You may think of heating engineers as being one and the same. While there is some overlap, it’s important to get the most appropriate tradesperson for the issue at hand.
For example, a qualified engineer is needed to work on gas appliances, whereas water-based issues may be better addressed by a plumber. Here’s a quick breakdown of when to call whom.
When do you need a plumber?
As a rule of thumb, an experienced plumber will be capable of working on jobs related to the water system. While a plumber can work on aspects of a heating system, only a Gas Safe Registered engineer should work on gas appliances like boilers. You should therefore consider calling a plumber for cases like:
• Fitting one or more new radiators
• Installing thermostatic radiator valves to existing radiators
• Addressing issues with water supply or drainage
• Fitting a new bathroom or non-electric shower
• Fixing water leaks, unless they originate from a gas appliance like a boiler
• Replacing or repairing taps
• Fitting a new hot water tank as part of a heating system
When do you need a heating engineer?
Heating engineers have a wider knowledge of heating systems. Most importantly, they are trained and qualified to work on gas-related issues. If your heating system stops working, probably because of a boiler breakdown, you will need a heating engineer to diagnose and fix the problem. The same applies if your boiler starts performing poorly or exhibiting any unusual behaviour, such as making strange sounds or showing signs of leakage.
Should you suspect a gas leak or carbon dioxide poisoning, it’s important to take a few precautions. Firstly, open all available doors and windows to ventilate the area. Next, turn the gas supply off at the shut-off valve at the meter unless it’s installed near an LPG storage vessel or bulk tank or in a cellar or basement. You must then extinguish any naked flames like candles and be sure to not smoke or do anything else that could ignite gas, such as smoking or using a light switch or other electrical appliance. You can then call your regional National Gas Emergency Helpline at any time for assistance. You should not in any circumstances turn the gas supply on until it’s been checked and fixed if needed by a heating engineer or other Gas Safe Registered engineer.
To minimise the chances of safety issues arising, you should have your boiler serviced annually by a qualified heating engineer. This will also help to ensure your boiler is working efficiently and reliably, potentially saving you money in the long run. A heating engineer can also conduct gas safety tests and address any gas leaks.
Other cases where a heating engineer can help include:
• Installing a hot water cylinder
• Adding a new radiator or towel rail
• Powerflushing the heating system
• Adding or repairing gas pipework
• Installing or replacing a boiler
• Repairing or installing heating controls
• Installing thermostatic radiator valves
When will you need both?
You may notice that there’s some crossover, and a particular tradesperson may have a diverse skillset. Nevertheless, there may be cases where it is warranted to secure both a plumber and a heating engineer. For example, a new installation involves a lot of work installing the pipework for the system. It’s likely more efficient to have both a plumber and heating engineer, with each focussing on their area of speciality. Complex jobs may also benefit from having the expertise from both fields.
Other important matters to consider
As mentioned earlier, it’s important for any gas work to be carried out by a Gas Safe Registered engineer. It’s illegal for anyone else to work on gas systems, and it could compromise the safety of your heating system. It may also invalidate your insurance policy if a poorly installed system causes damage or injury.
Different heating engineers may be specialised in different areas of gas work. Every registered gas engineer carries a Gas Safe identification card. In addition to showing a registration number and photograph, it also lists the types of gas work the engineer is qualified to perform. Engineers may also have further qualifications or be accredited by particular manufacturers, such as Worcester Bosch. Xgas has a large team of highly skilled staff, and all its engineers are Gas Safe Registered, so get in touch to discuss your needs.