Plumbers Chelmsford

General Plumbing

Our Plumbers are highly experienced specialists with an excellent reputation for being reliable, competent and honest. Our rates are also very fair, with no call out charges or hidden extras.

Every Plumber on the TM Hughes team is certified with gas-safe registration with the knowledge to tackle any plumbing or heating problem.

Checkatrade.com and trustatrader.com accredit us, so you can rest assured every job, big or small, will be completed to a high professional standard.

General Plumbing Services Include

• Bathroom repair and refurbishment
• Burst pipe repair
• Gas heating services
• Leak repair
• Mains stopcock unsticking & replacement
• Pipe repair
• Pipe unblocking
• Pipe fittings replacement
• Saniflo installation
• Shower installation, service and repair
• Shower pump installation service & repair
• Tap installation & repair
• Toilet installation service & repair
• Waste disposal unit installation, repair and unblocking
• Waste & overflows installation, repair and unblocking
• Water tank installation, service and repair
• And lots more

Plumbing Repairs & Installations

The plumbing system in your Chelmsford home is carefully designed so various pipes can deliver water to multiple points in the house. These points are taps, showers, baths, the water tank and the central heating system. Running water combined with the household plumbing system gives us optimal comfort, but water is very corrosive.

Parts wear out; pipes get blocked, so the plumbing system has to be maintained and repaired. Let’s go through the system in your home and the regular plumbing jobs we undertake.

Mains Water Supply

The water comes into your home via the local water supply in the street.  A waste system is in place that lets all the used water out. The drain is just as significant as the mains water supply. What comes in must go out.

Our plumbers are experts in household plumbing and waste systems. Here is an explanation of some of the plumbing jobs we undertake in Chelmsford.

Mains Stopcock

The first point of call for running water is usually the kitchen, where the main water supply comes in. The mains stopcock can turn on and off the mains water supply to your home.

You need to know where your mains stopcock is and that it’s in full working order. If there’s ever a plumbing emergency, you must shut off the mains water supply, or your home could be severely damaged. Our plumbers can check and replace your mains stopcock if needed.

Kitchen Plumbing

There’s then a network of pipes that supply your home with water. The first group provide your kitchen tap, dishwasher and washing machine. Fitting dishwashers or washing machines isn’t a difficult job and only takes a few minutes. One of our plumbers will be more than happy to help. Kitchen taps are connected by two pipes, one hot, one cold.

Kitchen Taps

Taps are (or should be) fitted with flexible hoses. A flexible hose connects your taps to the water supply and can be shut off at the hose entry, which is handy if your tap ever springs a leak. Hoses also make the job of changing a tap cheaper and more accessible. The water can be shut off at the hose instead of the mains water supply.

Waste Disposal Units

Our Chelmsford plumbers are used to seeing waste disposal units under the sink and are experts in fitting, servicing and unblocking them. Waste disposal units have boomed in popularity in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. They are very convenient because they simply grind up your waste, mix with water and flush down the drain.

Bathrooms

A typical Chelmsford bathroom has a toilet, basin, a bath or shower (or both). The main bathroom has more plumbing than any other room in the house. There are four types of toilet. Close-coupled (with the toilet and cistern close together) are the most common toilets, close to wall designs coming in second.

Other designs include corner and wall-hung, although we have found these designs are not as common. Cisterns can be hung low and high and can be hidden.

Toilets

Whatever your Toilet and cistern type internally, they all work the same. The cistern is filled, the float stops the water once complete.

The float stops the cistern from overfilling and flooding your bathroom as well. When flushed, the waste is expelled down the soil pipe to the sewer. The cistern then refills.

Toilets are prone to problems such as blockages, which are inevitable for most households and can be very inconvenient, especially if you only have one or multiple toilets sharing the same soil pipe.

In the event of a blockage, we will be with you quickly and have your toilet unblocked in very little time. Other toilet problems include constant filling, overfilling and not flushing.

This is due to the float valve system, which again is quickly repaired or replaced. Sadly blockages not only occur in toilets. Any waste or pipe can suffer from one. We have removed thousands of blockages over the years and will happily deal with any blockage in your plumbing system indoors or outdoors in the sewer.

Baths, Basins & Bathroom Taps

Bathroom baths and basins use the same system as kitchen sinks with a hot and cold supply to a pillar, mixer or monobloc tap. Bathroom taps use the same internal parts as kitchen taps but are designed to look different outside.

The taps in your home will be one of the following mechanisms – ball, cartridge, disc or washer. Sometimes they leak, sometimes they don’t work, or you might want them replacing as part of a refurbishment.

Our local Chelmsford plumber can fit any tap and repair most. Sometimes taps are too old or worn to repair, but we will always do everything we can to restore an old tap to full working order if that’s what you want.

Showers

You will likely have a Shower somewhere in your main bathroom, whether inside an enclosure or fitted inside the bath. We supply and install all types of showers, including mixer, electric, power, eco, digital and thermostatic; we also specialise in standard and universal pumps. Any problems with your existing shower?

No problem, our Chelmsford plumber can help you. He will quickly diagnose and fix any issues you have. We deal with common shower problems: leaking heads, temperature fluctuations, water not heating, weak water pressure, and no water.

Overflow

Every working part of your bathroom and kitchen that uses water will require waste to remove wastewater and overflow to stop your home from flooding if the waste ever blocks.

The overflow also allows air into the drain. Your wastes and overflows should be kept clear and unblocked when necessary. If you feel you have a blockage, we can quickly unblock it for you.

Saniflo

Saniflo’s are a valuable addition to any plumbing system. Their unique design allows dishwashers, toilets, baths, showers, and sinks to be fitted anywhere in the home, in areas not previously possible.

A Saniflo grinds any waste down into a fine slurry and pumps it through narrow pipes straight into the drain. We supply and fit all Saniflo systems around Chelmsford.

Water Tanks

Depending on your central heating boiler type, you may or may not have a water tank in your loft. Our local plumber is highly proficient in water tank installation and fitting and will fit the ideal water tank with the perfect settings for your home and plumbing system.

All of our plumbers are certified gas safe registered engineers Central heating, Boiler installation, service and repair. Please take a look at our Chelmsford Heating Services Page for more information on our gas services.

Emergency Plumbing Chelmsford

We are 24-hour emergency plumbers. In the event of a plumbing emergency, we will be with you within two hours. Before we can get to you, there are steps you can take in the meantime to prevent and minimise damage.

Here are the most common plumbing emergencies that occur and what you need to do in the event of one.

Blockages

Blockages are the most common and least serious plumbing emergency. Water can still pass through pipes when blocked. But will lead to a full obstruction, which is inconvenient and can be damaging (and expensive).

Blocked Pipes

Blocked pipes need dealing with when detected. Signs of blockages include the toilet pan filling up with water when flushed. Water drains slowly from your bath, shower or sink. Foul smells and (or) gurgling noises from drains and the outside drains backed up with water. If you have a blockage, get in touch, and we will clear it.

Burst Pipes

Burts Pipes can be very damaging. The first time a Chelmsford resident detects a burst pipe is when water comes through the ceiling. In more extreme cases, water doesn’t leak through and can build up in a void. A bulge appears, which will ultimately burst. Releasing hundreds of litres of water, likely causing thousands of pounds of damage.

Upon discovering a leaking pipe, shut off your mains water supply immediately and give us a call. We will be with you ASAP. Pipes usually burst in winter.

Frozen Pipes

When pipes are not lagged, they can freeze. The frozen water expands, causing the pipe to burst.

Pipes that are in areas vulnerable to cold weather need insulating. To prevent the risk of freezing and bursting, we offer a full pipe insulation service.

Gas Leaks

The most serious of all Plumbing emergencies is a Gas leak. If you suspect a gas leak in your home, evacuate your family and shut off the gas supply immediately. Do not smoke or turn on (or off) any electrical appliances.

Open all your doors and windows, go outside and phone us. We will be with you ASAP. Do not reactivate your gas supply until you’re given the all-clear from a Gas Safe registered engineer.

Carbon Monoxide

Carbon monoxide poisoning is very dangerous and can kill. Your home should have at least one (if not more) carbon monoxide detector. If you don’t have a carbon monoxide detector in your house, get one immediately.

They are available from DIY stores, or one of our gas engineers can supply and fit one for you. If your carbon monoxide detector starts beeping, evacuate your family and give us a call.

If you or your family members experience confusion, dizziness, headache, nausea or vomiting, call an ambulance immediately. Do not re-enter your property until we have given you an ok.

Bathroom Installation

TM Hughes and Son are experienced bathroom installers with over 30 years of experience designing, refurbishing and fitting bathrooms in and around Chelmsford.

We have a highly experienced bathroom fitter on our team, an experienced plumber and heating engineer who works with tilers and electricians to design and build quality bathrooms. We design and fit all manner of bathrooms from traditional to modern, from budget to luxury. Whatever you want from a bathroom, we will design and build it for you.

The first step is to discuss your wants, needs and preferences. You may know what you want for a new bathroom, or you may want our bathroom fitter to measure your existing space, show you what’s possible and offer you various options.

There are many bathroom suites available, from classic designs to the latest futuristic-looking baths, toilets and shower screens. Any look is possible. Tiles come in many different materials, textures, shapes and colours. Same with flooring, there are many different types. Our bathroom fitter will let you know the advantages and disadvantages of the different types of tiles and flooring on the market. 

Bathroom design’s finished with lighting, fixtures, fittings, additional furniture and heating. Again there are many options. We’ll go through them with you and answer any questions or concerns you might have.

Once we have all the information, we’ll go away and write you a free no-obligation quote.

Click Here For More Information On Bathroom Installation

Heating Services

Whether you are a homeowner, landlord or business owner in Chelmsford, you can be sure of excellent service, whatever heating job you hire us for.

We are Worcester Bosch accredited installers who offer a range of installation, servicing and repair services. We will not only complete service, repair or installation to a high standard. We will ensure your heating system is optimised.

Running to the greatest possible efficiency, keeping your energy bills as low as possible.

Heating Systems Our Engineers Work On

Most Chelmsford homes and commercial premises are connected to the national gas grid. Gas central heating systems are cheaper to run than electrical central heating systems.

Our engineers are qualified to work on all systems, no matter the fuel type. Gas is an efficient fuel; new gas boilers can run at 90% efficiency. Annual boiler maintenance is essential if you want to keep energy efficiency.

The older boilers get, the less efficient and more expensive they are to run. Old boilers go down to 60% efficiency, which is expensive to run and harmful to the environment.

We regularly service gas boilers in Chelmsford homes. Does your boiler require a service? If yes, feel free to give us a call and book an engineer. We will service your boiler at a fair price.

We also supply, install service and repair boilers made by Alpha, Ariston, Baxi, Ferolli, Glow-worm, Grundfos, Heat-line, Ideal, Keston, Potterton, Saunier Duval, Vaillant, Viessman and Vokera.

Types Of Boiler

The boiler is the beating heart of a central heating system. Without a boiler, heat would be impossible. When you turn your heating on, the boiler fires up. Heating the water that’s distributed through your central heating system and heating your home in the process. There are three types of boiler combi, regular and system.

Combi Boilers

Combi boilers don’t need a cylinder, tank or water pump (the pump’s inside the boiler). Making them a great space saver. Water is heated instantly as it’s passed through the element inside the boiler. Combi boilers are easy to install and service. Combi’s are found in approximately 50% of all Chelmsford homes.

System Boilers

System boilers are another popular choice. They are ideal for larger households with higher hot water requirements. System boilers take the water directly from the mains to heat your radiators. A storage cylinder is always used with a system boiler to store the water that’s been heated. This stored water is subsequently used for your hot taps and shower.

Regular Boilers

Regular boilers, also are known as traditional boilers, are often found in older Chelmsford homes. Regular boilers take up more space than a system or combi boiler. A water tank (usually in the loft), and an expansion tank (also in the loft) and a storage cylinder is required for the system to work.

A new regular boiler is fitted when a homeowner has an existing traditional system and only wants to replace the boiler (and not the whole system). If you need a new boiler, our engineers will help you choose the best boiler for your current fitted central heating system. We can usually install a new boiler in a day with minimal disruption to you and your family.

Boiler Installation

TM Hughes and Son heating engineers have been installing boilers in Chelmsford for the past three decades. Our certified engineers with gas safe registration have experience fitting all boiler types in all kinds of homes found in the city.

If your boiler is over 10-years old, it’s time to consider an upgrade. Boilers waste more energy as they age, are more prone to failure, parts are harder to obtain, and some are even unsafe to use.

A new boiler will offer you increased energy efficiency and lower heating bills. A cosy home and a lower carbon footprint if you’re thinking about upgrading your boiler or central heating system, please get in touch and speak to one of our engineers.

We can upgrade your existing boiler to work with your current central heating system, or we can install a brand new boiler and central heating system with all the latest mod cons.

Every home is different and requires a different boiler depending on the size of the home, residents and their hot water/heating requirements.

We offer a free survey for Chelmsford residents, so we can help you determine the perfect boiler for your home and budget. We’ll inspect your existing boiler and central heating system, offer suggestions and options then write your free no-obligation quote based on your requirements.

Click Here For More Information On Boiler Installation

Boiler Servicing

Annual servicing ensures your boiler’s running as efficiently as possible while reducing the chances of boiler failure and carbon monoxide poisoning. It’s for these reasons that boiler manufacturers recommend you have your boiler serviced every year.  

Every week we service many boilers in Chelmsford, offering one of the city’s best boiler service prices. 

Each service is undertaken to the correct gas safe registered standards and according to the boiler manufacturer’s instructions.

Here are some of the procedures we follow to give you some idea of what happens during the service. 

1. The boiler case is removed and thoroughly inspected for signs of corrosion or carbon monoxide leakage.
2. We then move on to the internal components of the boiler. We check to see if any seals are worn and leaking water. If so, we’ll replace seals so the boiler’s watertight.
3. Pipes are checked to make sure there’s no leaks or corrosion. Again corrections are made if needed. 
4. Safety devices are tested to ensure they are working properly so your boiler doesn’t suffer any damage in case of sudden failure.
5. Water flow and gas pressure are tested along the gas burners inspected to ensure it’s running at the correct rate. 
6. All parts are thoroughly cleaned so the boiler runs as best as it possibly can. The Flues checked before undergoing flue gas analysis. 
   
   

These are just some of the procedures at the end of the service you can relax in the knowledge your boiler’s safe and efficient.

Click Here For More Information On Boiler Servicing

Boiler Repairs

Boiler breakdown is a common occurrence during the winter months, especially with old boilers.  When it’s cold boilers, you have to work extra hard to supply heat to your home. Also, condensate pipes often freeze up on the coldest of nights, stopping the boiler in its tracks. 

If you suffer a breakdown, give us a call, and we’ll have an engineer out to you within a couple of hours. Whether you are a homeowner, tenant or business, our gas safe registered engineers will get your boiler up and running as soon as possible.

If you suspect a fault with your boiler, such as unusual noises, it keeps switching off, or the pilot light keeps blowing out, make sure to get it looked at before it breaks down (which it will do that some point if you’re experiencing any unusual symptoms). Never ignore a suspected fault as a sudden breakdown may cause some expensive damage.

Whether you have a fault or full breakdown, we can repair your boiler for you. Some quick tests and an inspection will diagnose the cause. A lot of boiler repairs can be done quickly there and then. Other times parts may be needed.

Click Here For More Information On Boiler Repairs

Powerflushing

Over the period of several years, rust and debris (known in the trade as sludge) will collect in your central heating system, settling in the radiators.

After a while, the build-up prevents radiators from getting hot at the bottom and, in more extreme cases, the middle.

The sludge build-up can also have a detrimental effect on your boiler. Loose debris can even cause damage to your central heating system components.

The sludge can be removed with Powerflushing, which involves attaching a machine to your central heating system and pumping through a mix of chemicals. The process is continued until all the sludge’s removed from the system. 

Once the system’s clean, the systems refilled with clean water and corrosion inhibitors. Powerflushing restores your radiators to full heat output, protects your boiler and system from failure and increases energy efficiency, lowering your fuel bills in the process. 

You’ll likely need a power flush if your heating system is slow to warm up and your radiators are cold in places. Dirty water’s a good indication of sludge build up in your system (check next time you bleed your radiators).
Powerflushing your system every few years is highly recommended. It’s the best central heating system maintenance you can do.

Click Here For More Information On Powerflushing

Underfloor Heating

We also service, repair and optimise underfloor heating systems. Very little maintenance is required with underfloor heating; it doesn’t hurt to have an engineer look at the settings once a year. (a good time is while you have your boiler serviced).

To make sure the pipes are distributing the heat at the correct temperature. There are two types of underfloor heating systems wet and electric. We work on both.

Underfloor heating is a highly energy-efficient and space-saving solution that effectively distributes heat over even areas within your home.  

We offer a full range of underfloor heating services to our Chelmsford customers, installing, servicing, and repairing both wet and electric systems.

This style of heating is very popular for modern homes, refurbishments and extensions. Underfloor heating can be installed in virtually any property, works with most flooring types, and is hidden out of harm’s way. Damage is improbable.

Underfloor heating can be made to work with your existing central heating system. Let us know if you like us to come round to survey your home and give you a free no-obligation quote for an installation.

If you have an existing underfloor heating system, we offer services to ensure everything’s in full working order. If you’re experiencing any issues with your current system, an engineer can visit to solve any problems you may have. Most issues involve components above the ground so that they can be fixed quickly and efficiently.

If you have suffered damage to the underground pipes, we can quickly identify the faults’ location with our thermal imaging camera. Eliminating the need to rip up floorboards, tiles, carpets etc.

Click Here For More Information On Underfloor Heating

Optimising your heating system

TM Hughes Heating engineers can fully optimise your heating system. Running at full efficiency while giving you the best comfort possible. There are several components of a central heating system.

Each part needs to be set correctly if you want to get the very best from your central heating. A central heating system includes the boiler, pipes, pump, radiators, radiator valves, controls, water heaters, and hot water cylinder.

Our gas safe registered engineers will set every component of your central heating system. Your boiler needs to be running at the correct pressure, which is between 1-1.5 bars. A regular boiler and cylinder service (for those with vented and unvented systems) will ensure your boiler is running at the correct pressure and that no excessive pressure is building up in your cylinder (which isn’t good for pressurised cylinders)

The pipes deliver the water from your boiler to your radiators. They must be insulated properly, especially in cold areas in winter. Otherwise, they can freeze and burst as the frozen water expands.

Most rooms have radiators. The hot water flows into the radiator through a valve, manual or thermostatic. Manual valves are found on old radiators, heat cannot be adjusted, so the radiator is on or off.

Manual valves are not energy efficient and should be replaced with thermostatic radiator valves. Thermostatic valves can be set in small increments. Allowing your radiator to omit the exact heat you want saving you money in the process. We supply and fit all radiator types, including flat panel, designer, column, low surface and towel radiators.

If you want an optimal heating system, your central heating pump needs to be in full working order and set correctly. The pump distributes hot water around your central heating system.

If the pump isn’t running properly, your radiators won’t heat up properly. Our engineers will fully diagnose your pump and make sure it’s in full working order. If we can’t get your pump running properly, we can quickly replace it.

Your central heating system controls adjust your heating and hot water. Your controls instruct your central heating to come on and turn off. Incorrectly set controls can result in wasted energy. Our heating engineers not only install controls. They optimise new or existing central heating controls for the perfect running of your central heating system.

Gas Fire Servicing

Gas fires are a lovely addition to any living room. They look great and make the living room really cosy.  Gas fires also cost around a third of the price to run when compared to electric fires. Like all gas appliances, fires should be serviced every year.

An annual Gas fire service will ensure your gas fire’s running at full heat output, efficiently burning the correct amount of gas. A service will make sure your fire is safe to use and not a carbon monoxide risk.
We service all types of gas fires which include open-fronted, high efficiency, and outset gas fires.

Click Here For More Information On Gas Fire Servicing

Gas Cooker Connection/Disconnection

Need a new gas cooker installed? Or an old one disconnected?. Whenever upgrading or removing gas appliances in the kitchen (or anywhere else in the home, for that matter), appliances must be fitted or removed by a gas safe registered engineer.

We offer a connection and disconnection service for gas cookers. Gas hobs built-in gas ovens and built-in hobs. (and most other gas appliances get in touch for more information)

We’ll make sure your new gas appliance is fitted in a suitable place away from any obstructions such as sockets and switches, smoke alarms etc. 

We can fit certain accessories you may require for your new gas appliance. We’ll write a service record at the end so you can prove a certified engineer has installed your appliance, so it is safe and legal.

Click Here For More Information On Gas Cooker Services

Gas Safety Inspections, Landlords Certificates, CP12

Are you a landlord? Do you let a property?

If so, you’re well aware that your property must be safe for your tenants by law.

Part of this is to ensure your gas system and gas appliances are fitted correctly and adhere to the gas safety installation and use regulations 1998.

TM Hughes & Son issue gas safety certificates, also known as cp12 certificates. A gas safe registered engineer can visit your property and undertake a gas safety inspection.

The gas system and appliances are thoroughly checked to ensure they burn gas at the correct rates and are not a gas leak or carbon monoxide risk.  The main gas supply is checked safety devices, and appliances are also checked to ensure they work properly.

If everything’s in order, you’ll be issued with a  gas safety certificate. Now you can legally rent your property, and rest assured that your tenants are safe. Certification proves you’re abiding by the law and validates your landlord insurance.

If your property or appliance doesn’t pass, we can advise on repairs and issue you with a free no-obligation quote to perform the repairs. So we can pass your property and issue a certificate. Repairs can usually be performed the same day (or can come back another time convenient to you). This will depend on the work involved and the parts required.

We’ll write to you before your certificate expires so you can renew in time.

Click Here For More Information On Gas Safety Inspections

Emergency Heating Engineers

TM Hughes Heating engineers deal with heating emergencies such as boiler breakdowns daily throughout the winter. Boiler breakdowns can be very unpleasant, especially in colder weather. In the event of a boiler breakdown, give us a call. Our gas engineer in your area will aim to be with you in a couple of hours.

Your heating will be back up and running as soon as possible. We regularly review our rates. We have no call out charges so that you will receive the best service at a very fair price. Our Heating Engineers discover faults in heating systems with thermal imaging.

A thermal imaging camera identifies heat loss and irregularities, so we don’t have to remove any walls or flooring. This saves you time and money on your heating repair costs. Thermal imaging is useful also for optimising central heating systems.

Book Your Local Chelmsford Plumber & Heating Engineer

Don’t worry if your specific requirement isn’t listed. We can undertake and complete any plumbing job. Some people discover a plumbing problem and wonder if they should call a plumber.

If you have an issue that you’re not sure about, feel free to give us a no-obligation call, a friendly plumber will advise you over the phone whether it’s an issue you can deal with yourself or a problem that needs to be looked at by a professional. In which case we can give you an estimate over the phone if required.

Our vans are well stocked with enough tools and parts to match any requirements you have. You will not be disappointed with our rates. Our competitive prices are regularly reviewed to ensure they are fair and competitive compared to other Chelmsford plumbers.

Our customers are valuable to us. Our priority is to your plumbing work to the highest possible standard, ensuring you are satisfied with the work and happy with the price.

We also offer our Plumbing Services in Basildon, Brentwood, Billericay, Maldon, Southend, South Woodham Ferrers and all surrounding towns and villages.

If you would like a quick and free no-obligation estimate or quote or would like to speak or book a plumber, please contact us using the phone number or contact form below.