Gas, Heating & Plumbing FAQs

Question 1

How often should I service my boiler?

Accepted Answer

** Every boiler should be serviced once a year — ideally before winter starts.

An annual boiler service keeps your system running safely and efficiently. Here's what happens during a service:

1. Our engineer inspects the boiler casing and controls
2. We check the flue for safe emissions
3. All internal components are cleaned and tested
4. Gas pressure and flow rates are verified
5. You receive a written service report

> Regular servicing can extend your boiler's lifespan by 3–5 years and reduce energy bills by up to 10%.

! Skipping your annual service may void your manufacturer's warranty. Most boiler warranties require proof of yearly servicing by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Question 2

What does a boiler service include?

Accepted Answer

** A full visual and operational inspection of your boiler, flue, and controls — typically takes 30–45 minutes.

During a service our Gas Safe engineer will:

- Check the boiler for leaks, corrosion, and damage
- Inspect the flue and ventilation
- Test the gas pressure and burner
- Clean key internal components
- Check all safety devices are working
- Test radiators and system pressure
- Provide a written report with findings

> If we spot any issues during the service, we'll explain them clearly and give you a quote before doing any additional work — no surprises.

Question 3

When is the best time to book a boiler service?

Accepted Answer

** Late summer or early autumn — before the cold weather hits.

Most people don't think about their boiler until it breaks down in winter. By booking your service in August or September you get:

- Faster availability (we're less busy before heating season)
- Time to fix any issues before you need the heating
- Peace of mind going into winter

! If your boiler hasn't been serviced in over 12 months, don't wait — book now regardless of the time of year. Safety comes first.

Question 4

What is a CP12 certificate and do I need one?

Accepted Answer

** A CP12 (Gas Safety Certificate) is a legally required annual gas safety check for all rented properties in the UK.

As a landlord in Birmingham, you must have a valid CP12 for every property you rent out. Here's what you need to know:

- The check must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer
- It covers all gas appliances, pipework, and flues
- A certificate is issued and must be given to tenants within 28 days
- Records must be kept for 2 years

! Failure to have a valid CP12 can result in fines of up to £6,000, imprisonment, or both. It's a criminal offence under the Gas Safety (Installation and Use) Regulations 1998.

> Empower Gas can set up annual reminders so you never miss a renewal. We also offer discounted rates for landlords with multiple properties.

Question 5

What are my legal obligations as a landlord for gas safety?

Accepted Answer

** You must have all gas appliances, pipework, and flues checked annually by a Gas Safe registered engineer.

As a landlord you are legally required to:

1. Arrange an annual Gas Safety Check (CP12) on all gas appliances
2. Give a copy of the Gas Safety Record to existing tenants within 28 days
3. Give new tenants a copy before they move in
4. Keep records for at least 2 years
5. Ensure all gas appliances are maintained in a safe condition

> We offer landlord packages that include the annual CP12 plus a boiler service at a reduced rate. Call us to discuss.

! If a gas appliance is found to be unsafe, it must be disconnected immediately. We'll clearly explain all options if this happens.

Question 6

Do you offer landlord gas safety packages?

Accepted Answer

** Yes — we offer discounted annual packages for landlords with one or more rental properties in Birmingham.

Our landlord package includes:

- Annual CP12 Gas Safety Certificate
- Full boiler service
- Written report for your records
- Automatic renewal reminders
- Priority booking for emergency callouts

> Landlords with 3+ properties get an additional discount. Call us on 07393 226 594 to discuss your portfolio.

Question 7

Do you cover emergency boiler repairs?

Accepted Answer

** Yes — we take emergency callouts for boiler breakdowns across Birmingham and surrounding areas.

If your boiler stops working:

1. Call us on 07393 226 594
2. We'll ask a few questions to diagnose the issue over the phone
3. If needed, we'll send an engineer as quickly as possible
4. We carry common parts on our van to fix most issues in one visit

! If you smell gas, leave the property immediately, call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999, and then call us.

> We aim to respond to emergency callouts within 2–4 hours during working hours. Evening and weekend callouts are available at a small additional charge.

Question 8

My boiler is showing an error code — what should I do?

Accepted Answer

** Don't panic — most error codes indicate a minor issue that a Gas Safe engineer can fix quickly.

Common boiler error codes and what they mean:

- Low pressure warning — usually fixable by topping up the system via the filling loop
- Ignition failure — could be a faulty electrode, gas valve, or PCB issue
- Fan fault — the fan isn't running at the correct speed
- Flue blockage — the flue sensor has detected a problem
- Overheating — the boiler has shut down as a safety measure

1. Note down the error code shown on your boiler display
2. Try resetting the boiler using the reset button (usually held for 3 seconds)
3. If the error returns, call us on 07393 226 594 with the code ready

! Never attempt to remove the boiler casing or access internal components yourself. This is illegal unless you are Gas Safe registered and is extremely dangerous.

Question 9

How much does a new boiler cost?

Accepted Answer

** A new combi boiler installation in Birmingham typically costs between £1,800 and £3,500 depending on the boiler model and complexity of the job.

Factors that affect the price:

- The type and brand of boiler (we fit Worcester Bosch, Vaillant, Ideal, and more)
- Whether the boiler is being replaced in the same location or relocated
- The condition of existing pipework and controls
- Whether you need a system flush or new radiators
- Any flue routing changes required

> We offer free, no-obligation quotes. We'll visit your property, assess your needs, and give you a clear written price — no hidden extras.

> Finance options are available for larger installations. Ask us about 0% interest plans.

Question 10

Which boiler brands do you recommend?

Accepted Answer

** We recommend Worcester Bosch for most homes — they're reliable, energy-efficient, and come with industry-leading warranties.

Brands we install and service:

- Worcester Bosch — our top recommendation, up to 12-year warranty
- Vaillant — excellent build quality, German engineering
- Ideal — great budget option with solid performance
- Baxi — reliable and competitively priced

> As Worcester Bosch accredited installers, we can offer extended warranties of up to 12 years on selected models — far longer than the standard 5-year warranty.

! Be wary of very cheap quotes from other installers. A low price often means a lower-quality boiler, rushed installation, or no aftercare. Your boiler should last 10–15 years — it's worth investing in quality.

Question 11

How long does a new boiler installation take?

Accepted Answer

** Most straightforward combi-to-combi swaps are completed in one day (4–6 hours).

Installation times depend on the job:

- Like-for-like combi swap — 4–6 hours (1 day)
- Combi swap with relocation — 1–2 days
- System change (e.g. conventional to combi) — 2–3 days
- Full system with new radiators — 3–5 days

1. We'll agree the schedule with you before we start
2. The old boiler is removed and disposed of responsibly
3. The new boiler is fitted, tested, and commissioned
4. We register the warranty with the manufacturer on your behalf
5. You get a full handover showing how to use your new system

> We always leave your home clean and tidy. We use dust sheets and take all waste away with us.

Question 12

Are your engineers Gas Safe registered?

Accepted Answer

** Yes — every Empower Gas engineer is fully Gas Safe registered and carries their ID card on every job.

What Gas Safe registration means:

- The engineer has been assessed as competent to work safely with gas
- Their qualifications are verified annually
- You can check any engineer's registration on the Gas Safe Register website
- It is illegal for anyone not on the register to carry out gas work

> You can verify our Gas Safe registration number at any time. Our engineers will always show their Gas Safe ID card when they arrive — if they don't, ask to see it.

- We also carry £5,000,000 public liability insurance
- All work is guaranteed
- We provide certificates for every gas job completed

Question 13

Which areas in Birmingham do you cover?

Accepted Answer

** We cover all of Birmingham and the surrounding West Midlands area — typically within a 15-mile radius of the city centre.

Areas we regularly work in:

- Stirchley, Bournville, and Cotteridge
- Kings Heath, Moseley, and Hall Green
- Selly Oak, Edgbaston, and Harborne
- Kings Norton, Northfield, and Longbridge
- Erdington, Sutton Coldfield, and Great Barr
- Solihull, Shirley, and Acocks Green
- Smethwick, Oldbury, and West Bromwich

> If your area isn't listed, call us anyway — we can usually help. We cover most of the West Midlands region.

Question 14

How do I get a quote?

Accepted Answer

** Call us on 07393 226 594 or fill in the contact form — we'll get back to you within a few hours.

Our quoting process:

1. Tell us what you need — repair, service, installation, or safety check
2. We'll ask a few quick questions about your current setup
3. For simple jobs, we can often quote over the phone
4. For installations, we'll arrange a free home visit to assess the job
5. You get a clear, written quote with no hidden extras

> All our quotes are free and come with no obligation. We won't pressure you — take your time to decide.

Question 15

Do you offer any guarantees on your work?

Accepted Answer

** Yes — all Empower Gas work comes with a minimum 12-month workmanship guarantee.

Our guarantee covers:

- All parts we supply and fit
- Labour and workmanship
- Boiler installations — covered by the manufacturer's warranty (up to 12 years with Worcester Bosch)
- Repairs — 12-month guarantee on parts and labour

> If anything goes wrong with work we've carried out, call us and we'll come back and put it right at no extra cost.

! Your manufacturer's warranty is separate from our workmanship guarantee. We register all new boilers with the manufacturer on your behalf to activate the full warranty period.

Question 16

My radiators are cold at the bottom — what does this mean?

Accepted Answer

** Cold spots at the bottom of radiators usually means sludge and debris has built up in your system — a powerflush will fix this.

Over time, rust, scale, and sludge accumulate inside your central heating system. This causes:

- Cold spots on radiators (especially at the bottom)
- Noisy boiler or banging pipes
- Slow heating times
- Higher energy bills
- Premature boiler failure

> A powerflush clears all the sludge from your system and restores full heating performance. Most homes see an immediate improvement in how quickly radiators heat up.

1. We connect a powerflush machine to your system
2. High-flow water with cleaning chemicals breaks down the sludge
3. Each radiator is flushed individually
4. A magnetic filter is fitted to prevent future build-up
5. Inhibitor is added to protect the system going forward

Question 17

How do I know if I need a powerflush?

Accepted Answer

** If your radiators have cold spots, your boiler is noisy, or your heating is slow to warm up — you probably need a powerflush.

Signs your system needs flushing:

- Radiators cold at the top (need bleeding) or bottom (need flushing)
- Boiler makes banging, kettling, or gurgling noises
- Heating takes a long time to warm the house
- Some radiators don't heat up at all
- Discoloured water when you bleed radiators
- Your energy bills have increased for no obvious reason

! If you're having a new boiler installed, a powerflush is strongly recommended. Fitting a new boiler to a dirty system can damage it and void the warranty.

> A powerflush typically costs between £350 and £600 depending on the number of radiators. It usually takes half a day to complete.

Question 18

Can I bleed my radiators myself?

Accepted Answer

** Yes — bleeding radiators is a simple job most homeowners can do safely. You just need a radiator key.

How to bleed a radiator:

1. Turn your heating on and wait for radiators to warm up
2. Find the radiator that has a cold spot at the top
3. Turn the heating off and wait 10 minutes for the water to settle
4. Place a cloth under the bleed valve (top corner of the radiator)
5. Use a radiator key to slowly turn the valve anti-clockwise
6. You'll hear air hissing out — hold until water starts to drip
7. Close the valve and check your boiler pressure (should be 1–1.5 bar)

> If you're bleeding radiators frequently, it could indicate a bigger issue like a leak or a faulty expansion vessel. Call us for a proper diagnosis.

! Never bleed radiators while the heating is on — the water inside is very hot and under pressure.

Question 19

Do you fit and repair gas cookers and hobs?

Accepted Answer

** Yes — we install, repair, and service all types of gas cookers, hobs, and ovens.

Our gas cooker services include:

- New gas cooker and hob installation
- Connecting freestanding and built-in gas appliances
- Gas cooker repairs and fault diagnosis
- Safety checks and certification
- Disconnection and safe removal of old appliances

! By law, all gas cooker installations must be carried out by a Gas Safe registered engineer. Never attempt to connect or disconnect a gas appliance yourself.

> If you've bought a new cooker and need it connected, we can usually fit it within 24–48 hours. Call us with the make and model and we'll give you a price over the phone.

Question 20

What should I do if I smell gas?

Accepted Answer

** If you smell gas, leave the property immediately and call the National Gas Emergency line on 0800 111 999.

! This is a genuine emergency. Do not ignore a gas smell — even a small leak can be extremely dangerous.

What to do:

1. Do NOT turn any electrical switches on or off
2. Do NOT use your phone inside the property
3. Open windows and doors if safe to do so
4. Turn off the gas supply at the meter if you can reach it safely
5. Leave the property and go outside
6. Call the National Gas Emergency Service on 0800 111 999
7. Do not re-enter until given the all-clear

> Once the emergency service has made the situation safe, call Empower Gas and we'll carry out any repair work needed to get you back up and running.

Gas, Heating & Plumbing FAQs

Gas, Heating & Plumbing FAQs

Boiler Servicing

How often should I service my boiler?

What does a boiler service include?

When is the best time to book a boiler service?

Landlords & Safety

What is a CP12 certificate and do I need one?

What are my legal obligations as a landlord for gas safety?

Do you offer landlord gas safety packages?

Repairs & Emergencies

Do you cover emergency boiler repairs?

My boiler is showing an error code — what should I do?

Boiler Installation

How much does a new boiler cost?

Which boiler brands do you recommend?

How long does a new boiler installation take?

About Us

Are your engineers Gas Safe registered?

Which areas in Birmingham do you cover?

How do I get a quote?

Do you offer any guarantees on your work?

Central Heating

My radiators are cold at the bottom — what does this mean?

How do I know if I need a powerflush?

Can I bleed my radiators myself?

Gas Appliances

Do you fit and repair gas cookers and hobs?

What should I do if I smell gas?

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