control you need depends on your heating system. But these are the general types available: Timer – turns your boiler on or off at set times Programmer – lets you set different times and temperatures for different days of the week Weather compensating thermostat – adjusts the boiler operation based on the outside temperature Load balancing thermostat – adjusts the boiler operation based on the inside temperature Room thermostat – measures how warm your room is and adjusts the boiler operation accordingly (room thermostats are load compensating thermostats) Thermostatic radiator valves (TRVs) – allow you to adjust the temperature of individual radiators and turn them off completely Smart thermostat heating system – allows you to control your heating remotely via an app. Some are even 'weather responsive' like the Google Nest learning. This allows them to act as weather-compensating thermostats. Smart heating systems, such as Nest and Hive, are the latest innovations in heating controls. DDWilson, who installs all smart systems such as Hive, claims it could save you up to £110 a year, but this is only if you have a higher-than-average energy use. A 2021 Which? Investigation into smart heating manufacturers’ energy savings claims concluded they aren't always representative, in our view, of a typical UK home. 2. Clean your radiator system Ensuring that your system water (the water that lives in your pipes and radiators) is clean and free of sludge will mean that your heating system is more efficient. It’s also suitable for the ongoing life of your boiler and central heating system. A clear sign that your system may be overly sludgy is if you have cold spots at the bottom of your radiators or if some of your radiators take an age to heat up compared with others. Which? Has seen research carried out by Enertek International (an independent company offering innovative services to the gas, oil and renewable heating industry) that suggests a heavily sludged heating system can increase your bills by as much as 25%. If you're getting a new boiler, a clean system is also essential to validate the manufacturer's warranty on your new boiler. Ensure that your installer completes the Benchmark commissioning documentation to confirm that this has been done. Best boilers - discover our shortlist of the best boiler brands and expert advice on choosing the right one for your home. How to check your radiator system is clean: You can check how dirty your system water is by simply bleeding a little into a container from your radiator valve. However, be aware that much of the dirt in the system will sit at the bottom, so bled-off water may appear reasonably clear, even in dirty systems. Does my radiator system need a power flush? Here are the different ways your system can be cleaned: Gravity flush: A gravity flush can be done yourself if you're a competent DIY enthusiast. It simply means draining the water in your radiator system and replacing it with new, clean water. Power flush: A power flush will be more effective at removing sludge from your system, but it does require specialist equipment and can be expensive. The cost of a power flush for a five-radiator system can range from £300 to £750 (DD Wilson does this for £300 for up to nine radiators), with an average cost of £481 (based on quotes from 24 Which? Trusted Traders, February 2022). Chemical flush: A chemical flush is a lighter clean with a chemical that will help to ease the muck out of the radiator more gently. A chemical flush doesn't require high-pressure equipment, so it should be cheaper than the full power flush treatment. After either of these processes, a chemical inhibitor should be added to the system water to prevent further sludge build-up. This should cost around £20 and will help to protect your system water. It's important to remember that if you ever add system water to top up the pressure of your boiler system, then more inhibitors will need to be added to keep the concentration at the correct level. Products like magnetic filters, which cost from £90, can also be very effective at keeping your system water in a good state. They capture materials within a sealed system that predominantly come from the radiators and keep your system water clean. Some boiler manufacturers, like Vaillant or Alpha, offer a longer warranty on some of their boiler ranges if installed with a filter. In areas with particularly hard water, a water softening filter is a sensible precaution to prevent limescale build-up on critical boiler parts - such as the hot water heat exchanger. Signs you need a new boiler – if your boiler is on the blink, see if it's time for an update. 3. Check your radiators are balanced You could have clean system water, but a shoddily balanced heating system will result in you spending more money heating up your home than you need to. Are your radiators balanced? The image above shows the impact of an unbalanced heating system on a typical household. In an unbalanced system, when you set the thermostat to 20°C, the upstairs might actually reach 23°C. While downstairs, where most of us spend the majority of our day, will still be too cold. If you turn the thermostat up until downstairs reaches a comfortable temperature, then upstairs is overheated, resulting in a thermostat that’s set at too high a temperature, leading to higher bills. According to the Energy Savings Trust, increasing the temperature by just one degree will increase your annual heating bill by about 10%. So it pays to keep your thermostat as low as possible while obviously keeping your home comfortable to live in. If you have a new boiler installed, your system will need to be re-balanced. After the installation, you should insist that your heating engineer provides proof that your system has been balanced before paying for the installation. Ask to see the engineer's benchmark agreement, or simply run the heating for a few hours to check that your system is properly balanced. 4. Put your boiler on the correct settings. You only really need to have your boiler on its highest setting in the very depths of winter. Otherwise, your boiler is needlessly heating water up to a very high temperature and wasting energy. It could also mean that your condensing boiler doesn't even condense. The easiest way to make sure your boiler is condensing is to not set the temperature of the boiler too high. A water temperature of 70°C on the boiler should ensure that it condenses. However, if you have a dirty or poorly balanced system, then this will also impact the return temperature of the water to your boiler and its ability to condense. Is your boiler actually condensing? Condensing boilers recover heat that would usually be lost from combustion gases by condensing water vapour within the gas. This releases heat energy which is then transferred into the cooler and returned water from your radiator system. All modern boilers, whether they're combi boilers, system boilers or heat-only boilers, are condensing boilers. If you're not sure if you have a condensing boiler, check to see if your boiler has a condensation drain pipe, like the one above, in addition to the flue gas pipe. If there's no condensation pipe, you don't have a condensing boiler. Condensing boilers are at least 10% more efficient than old-style boilers, so they can save you substantial amounts of money each year on your heating bills. Critically, condensing boilers only condense if the return water is at around 55°C or lower. If it's at a higher temperature than this, then your boiler is not condensing. Somewhat depressingly, due to poor installations, there are thousands of condensing boilers installed every year that do not condense. So they do not deliver the promised efficiency gains. If you want to know whether your condensing boiler is condensing, you can check the temperature of the water return flow pipe (or inflow pipe) with a digital thermometer. Consult your boiler's guide to identifying the inflow and outflow pipes, and simply measure their temperatures with your digital thermometer. A healthy heating system will have about a 20°C difference in temperature. Best and worst boiler brands - check before you change your boiler 5. Programme or time your heating A timer allows you to schedule when your boiler turns on and off over a 24-hour period, so you don't have to do it manually yourself. A programmer gives you even more options, allowing you to set different times and temperatures throughout the week. If you are buying a new programmer, look for one that lets you set different temperatures for each part of the day. Then customise the pattern for each day of the week. When you're setting up your heating schedule, don't forget to keep it switched off at times when you might be home and not need the heating on. Such as during the night. Consider setting it to switch the heating off 20 minutes before you usually go out, as there will still be residual heat in your home. It's a good idea to choose a model that also lets you override your normal pattern, so you can easily switch off your heating if you decide to head out for the evening or plan a few days away from home. This allows you to change your heating pattern without completely reprogramming the whole week. Going one step further than this are smart thermostats. As with a timer, you can programme your heating ahead. But with a smart thermostat, you can also override the timer and turn your heating off from your phone. So if you're running late getting home from work, you won't waste money on energy by warming up an empty house. How to choose the best energy company - make sure you're getting the best deal 6. Get the best from your thermostats It may seem obvious, but the hotter you have your home, the more money you'll spend heating it. The Energy Savings Trust estimates your annual heating bill increases by about 10% for every degree you turn the thermostat up. Turning the thermostat down will save you money. According to the Energy Saving Trust, a typical home can reduce its carbon emissions by about 300kg a year for every degree the thermostat is turned down. Thermostat temperature tips Set the room thermostat to 18°C and then turn it up by one degree each day until you find a comfortable temperature. Note that the temperature shouldn't drop below 16°C for elderly people and those with impaired mobility. Room thermostats need a free airflow to sense the temperature accurately – they must not be covered by curtains or blocked by furniture. Nearby electric fires, televisions or lamps could also stop them from working properly. Many room thermostats are for one room only and will turn your boiler off when the room it's sited in reaches the set temperature. For this reason, it's best to install your thermostat in a room that you use all the time. Boiler controls and thermostats - learn more about how you can control your heating. 7. Zone your heating. Instead of just having one room thermostat, you can have separate heating circuits, each with its own room thermostat or programmer. This allows you to zone the temperatures in different areas of your house. If you have a smart thermostat, you can also use smart radiator valves to create heating zones in different rooms. Setting lower temperatures for parts of your home that you infrequently use – such as a spare bedroom – or only heating at certain times of the day, like an office, will save energy and money. Best smart thermostats - discover the models that came out top in our lab tests. 8. Set your thermostatic radiator valves low. With your room thermostat, you should set the thermostatic radiator valves (TRV) in each room at a low level, then gradually turn them up until the room's left at a comfortable temperature. Turning a TRV to a higher setting will not make the room heat up any faster – that depends on the boiler size and setting and the radiator size. It will keep heating the room until it’s at the temperature designated by the TRV. Despite their name, radiators actually work by convection. This means cold air enters at the bottom, is drawn through the radiator and hot air leaves through the top. You can reduce your heating costs by ensuring each radiator in your home is able to circulate heat properly. For example, moving furniture away, not using cabinets to disguise them, and making sure curtains do not cover them. You can also get smart radiator valves that you can adjust from your phone. 9. Consider installing a low-carbon heating system. From the mid-2030s, the government plans to phase out the installation of fossil fuel gas boilers. From this date, newly installed heating systems will need to be low-carbon or able to be converted to use clean fuel. However, this transition will result in cleaner heating and potentially huge savings on energy bills. The initial costs of installing low-carbon heating systems, such as heat pumps, are generally higher than new boilers. Still, there is currently financial support for installing renewable heating systems, such as the Green Homes Grant. So if you have the money for the initial installation, you could make huge savings in the long run and start a more sustainable lifestyle today. Renewable energy guide - learn about the technology that will be heating our homes in the future Source: https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/boilers/article/tips-to-reduce-your-heating-bills-aqik36F56DvJ - Which? / DD Wilson added our own deals and prices within the text with other links. We have done this to show how much more value for money we are.