A day in the life of...

While I'm on a run of writing a few blogs - I'll quickly write about what a standard day is like for me.

Those of you who are already customers will know, I don't do installs. I can however recommend some trusted local boiler installers who do great work (use the c o n t a c t page).

A standard day for me involves variations of:

• Repairing boilers (apart from oil fuelled)

• Annual servicing (and Gas Safe certification)

• Fixing leaking radiators

• (sometimes) installing new radiators

• (sometimes) replacing taps & bathroom plumbing fittings

On the particular day I'm thinking about, here's how it went:

#1 Inspecting a Vaillant boiler/ issuing a gas safe certificate for the new owner

Out in Kington St Michael, the day began with a service of a Vaillant boiler that was about twenty years old. The current owners were (literally) in the process of moving and has been asked by the new owner to have the boiler tested.

After some careful cleaning of components and checking of seals, I ascertained that all was well. I then carried out a test of the gas pressure to ensure everything was as it should be, before issuing a formal Gas Safe Certificate.

#2 Annual Service of an Ideal Boiler

The second job of the day was another service, this time of a modern Ideal boiler.

I started with a gas pressure test and (after some more cleaning of the heat exchanger and full inspection) ended with an emissions test of the flue exhaust system...

#3 The changing of the taps

To end the day, one those sometimes fiddly jobs where experience really helps. Sometimes, changing taps (particularly downstairs) will require the water system to be drained down/ stop-cock turned off etc.

If I had a tenner for everytime I encountered a seized/broken stop-cock and for when I then had to turn the water off in the street (which will sometimes affect your neighbours!)... I'd be rich!

In this case, I enlisted the help of the tenant who was able to turn all the taps on/off on command and enable me to snatch the connection. This is a neat trick that bypasses a dodgy stop-cock and enables the installation of new taps. It is advisable to get the stop-cock repaired soon afterwards, though.

Awful tap.

Better tap.

And that was it. A three job day.

The final job was the only job today that required some level of contortionism, so I call that a win!

Thanks for reading :)