Including in all our services... - Gas leak test - Chimney flue checked and smoked bombed - Gas fire Serviced What is a gas fire service? A gas fire service is a little different to annual gas safety checks. Essentially, it involves inspecting each part of an appliance to check everything is working safely and efficiently. Unlike yearly gas safety checks, a gas fire service is not a legal requirement for landlords. However, both landlords and homeowners will highly benefit from having their gas fires serviced. Why is gas fire servicing important? We hate to say it but all gas appliances fitted in the home pose a potential risk of producing carbon monoxide. This highly poisonous gas is created when natural gas or LPG (liquid petroleum gas) doesn’t burn correctly due to poor installation, a need for repair or a blocked flue or vent. Other potential safety hazards include gas leaks, fires, and explosions. Hence, it’s so important to have your gas appliances, including your gas fire, checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Only engineers registered with gas safe and qualified to work on gas fires should carry out your safety checks. A Gas Safe registered engineer will give you peace of mind that your gas fire will be operating safely and to its optimal efficiency upon completion of the service. Keeping your gas fire under warranty Ensuring the safety of your family or tenants is more than enough reason to have a gas fire safety check. However, it’s also worth noting that if your gas fire is under guarantee and you fail to have it serviced annually, it may invalidate its warranty. Some gas fire manufacturers now offer extended guarantees of up to 15 years, so it’s well worth ensuring you meet their requirements in terms of service. Save money in the long run with a gas fire service. Although you will usually have to pay for a gas fire service (something we’ll discuss further), doing so can save you money in the long run. Having your gas fire serviced will highlight any minor issues before they become more significant and expensive problems. That makes sense, right? Servicing a gas fire may take an hour or two, but it’s time well spent. It will keep your gas fire in good working order and prolong its lifespan, ensuring you get more excellent value from your appliance. So to sum things up, gas fire servicing will help keep your family safe, maintain your appliance’s warranty and save you money in the long run.

A combi boiler is short for a combination boiler. It is a combination of a water heater and a central heating boiler system in a single unit. As soon as you turn on the hot water tap, it heats hot water on demand. This eliminates the need for a storage tank. Storage tank required in the case of a conventional boiler. How Does Combi Boiler Work? A Combi boiler is one compact system without any external cold-water tank or hot water cylinder. Combi boiler heat water and warm home through radiators. Combi boilers provide instant hot water, by constantly being on standby. As soon as you turn the hot water tap, the boiler will start and the hot water will be available immediately. When some open the hot water tab and request hot water, this will signal the boiler to start heating water inside of the system and the hot water supply begins quickly. The heat exchanger inside the combi boiler will transfer the majority of the heat from the burnt gas inside the boiler to the cold water, make it hot, and then deliver the hot water to taps as required. Inside the combi boilers, the control valves operate in different directions. These valves either allow water to flow through the central heating system or divert it to the hot water tap as required. The Combi boiler can’t do both at the same time. You can also pre-set your desired temperature and the boiler will work with the room thermostat to ensure your home will heat, as you like. Pros of Installing Combi Boilers Combi boilers are the most popular choice of modern households in the UK because they offer the following advantages: High Efficiency: Combi boilers are highly efficient. You can save money on your heating bills by switching from a conventional boiler to a combi boiler. More Affordable: The installation cost of a combi boiler is low as compared to a traditional heating system. Combi boiler parts are easy to find as well. The whole combi boiler system is less complex, and few man-hours are required to install them. Faster & Quick Operation: Combi boilers are faster than the convention boiler. There is no need to wait to get hot water. You will get an unlimited supply of hot water on demand. Less Space Requirement: Combi boilers are compact in size. They don’t have a separate cold & hot water storage tank. This makes them ideal for small homes. Clean Water Supply: As the water is directly supplied from the mains and it is not stored in a tank, you don’t have to worry about built-up sludge. The water that runs through the taps will be much cleaner. Safe to Drink Water: The cold water supplied by the combi boiler is safer to drink. There is no storage tank involved and the water comes directly from the mains supply makes it safer for drinking. Fewer Pressure Issues: You won’t have to worry about air locks or low pressure when using a combi boiler system. The hot water comes from the mains directly. Conclusion: Combi boilers are compact, quick to install and provide hot water on demand. They don’t have storage tanks or cylinders, which makes them ideal for small homes.

Did you know? Hello to all the warmth seekers! We're here to guide you through the fascinating world of full heating installations and explain how they transform the comfort level of your home, raising the bar of your living experience. Let us explore why our premier DDWilson services remain a cut above the rest, ensuring balmy moments during winter's icy grip while fostering an all-year-round warm haven. It starts with an attractive, fun fact: strategic investments in a high-efficiency central heating system have salient health benefits. It proactively safeguards against debilitating health conditions like hypothermia, asthma, bronchitis, heart attacks, and strokes. Furthermore, it considerably lowers the risk of condensation and mould growth in your home — common grievances associated with storage heaters. Heating Installation Services The fundamental reason our clients gravitate towards a holistic new heating and hot water system relates directly to the enhanced quality of life it offers. Picture the sheer bliss of succumbing to a powerfully hot shower or a lavishly warm bath after an exhausting work day and awakening to or returning home amid a warm home, particularly in a bitingly cold winter. Our proficient DDWilson team offers state-of-the-art services and assures fundamental human needs like warmth and hot water are met with absolute ease. Furthermore, the superior warmth Heating Installation Services rendered through a hot water central heating system is unrivalled by any other heating mode. Key standouts include exceptional health benefits, efficiency, silent operation, convenience, and a future-proof investment backed by a 10-year guarantee. Additional perks include installations even during weekends, robust copper pipework fitted by skilled craftsmen, potential reduction in your gas bills and an active safeguard against leaks from your old heating setup. As for costs, it's subject mainly to the size of your home and the number of radiators needed. Other factors that can impact cost include your proximity to the nearest gas main, the cost of installing a gas meter, and the present policy of the providing company. On average, for a typical UK three-bedroom house, a complete central heating installation cost could be around £5000, including seven radiators and a 28kW boiler. Extra charges may come in when new pipework is necessary or existing pipes require cleaning to remove sludge. With our coverage spanning across Liverpool, Merseyside, St Helens, Wirral, North Wales, Warrington, Wigan, Runcorn, Cheshire, Widnes, Southport, Sefton, Knowsley, and more, all you need to do is ring us at 0151 739 8945 and choose option 1 if an upgrade is on your mind. At DDWilson, our motto is "No Stress, No Mess", and we commit to a hassle-free installation within three days. Here's to a warm and toasty future together, The dedicated DD TEAM

DDWilson, Has Stepped In To Help A Family After An Installation And Heating System In Ashton In Makerfield Went Terribly Wrong By An Unknown Firm. The young family has two baby's in this home, and the floors were left ripped up and dangerous with no thought to health and safety. With wholes left open for the children to fall-threw easily. Our customer, a big lad, was in near tears explaining what went on and the devastation it's caused the family. We all make mistakes; nobody is perfect, but this is ruthless tradesman is asking for £3,700 to add seven radiators, pipework and deliver this level of unprofessional and unsafe work. Then just to abandon the job when the house has been ripped up and left this young family is heartbreaking. They cut the joists far too deep for the pipes to sit, breaching the floor's structure (see the pics). Cutting joists too deep can weaken the foundation, which could fall in when this is not cut correctly. The pipes they installed were all plastic pipes that had not been correctly sized (15mm). They had run's over 16 meters, which means the radiators and heating system would not run correctly. The way they installed the system would have cost the earth to run, ending up with a cold house yet costing them more than before. Sadly this can happen when you don't use trusted companies that are proven local and fully pay up members and registered gas safety. I couldn't think of a single local company that would leave this so bad. 'No Heating engineer has done this, not a chance.' This young family has been well and truly stung by bandits. DDWilson, has put it right over a couple of days for them. The message is to anyone always research and vet your installer first. There are lots of good company's and DDWilson is one of them. You know the one!

Are you thinking of moving? Looking around at properties but worried about this state of the plumbing system, then ask DDWILSON; we have compiled the blog to help you when you've finally found the house of your dreams. There's enough room for your family to grow, and the neighbourhood is idyllic. However, there is one thing that the sellers are trying to hide from you. The property comes together with a significant plumbing problem. Fixing it costs a small fortune, and the sellers would rather keep this as a dark secret until they sell the house. Unfortunately, plumbing issues can't be discovered during a casual inspection. Before making the purchase, a homebuyer has to make sure that there's nothing wrong with the plumbing system. Things to find out about your boiler when buying a new house. Location Of The Boiler when Buying A New Home You should ensure to ask about the location of the boiler as well as the stop cock and water tank when you are considering buying a new home. It helps you know what next to do in case anything goes wrong or an emergency. Type Of Boiler Due to the fact, there are different types of boilers, it is advisable to know the kind of boiler you would be dealing with. We have the boilers for a system, condensing and combi, so be sure to ask the owner or agent. The Types Of Boilers Include Gas combi boilers: this provides both hot water and heating. It is considered the most efficient and expected in the UK. The electric boilers The immersion heaters. System boilers: These boilers usually come with water cylinders in an airing cupboard; therefore, you have no requirements for a water tank. It allows you to get hot water from different taps. The only disadvantage is your water won't be instantly hot. Regular boiler: This usually has water and a cylinder tank. Hot water can run out, and you must wait for a reheating. It is appropriate for a big house as it simultaneously lets hot water come out from various taps. Flow boiler converts gas into electricity and is a lot more expensive. It costs much more than using gas to heat your water instead of converting it to electricity. The Make And Model Of The Boiler Be sure to ask your seller the model and make of the boiler, and even offer to look at it yourself. This information comes in handy when buying boiler insurance. The Condition And Age Of The Boiler When buying a home, check the condition of the boiler. Look out for dampness, leaks, and dirt. The boiler would let you know of the situation it has always been in and how well it has been taken care of. Also, find out if you are using an old model, which should let you know it would be inefficient and pose a serious risk that could be detrimental to your health. If you decide to go ahead, you might spend a lot on a replacement shortly. Also, ensure to get carbon monoxide detectors to prevent complications. Efficiency And How Often It's Been Serviced. Modern boilers usually have an A rating on their label, so if the boiler in your home isn't energy-sufficient enough, you should consider getting an A-rated boiler model. It costs less, and you get to save a lot of money. Also, inquire when the boiler's new home was serviced, not just by anyone but by a Gas Safe registered engineer. The seller should be able to produce a gas certificate with the inspection history. It is usually in 2 places, either at the back of the instruction manual or on the sticker of the boiler. Check The Warranty When buying a new home, find out from the seller or owner if any warranty covers the boiler. It varies from boiler to boiler as it can be just two years, sometimes five years, or even more. If it is covered, get the details from the owner to avoid extra costs for the repair. Remember to get Home boiler insurance for your new home as well. Toilets, Sinks & Faucets When Buying A New Home How do you get a good idea about the general health of the house's plumbing system? The answer is pretty straightforward – by checking the taps and fixtures. You should: Look around the toilet's water chamber and the base for leaks Flush all toilets to check the drainage Check for leaks below the sink and around the faucets Turn on and off every tap in the house Water Stains A promising sign of leaky pipes is the presence of water stains on the ceiling or walls. Leaky pipes aren't expensive to fix, but repairing the damage they make can cost a fortune. While you're on the lookout for water stains, make sure to check for mould and mildew as well. Primary Sewer Drain It is essential if you want to buy an older house. Not only could the primary sewer drain be breaking down due to age, but there could also be tree roots growing into it. However, verifying the state of the sewer can be challenging. You'll probably have to hire a licensed plumber to conduct a camera inspection. Water Meter Another thing that helps detect hidden leaks in the system is inspecting the water meter. Turn off every tap in the house and look closely at the water meter. Is it still turning? If so, there are probably some hidden leaks in the plumbing system. Shut-Off Valve Another plumbing thing to check before buying a house is the shut-off valve. Close the valve fully, then try turning on taps throughout the house. The valve is probably faulty if the water gushes out or drips slowly. In addition to the primary shut-off valve, check any other valves, like the ones controlling the water flow to the shower or toilet. Water Heater Replacing this as an essential appliance after buying a new house can be a significant expense. Make sure to inspect the water heater and check closely: Rust or corrosion on any part of the tank Strange sounds in the tank Any leaks at the outlet or inlet valves Sandy or muddy fluids coming out of the hot water tap The age of the appliance (most models typically have a 15-year shelf life) Septic System If the house is not using local sewerage but a septic system, you'll have to check if it works correctly. The best way to do this is by running a video camera through the system. The most common issues with septic tanks are related to broken septic pipes. These are installed close to the surface, which makes them vulnerable to corrosion and tree roots. Water Pressure Even though lousy water pressure can be solved with new taps or showerheads, you should check it out anyway. How to determine if there's sufficient water pressure in the house you want to buy? The easiest way to do this is to turn on the shower farthest away from the water source. If an upstairs shower works well, the rest of the fixtures probably work well, too. Winterised Pipes If you're buying a house in an area with severe weather, ensure it has a plumbing system that can handle such conditions. Are the pipes wrapped and insulated? If so, the house has winterised pipes. If the property uses well water, make sure the well is protected from extreme cold. Water Hardness Hard water can cause a lot of trouble. If left untreated, this issue can lead to scale buildup in the pipework, clogs, and low water pressure. Inspect the exterior of the fixtures. If you notice signs of scale buildup, ask for a reduced price. Buying a new home is a significant investment, so do it right. By checking the above mentioned things, you won't end up with a house that requires costly plumbing repairs. For More Advice And Help When Moving Into A New Home Or Selling Your Old Home DDWilson Can Help, Contact Us Today For A Full House Inspection

What a Challenging installation for the lovely Mary, the warmest Children's Nurse we have ever met. That's where we step in to get it sorted. Originally the house had a small unvented Cylinder suitable for a one-bed flat or small house; this needed upgrading urgently. We found it unsafe and not up to regulation part 0 standard as all unvented cylinders must comply with Part 0. We found the existing wiring unsafe and not fit for purpose, along with an under-performing, aged heat-only, noisy boiler (which kept waking Mary) with massive fuel bills and cold radiators. The boiler didn't heat the water effectively, and the flow was shocking. We felt it was like running a Mercedes on budget tyres. Not anymore! We brought the system right up to date, installing a new cutting edge safe regulation double size unvented cylinder with a full 25-year guarantee. The electrics associated with the heating system are now up to date. Mary can now control her heating and hot water via either a voice-activated control, her smartphone or portable remote control. We have upgraded the boiler to the Rolls Royce of the boiler world, Vaillant, which all come complete with 10-year Vaillant parts and labour guarantee. The house is now warm and cosy, and the hot water is pumping. The fuel bills will see a 50% reduction in the coming months. The system is safe and running at optimum conditions, and most of all, Mary is much happier than she was before. We're very grateful you chose us. We're even more grateful you never went with the Company that recommended a Combi 🤣 seriously 😳

DDWilson: Committed To Community Service, Proven Through Actions It's been an action-packed few days here at DDWilson! Our hard-working team has been entirely engaged in a project incredibly close to our hearts. We've been lending a hand to the remarkable charity, Carla Lane Animal Rescue, situated in the beautiful locale of Melling. Our mission? To revamp the central heating system in the quaint little cottage where the tireless staff and helpers reside, and not to forget, home to two delightful pups CoCo and Alphy. This cottage is a critical hub for the charity. Not just as living quarters for their selfless crew, but it also provides a warm home for those adorable four-legged rescues. Suffice to say, it's a place that deserves all our attention and care and we love helping the community. As with many an old property, the existing pipework and radiators had seen better days. We rolled up our sleeves, turned off our phones, and set to work. Methodically, we removed the old and worn components, replacing them accurately with new, flushed, and spotlessly clean pipework. Helping The Community Our dedication to detail is unrivalled, and we've left no stone unturned in this project. We genuinely value Carla Lane Animal Rescue and the extraordinary work they do for animals in need. We didn't just install a boiler; we designed and fitted an efficient heating system, ensuring it would stand tall against the British cold, creating a royal toasty warmth fit for a king - or in this case, a couple of princely pups! And naturally, we intend to ensure it remains that way for many, many years to come. In our usual approach, we would leverage our strong ties with our distributors and manufacturers, securing the required materials ourselves. However, this time around, our regular partners were all tapped out. But never fear, DDWilson always finds a way! In this instance, Carla Lane Animal Rescue bought the materials, and true to form, we bore the labour costs. The end result? A warm and snuggly haven for our furry friends and the wonderful humans that take care of them. We know very well that amongst our loyal clientele, there is a bunch of animal lovers, and for you lot, we have a heartfelt request. Carla Lane Animal Rescue could really use all the support they can get - whether it's wet food for the animals, a small cash donation, or even a bit of your time. Our sincere gratitude to the team at Carla Lane Animal Rescue for their endless dedication to animal care. It truly makes our work feel that much more rewarding. DDWilson: Going an Extra Mile, Every Mile.

Staying Gas Safe Working with gas can be dangerous, so you must never try to fix, fit or move appliances like your boiler or cooker yourself. Stay gas safe and call DDWilson. Poorly done or serviced gas appliances can cause gas leaks, fires, explosions and carbon monoxide poisoning; it isn’t worth the risk. By law, anyone working on gas appliances and fittings as part of their business must be competent and registered with us. That’s why we’d advise you only to use a Gas Safe registered engineer like us to carry out gas work in your home. When your engineer visits, you’ll want to see their Gas Safe ID card, confirming they’re appropriately qualified to carry out the work safely. To help you and your family stay safe while you’re making improvements to your home, here are our top tips: Don’t DIY with gas appliances; use a Gas Safe registered engineer Don’t block or cover air vents and flues; 'they are essential for safely working gas appliances.' Never try to remove or repair a gas appliance yourself If you’re having building work done, always ensure your contractor is qualified Check where your gas pipes are located - make sure you don’t accidentally hit them during DIY work Where do subcontractors come in? If you’re using a subcontractor to undertake any improvements in your home, here’s what you need to bear in mind: Find out if the job involves any gas work. You must ensure a Gas Safe registered engineer carries it out if it does. Even if you’re using a builder or project manager, you can still check that the engineer employed is Gas Safe registered. If you’ve had a new appliance fitted, the registered engineer should inform your Local Authority to produce a Building Regulations Compliance Certificate. If you’ve installed a new appliance, you can nominate your property for a free inspection. Additional home improvement considerations Whether you’re making your home improvements or using a subcontractor, it’s worth considering that some work could impact your gas appliances, even if they aren’t being worked on directly. Ensure your tradesperson conducts and documents the findings of a risk assessment, which should identify any risk and control measures to ensure gas safety isn’t compromised. Here are some examples of work which could have a gas safety impact: New conservatory - It’s imperative to ensure flues don’t become enclosed and are the required distance from any new windows or openings. Only a Gas Safe registered engineer should move a duct. Scaffolding - This work could cover or damage a chimney terminal outlet or flue. Replacing or blocking air vents - If you’re stopping or removing vents, ensure your gas appliances can operate safely. External cladding - You’ll need to ensure that vents, chimneys and flues aren’t removed, damaged or obstructed if they’re integral to the safe operation of gas appliances. Extensions - If this involves moving existing gas appliances or installing new ones, it’s got to be a qualified Gas Safe registered engineer who does it. Roof work - Ensure chimneys and flues aren’t removed, blocked or damaged. For new windows or openings, you’ll need to ensure the required distances from chimneys and flues are maintained in line with relevant standards and manufacturer guidelines.

The following is intended for Landlords of properties. We are keen to highlight that, as set out below, Landlords are responsible for their properties and have a duty of care to their tenants. This means that Registered Gas Engineers are not accountable for Landlords’ Gas Safety Checks being in place or up to date. COVID-19: Advice For Landlords And Tenants – Updated 30 March 2020 The Ministry of Housing, Communities & Local Government (MHCLG) has released new guidance for landlords, tenants and local authorities. Section 3 of the document below guides property access and health and safety obligations concerning Coronavirus (COVID-19) restrictions. https://www.gov.uk/government/publications/covid-19-and-renting-guidance-for-landlords-tenants-and-local-authorities The advice includes: What does the current situation mean for repairs to my property? What about my legal obligations to provide regular gas and electrical safety inspections? What about the risk of catching the virus? The MHCLG guidance and the following HSE-stated advice are aligned. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) states: “Landlords have a duty of care to their tenants. This is a legal duty to repair and maintain gas pipework, flues and appliances in a safe condition, to ensure an annual gas safety check on each appliance and flue, and to keep a record of each safety check. In the event you are unable to gain access to the property, e.g., refusal of access due to tenants self-isolating, or if you are unable to engage a registered gas engineer to carry out the work due to a shortage of available engineers, you will be expected to be able to demonstrate that you took reasonable steps to comply with the law. This will need to include records of communication with the tenant and details of your engineers attempts to gain access. You should seek to arrange the safety check as soon as all parties are available. If you anticipate difficulties in gaining access as the COVID-19 situation progresses, you have the flexibility to carry out annual gas safety checks two months before the deadline date. Landlords can have the annual gas safety checks at their properties carried out any time from 10 to 12 calendar months after the previous check and still retain the original deadline date as if the check had been carried out exactly 12 months after the previous check. You are encouraged to arrange your annual gas safety checks as early as possible, as a contingency against tenants being in self-isolation for a period of 14 days (in line with current guidelines), or gas engineers being unavailable due to illness. The two-month period to carry out annual gas safety checks should provide adequate resilience in most situations. Current guidance from HM Government concurs that work can still be carried out in people’s homes where necessary, e.g., for reasons of safety, provided that the GOV.UK guidance on social distancing is followed. See ‘Advice for engineers’ for guidance for engineers and their employers regarding working in peoples’ homes.” As a landlord, it’s up to you to ensure your tenants stay safe in the property you’re letting. Your legal duties apply to various accommodations occupied under lease or licence. These include: Residential premises are provided for rent by local authorities, housing associations, private sector landlords, cooperatives, and hostels. Rooms in a bedsit, private households, bed and breakfast, and hotels. Rented holiday accommodation includes chalets, cottages, flats, Airbnb properties, caravans and narrowboats on inland waterways. What are your landlord's responsibilities for gas safety? The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998 outline your duties as a landlord to ensure all gas appliances, fittings, chimneys and flues are safe and working efficiently. If you’re letting a property with gas appliances installed, you’ve got three primary legal responsibilities: 1. Gas safety checks All gas appliances and flues must undergo an annual gas safety check - and always by a Gas Safe registered engineer to ensure your tenants' safety. Once this has been done, you’ll be given a Landlord Gas Safety Record or Gas Safety certificate with details of all the checks carried out. It can also be referred to as a CP12 certificate. You can arrange for a gas safety check to be carried out from 10 to 12 months after the last examination without affecting the original check's expiration date. If it’s less than ten or more than 12 months after the previous inspection, you’ll have a new deadline date - 12 months from the most recent check. Appliances owned by your tenants aren’t your responsibility - although it’s still up to you to ensure the safety of any connecting flues unless they’re solely connected to the tenants’ appliance. 2. Gas Safety Record Following the annual gas safety check and receipt of your Landlord's Gas Safety Record, you’ll need to provide a record of this check to your tenants. By law, a copy of your Landlord's Gas Safety Record should be given to your current tenants within 28 days of the gas safety check - and for new tenants, you’ll need to provide this at the start of their tenancy. For rental periods of less than 28 days, make sure you’ve displayed a copy of your record within the property. You’ll need to keep copies of this gas safety check record until two further checks have been carried out. 3. Maintenance You’ll need to make sure that all gas pipework, appliances, chimneys and flues are kept in a safe condition. Check the gas appliances’ manufacturer guidelines to determine how often a service is recommended. If you haven’t access to these, we’d recommend an annual service - unless your Gas Safe registered engineer suggests otherwise. Installation pipework isn’t covered by the annual gas safety check, but both we and the HSE recommend that when you request a safety check, you ask your Gas Safe registered engineer to: Test for tightness on the whole gas system, including installation pipework Visually examine the pipework (so far as is reasonably practicable) There are no formal requirements for keeping maintenance records, but you’ll need to show that you have regularly maintained the pipework, appliances and flues and completed required repairs. How much does a Landlord Gas Safety check cost? The cost of your Landlord's Gas Safety check will depend on the Gas Safe registered business that carries out your annual gas safety check. We recommend getting at least three quotes from companies before arranging for the inspection to be carried out. Additional information It’s always a good idea to ensure your tenants know where and how to turn the gas off and what to do in a gas emergency. In Scotland, a private landlord must provide a carbon monoxide (CO) detector where there is a fixed combustion appliance, but this does not apply to machines solely used for cooking. A CO detector is required in Northern Ireland when a new or replacement combustion appliance is installed. Lastly, ensure it’s always a gas-safe registered and qualified engineer carrying out gas work or a gas safety check. Landlords are legally required to ensure this is the case - and it’s the most essential step to ensuring your tenants’ safety. Any issues? We understand that some relationships between landlords and tenants can become problematic. The tenancy agreement should allow access for maintenance or safety checks, but if your tenant refuses to grant access, you must show you've taken all 'reasonable steps' to comply with the law. This includes repeating attempts to carry out the checks and writing to the tenant to explain that safety checks are a legal requirement for their safety. Record any action you take; you may need this later. The Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations don’t give powers to ‘force disconnection’ of the gas supply in these circumstances, and you may need to seek legal advice.

What is carbon monoxide (CO)? Carbon monoxide (CO) is a highly poisonous gas produced by the incomplete burning of natural gas or liquefied petroleum gas (LPG). This can happen when a gas appliance has been incorrectly fitted, badly repaired or poorly maintained. It can also occur if flues, chimneys or vents are blocked. Solid fuels, such as coal, wood, petrol, and oil, can also produce carbon monoxide when they burn. CO can be deadly and is especially dangerous because you can’t see, taste or smell it, and some symptoms mimic the effects of viruses and even a bad hangover. It’s essential to know the physical symptoms of CO poisoning to ensure you seek help quickly. What are the physical symptoms of CO poisoning? CO poisoning occurs when you breathe in CO, replacing the oxygen in your bloodstream, causing body tissue and cells to die. Even small amounts of the gas can cause poisoning, and long-term exposure can result in paralysis and even brain damage. CO poisoning symptoms are similar to those of flu, food poisoning, viral infections, fatigue, and a hangover, which makes it easy to mistake this very dangerous poisoning for something else. The Six Main Symptoms To Look Out For Are: Headaches Dizziness Nausea Breathlessness Collapse Loss of consciousness Anybody who has overdone it on a night out will be familiar with some or all of those symptoms, but if you experience them without drinking, it’s time to be concerned. Being aware of these symptoms could save your life. Other signs could indicate CO poisoning, such as: Symptoms occur when you are at home but seem to disappear when you leave. Others in your household (including pets) are experiencing similar symptoms at a similar time. It’s essential to know the signs of a carbon monoxide leak in your home because knowing them can ensure you aren’t exposed to dangerous levels of CO for an extended period. What are the signs of a carbon monoxide leak: Checking your gas appliances. Any of the following could be a sign of CO in your home: Floppy yellow or orange flame on your gas hob rather than crisp blue Dark, sooty staining on or around gas appliances Pilot lights that frequently blow out. Increased condensation inside windows If you detect any of these signs, please contact DDWilson, as we are Gas Safe registered engineers, and we will immediately come and inspect your gas appliances and flues. Remember that not getting your gas appliances regularly checked or using an engineer who isn’t Gas Safe registered can put you and your family at risk. What to do if you suspect CO poisoning Don’t delay - get fresh air immediately. Open doors and windows, turn off gas appliances and leave the house. See your doctor immediately or go to the hospital. They can do a blood or breath test to check and can advise if you need treatment for CO poisoning. If you think there is an immediate danger, call the Gas Emergency Helpline on 0800 111 999 (GB) or the relevant service for your area. You can also visit the NHS website for detailed information on the symptoms of CO poisoning, what action to take, and the treatment usually provided. Stay safe with a carbon monoxide alarm. The most important thing you can do to minimise the risk of CO is to ensure that your gas appliances are safety checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Installing an accredited carbon monoxide leak detector, or audible CO alarm, in your home or business is an excellent second line of defence, as they emit a sound when CO is detected. However, because an alarm only activates once there is CO present, you should never rely on it as your sole form of prevention. To ensure their effectiveness, ensure any alarm you buy is marked EN 50291 and has the British Standards Kitemark. We don’t recommend the use of ‘black spot detector’ warning strips because their warning is too easily missed, and they don’t emit a sound, so they won’t alert you if you have a CO leak whilst you’re asleep. What are carbon monoxide alarms? Carbon monoxide detectors are an early alert for possible carbon monoxide poisoning. They can be installed in and around your home, as described in the manufacturer guidelines and work much like your fire or smoke alarm by sounding an alarm when they detect carbon monoxide. Various models are available on the market, so be sure to find one suitable. Modern CO alarms look like smoke alarms (which do not detect CO), and you can purchase one for around £20 at most major retail outlets, including DIY stores and supermarkets. Fitting an alarm in every room with a gas appliance is advisable, following the manufacturer’s fitting instructions carefully. Typically, CO alarms have a lifetime of between 5-10 years. Just like your smoke alarm, remember to test your CO alarm regularly. If you’re unsure which alarm to get, ask a Gas Safe registered engineer for advice.

Community involvement is at the heart of everything we do at DDWilson, and we are incredibly proud to announce our recent sponsorship of Lydiate F.C., a shining star of the Southport league. Lifting the trophy for two consecutive seasons, Lydiate F.C. is attempting a mighty treble this season. Knowing the grit, determination, and talent that this team possesses, we are optimistic, no, downright confident; they have what it takes to make it a treble of triumphs. Lydiate F.C. has been searching for a sponsor for quite some time. Recogniing their unmatched talent and steadfast spirit, we thought it was time they received the recognition and support they deserved. It's not just about fresh kits or providing financial backing; it's more about bolstering their drive and acknowledging the footwork displayed on the pitch every Sunday. Even sweeter is the connection that three members of the Wilson family share with the club. They play for the team; this familial tie makes our support extra special. It's not just a business endeavour; it’s a family matter. It’s cheering for our lads in the company of our lads. It is a double honour! We plan to update the team's progress every week for the season. They're not just a team we sponsor; they're a team we back, we root for, and most importantly, a team we believe in. We are DDWilson – your local business. We are immensely proud to support local people and our local champion, Lydiate F.C. because when one of us wins, we all win. So here's to hoping for that treble — we'll be cheering all the way. You know, the one who is dedicated, reliable, and always there to keep your homes warm and safe. The one that now proudly supports our champs, Lydiate F.C. Watch this space as we bring you more updates from the pitch! You know, the one.

Not too long ago, DDWilson was again reminded of why we love what we do and how much we value our community relations. We experienced an instance where we had the chance to rise above the call of duty and take customer satisfaction to new heights. One fine day, we received a call from Mrs Jackson, one of our cherished customers who has trusted us for several years. She had a concern about an elderly friend who was facing an issue with her gas cooker that had unexpectedly broken down. Understanding the urgency of the situation, DDWilson sprang into action. Our dedicated and responsive team was promptly at the elderly woman's residence, ready to solve her predicament. We disconnected and removed the old gas cooker safely and efficiently and, without delay, installed a new cooker. But what made this instance truly memorable was what happened next... Mrs Jackson, in an act of genuine kindness, happily covered the cost of the new cooker for her elderly friend. It was a gesture that deeply moved us. In return, we thought the least we could do was to reciprocate her generosity. So, we decided to waive our charges for the two visits and the three hours we had spent on this job. To us, it was not about the money. It was about celebrating the spirit of community, camaraderie and humanity. It was about showcasing our commitment to our customers and residents. It was about honouring their trust in us and demonstrating that the DDWilson family always treats their customers like their own. We aim to keep our customers safe and satisfied, ensuring that every encounter with us leaves them feeling valued ensuring customer service. This experience with Mrs Jackson reinforced our commitment to these principles and inspired us to extend our reach beyond just business. Not every day does one get the chance to make a difference while doing their job, but at DDWilson, we're proud to say that for us, these days are plentiful. With a smile and warmth in our hearts, we continue to serve, aware that every small gesture counts.