Frequently Asked Questions

Common questions about plumbing, heating and bathroom services

Frequently Asked Questions

General Questions

What areas do you cover?

We are based in Keynsham and cover Bristol, Bath and the surrounding areas, including Saltford, Radstock, Midsomer Norton, Frome, Hanham, Kingswood and many more. If you are not sure whether you are within our area, please call 0117 427 8963 and we will be happy to confirm.

How long have you been trading?

Heritage Heating Services is a family-run business led by Ross Maggs, who has over 20 years of hands-on experience in the plumbing and heating industry. Ross is personally involved in the work, so you benefit from that experience on every job.

Are you Gas Safe registered?

Yes. We are Gas Safe registered, which is a legal requirement for anyone carrying out gas work in the UK. We are also accredited Worcester Bosch and Vaillant installers, so all of our work meets the highest safety and quality standards.

Do you offer free quotes?

Yes. We provide free, no-obligation quotes for boiler installations, bathrooms, central heating and most of our work. Call us on 0117 427 8963 or send us a message through the website and we will get back to you with a clear, transparent price.

What are your working hours?

Our standard hours are Monday to Saturday, 07:00 to 19:00. We are closed on Sundays for routine work, but we offer 24-hour call-outs for genuine heating and gas emergencies.

Do you offer a guarantee on your work?

Yes. We back our installations with an industry-leading 12-year guarantee because we are confident in the quality of our workmanship and the longevity it delivers. As accredited installers, we can also offer the longest manufacturer guarantees available on the boilers we fit.

What type of boiler should I choose?

The main types are a combi boiler, which heats water on demand with no tank needed and suits smaller homes; a system boiler, which works with a hot water cylinder and suits homes with multiple bathrooms; and a regular or conventional boiler, which uses a separate tank and cylinder and is common in older heating systems. The right choice depends on the size of your home, the number of bathrooms, your water pressure and your hot water usage. We will help you decide.

How long does a boiler replacement take?

Most standard boiler replacements take one day. A full system conversion, for example switching from a regular boiler to a combi boiler, can take two to three days depending on the pipework, controls and complexity involved.

Which boiler brands do you recommend?

The most popular and widely trusted brands are Worcester Bosch and Vaillant. Our engineers are accredited installers for both brands, which means we can offer the longest guarantees available when the boiler is installed by us.

How much does a new boiler cost?

A new boiler installation typically ranges from £2,000 to £3,000 supplied and fitted. The exact price depends on the boiler you choose, the size and complexity of your system, and any additional work required. We will give you a clear, fixed quote after surveying your home.

How often should I service my boiler?

We recommend servicing your boiler once a year. An annual service keeps your manufacturer warranty valid, ensures your boiler is operating safely, and helps it run efficiently, which saves you money on energy bills. Autumn is a popular time to book, ready for winter.

What is included in an annual boiler service?

Our engineers complete a comprehensive series of checks to make sure your boiler and heating system operate safely and efficiently. This includes a thorough inspection for water leaks, damage and general wear and tear, plus essential safety tests to verify your boiler is using the correct amount of gas and is not emitting carbon monoxide or other harmful gases.

Do you offer service plans?

Yes. We offer service plans that spread the cost of your annual service across the year and give you priority support if your boiler breaks down. A plan means complete peace of mind, knowing Heritage is just a phone call away whenever you need us. Get in touch and we will explain the options.

Will servicing keep my warranty valid?

Yes. Most boiler manufacturers require an annual service by a registered engineer to keep their warranty valid. We carry out your service to the manufacturer's schedule and record it properly, so your guarantee stays intact.

Can you repair my boiler the same day?

In many cases, yes. We carry the most common spare parts with us and aim to fix faults on the first visit wherever possible. If a manufacturer-specific part needs ordering, we will let you know straight away and return to complete the repair as quickly as we can.

Do you offer emergency call-outs?

Yes. We offer 24-hour call-outs for genuine heating and gas emergencies. If you have no heating or hot water, or you are worried about a gas smell, call us on 0117 427 8963 and we will get to you as quickly as possible.

Can you repair all boiler brands?

Yes. Our Gas Safe registered engineers work on all the major boiler brands, including Worcester Bosch and Vaillant. We diagnose the fault, explain what is needed, and give you honest advice before carrying out any work.

Is it worth repairing my old boiler or should I replace it?

It depends on the age of the boiler, the cost of the repair and how reliable it has been. We will always give you honest advice. If a repair is the sensible option we will fix it, but if your boiler is near the end of its life we will explain the case for replacing it so you can decide.

Can you add radiators to my existing system?

Yes. We can add radiators to an existing system or replace old, inefficient ones. We will check that your boiler and pipework can support the extra demand and advise on the best solution for even, comfortable heat throughout your home.

Do you install smart heating controls?

Yes. We fit modern heating controls and smart thermostats that let you control each zone of your home and heat only the rooms you are using. It is a simple upgrade that can make a real difference to your comfort and your running costs.

How long does a new central heating system take to install?

It depends on the size of your home and the scope of the work. A straightforward system can be installed in a few days, while a full installation in a larger property may take a week or more. We will give you a clear timeline with your quote.

Will a new system lower my energy bills?

A modern, well-designed central heating system with efficient controls runs far more efficiently than an older one, which usually means lower energy bills and a more comfortable home. We design every system with efficiency in mind.

How much can I claim through the Boiler Upgrade Scheme?

You may be able to claim up to £7,500 towards the cost of an air source heat pump installation through the government Boiler Upgrade Scheme. We will explain how the grant works and what your home needs to qualify.

Are air source heat pumps cheaper to run?

Air source heat pumps are highly efficient and can offer lower running costs than older heating systems, especially when your home is well insulated. We assess your property carefully so the system is sized correctly for genuine efficiency.

Will a heat pump keep my home warm in winter?

Yes. A correctly sized and well-designed heat pump delivers steady, comfortable warmth even on cold days. The key is proper design, which is why we assess your home, insulation and radiators before we install.

Do I need underfloor heating for a heat pump?

No. Heat pumps work well with the right radiators as well as with underfloor heating. We will advise whether your existing radiators are suitable or whether a few upgrades would help your system run at its best.

What is powerflushing and do I need it?

Powerflushing is a deep clean of your central heating system that removes the sludge and debris that cause cold spots, noisy boilers and poor circulation. It improves efficiency and helps extend the life of your boiler, and it is often recommended before fitting a new one. We will tell you honestly whether your system would benefit.

What are the signs my system needs a powerflush?

Common signs include radiators that are cold at the bottom, a noisy boiler, slow warm-up times, discoloured water when you bleed a radiator, or higher than usual energy bills. If you notice any of these, it is worth getting your system checked.

How long does a powerflush take?

Most powerflushes take a few hours, though larger systems with more radiators can take most of a day. We work through every radiator and the boiler itself to make sure the whole system is properly cleared.

Do you add an inhibitor afterwards?

Yes. Once your system is clean, we add a corrosion inhibitor to help keep it that way. This protects your boiler and radiators and helps maintain the benefits of the flush for longer.

What is an unvented cylinder?

An unvented hot water cylinder delivers powerful, mains-pressure hot water throughout your home, with no need for a cold-water storage tank in the loft. It is an excellent choice for busy households and homes with more than one bathroom.

Are unvented cylinders better than a combi boiler?

It depends on your home. Unvented cylinders give excellent flow to several taps and showers at once, which a combi can struggle with in larger homes. We will help you choose the right hot water solution for your household.

Do unvented cylinders need servicing?

Yes. Unvented cylinders should be serviced annually to keep them running safely and efficiently, and to maintain the manufacturer warranty. We can service and maintain your cylinder as well as install it.

Are you qualified to install unvented cylinders?

Yes. Unvented systems must be installed by engineers holding the G3 qualification under Building Regulations, and our team is fully qualified. We install every cylinder safely, with all the relevant safety controls fitted correctly.

How long does a bathroom installation take?

A small bathroom usually takes three to five days, a full bathroom renovation typically takes one to two weeks, and a complex redesign with structural work can take two to four weeks. The timing depends on plumbing changes, tiling, electrical work and product availability. We will give you a clear timeline with your quote.

Can I change the layout of my bathroom?

Yes. Toilets, showers, baths and basins can often be repositioned to make better use of your space, although moving pipework and drainage may increase the cost and the installation time. We will talk you through what is possible and give you a clear quote.

Do you handle plumbing, electrics and other trades?

Yes. We provide and coordinate all the trades required for your bathroom, including plumbing, electrics, tiling, carpentry, plastering and decorating. Everything is managed under one roof, so you only ever deal with one trusted team.

How much does a new bathroom cost?

A full bathroom installation typically ranges from £6,000 to £10,000 depending on the size of the room, the products you choose and the amount of work involved. We will give you a clear, itemised quote so you know exactly what is included.