A & D Plumbing Services employees outside van

OFTEC and The Green Deal Fund Extension

The Green Deal initiative is a scheme backed by the UK Government which is designed to help homeowners and businesses cut down on their emissions and save money on their…

Close up of engineer fixing boiler A & D Plumbing Services

Are Broken Boilers Making Essex Families Unwell?

In September earlier this year, families in Essex raised concerns that their boilers were making their children unwell. Surveys by experts showed that the boilers were to be classed as…

The Benefits of a CCTV Drain Inspection

A CCTV drain inspection is an effective method for locating a drainage problem and working out the cause. But, what are the benefits of this service and how does it compare to other methods of drain inspection? A CCTV inspection of a blocked or damaged drain can help pinpoint the location of a problem and the root-cause. During this type of inspection a camera, small enough to fit into the tightest of drains, is fed down through piping, providing a live feed to engineers on the surface. If the camera comes upon a problem, engineers will easily be able to see…

Image of hands with copper pipe looking at radiator plumbing

Seasonal Plumbing Tips

In winter, most people spend more time indoors. That means that keeping plumbing in the best possible condition is even more of a priority than in the summer. The…

OFTEC Training Courses

When people work with oil-fired equipment, it is vital to ensure they are properly trained to complete the tasks expected of them. Staff who are unable to recognise signs of danger can present a hazard, not just to themselves but to their colleagues and members of the public. Furthermore, as an oil engineer they should be aware of how to deliver the product appropriately, without causing any wastage. It not correct to assume that an employee’s previous training is sufficient for their role year after year. In the oil-fired industry, as in many others, the equipment and procedures change over time….

The Green Deal

All About the Green Deal Initiative Improvements to a building that helps with energy saving can be a smart investment that also makes a property more comfortable to live or work in. Finding the money to pay for this type of work may not always be easy though. This is why property owners should consider the Green Deal initiative, which is a UK Government-backed scheme aimed at assisting homeowners and businesses make energy-saving improvements. Who is Eligible? The Green Deal scheme is open to any home or business premises in England, Wales, and Scotland fitted with an electricity meter. This applies…

LPG – How to Stay Gas Safe

The use of LPG carries with it many rules regarding its safe use and installation, all of which should be adhered to strictly in order to ensure maximum safety. When choosing an installer of your liquefied petroleum gas system, make sure that you get the details of the work recorded in writing, particularly the following: 1. The date of the commencement of work, the length of the process and who will be notifying Local Authority Building Control when necessary. 2. The details of the work, the materials that will be used and the appliances that will be included. 3. Extra inclusions…

10 Questions to Ask Your New Plumber

Are They A Licensed Plumber? When you are considering hiring a plumber you should first establish whether they are licensed. If a plumber is licensed, then this will prove that they are professional enough to cope with all types of plumbing-related issues. If you gamble on using an unlicensed plumber there is a much greater chance of their work being unsatisfactory. As a consequence, the existing problem will still remain, and you’ll then have the stress of having to hire another plumber. Have They Got Insurance? Like licensing, insurance should be something that covers a plumber – and you. Insurance should…

Who is Responsible for Repairing Drains and Sewers?

When it comes to cleaning drains and sewers, there can often be a lot of confusion as to whose job it is to undertake such a task. Drainage problems can range from simple issues to complex ones that can pose a health and safety risk to your building and those within it, so it is important to know what your role is should you encounter one of these faults at any time. As a homeowner or building owner, you are responsible for the pipes, drains and gutters that are located in and around your home, up to the property boundary. This…

Problem Solving: Central Heating

From time to time, you will encounter some issues with your central heating that can be quite a nuisance, particularly in the colder months of the year. Being able to spot a problem early can save you a lot of time, money and hassle by rectifying the issue before it causes too much damage to your home or building. Faulty Radiators Checking your radiator can be a very effective way to determine the nature of a fault in your home. A common problem is air pockets forming in the top of your radiator, which stops hot water from reaching that…

How to Repair an Oven

Over the course of its lifetime, your oven will experience some issues. Some of them will be minor, but you also may be unfortunate enough to have your oven totally break down, which can be incredibly inconvenient. Although some cases may require some professional assistance, there are cartain faults that can be repaired by yourself if you know how. This article will discuss a few common faults and how you can repair them. Disassembling a Gas Range The gas range cabinet of an oven is easy to take apart, and only requires a few simple steps to do so: – Remove…

Having a New Gas Appliance Fitted?

When the time comes that a gas appliance in your home needs to be replaced, the installation of a new one can be quite a complicated process, especially if you…